THOUGHT FOR THE DAY--MARCH & APRIL 2022
What do the Chakras and their Yantras mean?
Here is all you need to know about the seven Chakras and their meaning along with the symbolism of their associated Yantras. Each Chakra has a different Yantra with a unique set of imagery and colors attributed to it.
What is a ‘Chakra’?
Originally a Sanskrit word, ‘Chakra’ means ‘wheel’. Universally known to represent the concept of ‘infinite’ in Hindu and Buddhist scriptures, the chakra represents the circle of life as we know it. The ebbs and flows in nature, birth, death, reincarnation, karma – all represent the constant stream of energy to maintain the universal equilibrium.
The Chakras in our bodies represent energy circles. Each chakra helps us connect with the mind, body and spirit respectively.
‘Balanced Chakras’ denote a complete balance of energy-flow through the body. This allows us to be in sync with ourselves, our higher purpose, and in turn with other beings and the universe at large.
‘Unbalanced Chakras’ indicate the under or over use of one energy center, vis-à-vis others, which could lead to psychological or physiological blockages in the body and mind.
The seven Chakras begin at the base of your spine and continue upward to the crown of your head and each Chakra is connected to the other.
What is a ‘Yantra’?
Yantras play a significant role in meditative practice. These geometric designs can be used as efficient tools for contemplation and concentration. Yantras usually depict deities and aspects of nature which we, as spiritual beings, want to access. According to the Hindu scriptures, tuning into specific Yantras enables us to subconsciously interact with its elements, giving us access to the strength of the symbol.
“Music is the movement of sound to reach the soul for the education of its virtue.” – Plato
Soul Sound – Bija Mantra (Seed Sound)
- Root Mantra: LAM;
- Sacral Mantra: VAM;
- SolarPlexus Mantra: RAM
- Heart Mantra: YAM
- Throat Mantra: HAM
- Third Eye Mantra: SHAM
- Crown Mantra: AUM
Please go through my discourse:
http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2022/04/what-do-chakras-and-their-yantras-mean.html
Celebration of 75
Years of Independence of India & 150th Birthday of Aurobindo in 2022
The Government of India decided to
celebrate the 75 years of Independence of India, with great excitement and
tribute to freedom fighters. So, they decided to do various programs and the
government named the celebration as 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav'. Amrit
Mahotsav means 75 years of independence. The Government
will celebrate it from 2021 to 2022.This is situation of progress in our
country with theme of children idea, and
rights Nutrition.
“Aurobindo Ghosh was born
150 years ago in Calcutta on 15th August 1872. He was sent by his father to
London to study, only to return after 14 years. In England, he cleared ICS and
secured 11th rank of 250 candidates. He was a scholar, poet, philosopher,
writer, editor, leader, staunch nationalist, yogi and linguist fluent in 12
languages,” said Khambete.
Elaborating on the
center’s philosophy, Khambete said according to Sri Aurobindo’s view the
pandemic can be viewed as a preparatory phase for “the next stage in evolution
by the principle of Super Mind which the scholar describes in his book “The
Life Divine”.
“The bitter truth is that
even after seven decades of Independence, the majority of India’s youth has
still not read what they tend to glorify and are satisfied with just
inheritance. Inheritance with lack of knowledge--History studied and written by
others. Sri Aurobindo says we should keep the past as a strong foundation and
leap towards the bright future,” he explained.
--April 25, 2022
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Sri Aurobindo- a
revolutionary, nationalist, poet, educationist, philosopher and yogi- showed
LIGHTS ON THE
PATH
All inspired thoughts,
meditations and prayers are lectured to those interested by Gandhi Memorial
Center--many lights on the path of spiritual unfoldment. This collection of
reflections draws from the idealism of Advaita
(absolute monism) offered by Srimati Karuna, Director of Gandhi Memorial Center
and Minister of the Self. Light on
the Path of Kriya Yoga
Meditation Series is delivered today by Srimati Karuna for all
who aspire to the life, practice and ideal of yoga.
All inspired thoughts,
meditations and prayers become to us many lights on the path of spiritual
unfoldment. This collection of reflections draws from the idealism of advaita
(absolute monism) offered by Srimati Karuna, Director of Gandhi Memorial Center
and Minister of the Self.
AWAKENING
“One who earnestly aspires to
reach that state of consciousness which transcends all conditions of duality;
whose mind is steadfastly directed towards the highest ideal of
self-perfection; and whose heart is subjectively free from attachment to
sensory objects: Know him to be truly awakened... Those who are ever awake in
the consciousness of the divinity of the Self live all the hours of their daily
life by its guiding illumination.”
—Dhammapada
“Inspired by the law of supreme
divinity, while living in the relative world of sensory perception, there arose
in man the desire to realize the reality of the absolute perfection. Awakened
by this spiritual hope, through devotion he came to cognize that the whole
created universe is the manifested form of God, the divine
reality.”
—Aitareya Upanishad
--April
20, 2022
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WEBINAR-221 KAUPEENA-PANCHAKAM
By Pūjya Swāmi Chidānandaji
This is a very short poem by by Bhagavatpada Sankara with five
stanzas which glorifies the life of a sanyasi (Ascetic). An ascetic is supposed
to give away all his wealth before entering in to renunciation and get a loin
cloth (kaupeena) from his teacher as his only property. But get vivid
practical expiations by Swamiji.
Gist
of the Presentation by Swamiji:
Kaupeena-Panchakam
(five verses on the loin cloth*), consisting of just five verses, is really in
praise of ‘vairāgya inspired by jnāna’. By jnāna, we do not mean the ultimate
realization but a good amount of deep appreciation of the message of the
Upanishads, and adequate clarity on it. Though the person may not be
enlightened, he or she has certainly risen to a higher consciousness and has
significantly changed. He or she has put all worldly pursuits behind. This poem
uses an old language but the implied meaning is eternally true.
The
webinar will try to throw light on the elevated state of mind of a person who
is advanced in spirituality.
(*
The loin cloth is almost an idiomatic expression indicating intense
detachment.)
vedānta-vakyeshu
sadā ramantah
Delighting
in the Statements of the Upanishads – Verse 1
This is a very short poem with
five stanzas which glorifies the life of a sanyasi (Ascetic). An ascetic is
supposed to give away all his wealth before entering in to renunciation and get
a loin cloth (kaupeena) from his teacher as his only property. But get
vivid practical expiations by Swamiji.
Vedantha Vakhyeshu Sada ramantho,
Bhikshannamathrena trishtimantha,
Vishokamantha karane charantha,
Kaupeenavantha Khalu bhaghyavantha 1
Moolam tharo kevalam
ashrayantha,
Panidhvayam bhokthuma manthrayantha,
Kandhamiva sreemapi kuthsayantha,
Kaupeenavantha Khalu bhaghyavantha 2
Swananda bhava pari thushti
mantha,
Sushantha sarvendriya vruthi mantha,
Aharnisam brahma sukhe ramantha,
Kaupeenavantha Khalu bhaghyavantha 3
Swathmana athmanyavalokayantha,
Naantha na Madhyam na bahi smarantha,
Dehadhi bhavam
parivarthayantha,
Kaupeenavantha Khalu bhaghyavantha 4
Brahmaksharam pavanamucharantho,
Brahmahamasmeethi vibhavayantha,
Bhikshashano dikshu paribramayantha,
Kaupeenavantha Khalu bhaghyavantha 5
--April 23, 2022
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World Heritage Day
April 18 was adopted as the International Day for Monuments and
Sites by UNESCO based on a proposal by the Paris-based International Council on
Monuments and Sites. The International Day for Monuments and Sites is
observed globally on April 18 every year to promote culture and
heritage. World Heritage Day is another name for it.
The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), based in Paris, is
the driving force behind this worldwide event. Its goal is to encourage
local communities and individuals to recognise the value of cultural heritage
in their lives. The day also focuses on raising awareness about the diversity
and vulnerability of cultural heritage, in addition to measures to preserve
monuments.
History and Significance
In 1982, ICOMOS proposed that April 18 be designated as the
International Day for Monuments and Sites. The date was adopted by UNESCO
during its 22nd General Conference the following year, and it became a global
event. ICOMOS has been proposing a theme for this day every year since
then.
Theme
The World Heritage Day theme for 2022 is Heritage and Climate.
ICOMOS has called on its members, individuals, and organisations to hold
activities around the theme. This year's theme offers an opportunity to respond
to questions of climate justice and equity to protect heritage. It is also an
opportunity to discuss ways in which we may achieve equitable protection of
vulnerable communities.
UNESCO World Heritage
India with 40 UNESCO World Heritage Sites has the sixth largest
number of UNESCO sites in the world. The latest additions are Dholavira
and Ramappa Temple in the ‘Cultural’ category which already has Taj Mahal,
Hampi, Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Sun Temple, Sanchi, Ran Ki Vav, Hill Forts of
Rajasthan, CImportance of World Heritage Day in India is
immensely rich in history, nature, heritage and culture. It is one of the most
vibrant and colorful country in the world. Various states have famous forts and
palaces along with wildlife sanctuaries and various other monuments which
attract a large number of tourists from across the globe hence it is imperative
for us to save our heritage.
There other two categories are Natural and Mixed. The natural
heritage sites include the Western Ghats, Great Himalayan National Park, Tadoba
Tiger Sanctuary, Sundarbans National Park, Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers
National Parks, and more.
Apart from these India has 3691 protected monuments and sites. The
walled cities of Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmadabad, and other various well-planned
cities with architectural buildings have also found their names inscribed as
World Heritage Cities. Many other smaller cities of India also have a glorious
history and rich heritage sites.
Unfortunately, with time some of these historical buildings are
fading away. Today, the empty passages of some of the great heritages that have
been the pride of the country narrate a grey story of the fate that has
occurred. Few are being destroyed to make way for new construction. Some left
unattended are surrounded by weird calm instead of the chaotic liveliness that
they have seen in past.
World Heritage Day is an opportunity for India to present the
objectives and activities of our heritage to the world. We have already done a
lot to save and preserve our heritage. A few monuments are well
maintained as they have been converted to hotels or important Tourist sites.
Govt. of India is also taking a keen interest in conserving our heritage and
culture so that the future generation can witness and admire our
heritage. But still a lot more has to be done. Many of the sites are being
damaged and removed due to lack of resources, vandalism, and theft.
We should now try to look at the conservative efforts being
followed at various sites and also look at the fact that there still is so much
more to do. The onus to conserve the rich art forms and cultural
heritage lies on our shoulders our heritage is the symbol of our identity and
also of our country Churches and Convents of Goa, etc. Every
year, the world observes April 18 as the World Heritage Day. Also known as The
International Day for Monument and Sites, it is an internationally recognized
day to raise awareness about preserving the history, diversity, and
vulnerability of world heritage sites and monuments. The idea behind
celebrating this day is to encourage local communities and individuals to
consider the importance of cultural heritage in our lives and to promote
awareness about the efforts required to protect and conserve it.
The idea was floated on 18 April 1982 during a symposium in
Tunisia by The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). The idea
was approved by the UNESCO General Conference at its 22nd session in November
1983, and since then it has been traditionally been called the World Heritage
Day, and aims to celebrate the heritage of the entire human race.
On this day, the world also aims to recognize the efforts of all
involved in the reservation, e.g. architects, engineers, geographers, civil
engineers, artists, and archaeologists who are involved in protection of
heritage.
Rich Cultural Past
World Heritage Day is celebrated to spread awareness of our rich
cultural diversity that our ancestors have given us, and the importance of
preserving our ancient heritage. The purpose of celebrating this date is to
share an important message to the younger generations to carry forward their
legacy and preserve our culture through recreational activities in school. The
activities could include storytelling sessions, visits to monuments and
heritage sites, organizing essay & speech writing competitions, drawing
& poster making design, photography contests of ancient heritage monuments,
conducting heritage festivals, telecasting movies with messages of culture and
traditions. Theme for year 2022 – Heritage & Climate. This year, the theme
is entitled Heritage and Climate, and the stress is on the impacts of Climate
Change on the Built Heritage.
We are all aware of the importance of the issue of climate change
and its impact on infrastructure, including buildings, both old and new. But
while we talk about ways to build better modern-day city, we often forget the
existing infrastructure and also the heritage buildings.
The theme for the current year is the best opportunity for us to
draw our attention to preserve and conserve our heritage by adopting
climate-resilient solutions to strengthen sustainable development. It is an
opportunity to respond to questions such as how to protect the climate as well
as our heritage.
(The author CHAVRA is a well-known travel writer. Views expressed
are personal and do not reflect the official position or policy of Financial
Express Online.)
"This day provides a timely opportunity to showcase
strategies to promote the full potential of heritage conservation research and
practice to deliver climate-resilient pathways to strengthen sustainable
development while advocating for just transitions to low-carbon futures,” ICOMOS said
--April 19, 2022
------------------------------------------------------
.
PROPER
FUNCTION OF MAN IS TO LIVE, NOT TO EXIST
“Too often we go through
life on autopilot, going through the motions and having each day pass like the
one before it. That's fine, and comfortable, until you have gone through
another year without having done anything, without having really lived life.
That's fine, until you have reached old age and look back on life with regrets.
That's fine, until you see your kids go off to college and realize that you
missed their childhoods.
What follows is just a list
of ideas, obvious ones mostly that you could have thought of yourself, but that
I hope are useful reminders. We all need reminders sometimes. If you find this
useful, print it out, and start using it. Today.
Love. Perhaps the most important. Fall in love, if you aren't already.
If you have, fall in love with your partner all over again. Abandon caution and
let your heart be broken. Or love family members, friends, anyone -- it doesn't
have to be romantic love. Love all of humanity, one person at a time.
Get outside. Don't let yourself be shut indoors. Go out when it's raining.
Walk on the beach. Hike through the woods. Swim in a freezing lake. Bask in the
sun. Play sports, or walk barefoot through grass. Pay close attention to
nature.
Savor food. Don't just eat your food, but really enjoy it. Feel the texture,
the bursts of flavors. Savor every bite. If you limit your intake of sweets, it
will make the small treats you give yourself (berries or dark chocolate are my
favorites) even more enjoyable. And when you do have them, really, really savor
them. Slowly.
Create a morning ritual. Wake early and greet the day. Watch the sun rise. Out loud, tell
yourself that you will not waste this day, which is a gift. You will be
compassionate to your fellow human beings, and live every moment to its
fullest. Stretch or meditate or exercise as part of your ritual. Enjoy some
coffee.
Take chances. We often live our lives too cautiously, worried about what
might go wrong. Be bold, risk it all. Quit your job and go to business for
yourself (plan it out first!), or go up to that girl you've liked for a long
time and ask her out. What do you have to lose?
Follow excitement. Try to find the things in life that excite you, and then go
after them. Make life one exciting adventure after another (with perhaps some
quiet times in between).
Find your passion. Similar to the above tip, this one asks you to find your
calling. Make your living by doing the thing you love to do. First, think about
what you really love to do. There may be many things. Find out how you can make
a living doing it. It may be difficult, but you only live once.
Get out of your cubicle. Do you sit all day in front of computer, shuffling papers and
taking phone calls and chatting on the Internet? Don't waste your days like
this. Break free from the cubicle environment, and do your work on a laptop, in
a coffee shop, or on a boat, or in a log cabin. This may require a change of
jobs, or becoming a freelancer. It's worth it.
Turn off the TV. How many hours will we waste away in front of the boob tube? How
many hours do we have to live? Do the math, then unplug the TV. Only plug it
back in when you have a DVD of a movie you love. Otherwise, keep it off and
find other stuff to do. Don't know what to do? Read further.
Pull away from Internet. You're reading something on the Internet right now. And, with
the exception of this article, it is just more wasting away of your precious
time. You cannot get these minutes back. Unplug the Internet, then get out of
your office or house. Right now! And go and do something.
Travel. Sure, you want to travel someday. When you have vacation time,
or when you're older. Well, what are you waiting for? Find a way to take a
trip, if not this month, then sometime soon. You may need to sell your car or
stop your cable bill and stop eating out to do it, but make it happen. You are
too young to not see the world. If need be, find a way to make a living by
freelancing, then work while you travel. Only work an hour or two a day. Don't
check email but once a week. Then use the rest of the time to see the world.
Rediscover what's important. Take an hour and make a list of everything that's important to
you. Add to it everything that you want to do in life. Now cut that list down
to 4-5 things. Just the most important things in your life. This is your core
list. This is what matters. Focus your life on these things. Make time for
them.
Eliminate everything else. What's going on in your life that's not on that short list? All
that stuff is wasting your time, pulling your attention from what's important.
As much as possible, simplify your life by eliminating the stuff that's not on
your short list, or minimizing it.
Exercise. Get off the couch and go for a walk. Eventually try running. Or
do some pushups and crunches. Or swim or bike or row. Or go for a hike.
Whatever you do, get active, and you'll love it. And life will be more alive.
Be positive. Learn to recognize the negative thoughts you have. These are the
self-doubts, the criticisms of others, the complaints, the reasons you can't do
something. Then stop yourself when you have these thoughts, and replace them
with positive thoughts. Solutions. You can do this!
Open your heart. Is your heart a closed bundle of scar tissue? Learn to open it,
have it ready to receive love, to give love unconditionally. If you have a
problem with this, talk to someone about it. And practice makes perfect.
Kiss in the rain. Seize the moment and be romantic. Raining outside? Grab your
lover and give her a passionate kiss. Driving home? Stop the car and pick some
wildflowers. Send her a love note. Dress sexy for him.
Face your fears. What are you most afraid of? What is holding you back? Whatever
it is, recognize it, and face it. Do what you are most afraid of. Afraid of
heights? Go to the tallest building, and look down over the edge. Only by
facing our fears can we be free of them.
When you suffer, suffer. Life isn't all about fun and games. Suffering is an inevitable
part of life. We lose our jobs. We lose our lovers. We lose our pets. We get
physically injured or sick. A loved one becomes sick. A parent dies. Learn to
feel the pain intensely, and really grieve. This is a part of life -- really
feel the pain. And when you're done, move on, and find joy.
Slow down. Life moves along at such a rapid pace these days. It's not
healthy, and it's not conducive to living. Practice doing everything slowly --
everything, from eating to walking to driving to working to reading. Enjoy what
you do. Learn to move at a snail's pace.
Touch humanity. Get out of your house and manicured neighborhoods, and find
those who live in worse conditions. Meet them, talk to them, and understand them. Live among them. Be one of
them. Give up your materialistic lifestyle.
Volunteer. Help at homeless soup kitchens. Learn compassion, and learn to
help ease the suffering of others. Help the sick, those with disabilities,
those who are dying.
Play with children. Children, more than anyone else, know how to live. They
experience everything in the moment, fully. When they get hurt, they really
cry. When they play, they really have fun. Learn from them, instead of thinking
you know so much more than them. Play with them, and learn to be joyful like
them.
Talk to old people. There is no one wiser, more experienced, more learned, than
those who have lived through life. They can tell you amazing stories. Give you
advice on making a marriage last or staying out of debt. Tell you about their
regrets, so you can learn from them and avoid the same mistakes. They are the
wisdom of our society -- take advantage of their existence while they're still
around.
Learn new skills. Constantly improve yourself instead of standing still -- not
because you're so imperfect now, but because it is gratifying and satisfying.
You should accept yourself as you are, and learn to love who you are, but still
try to improve -- if only because the process of improvement is life itself.
Find spirituality. For some, this means finding God or Jesus or Allah or Buddha.
For others, this means becoming in tune with the spirits of our ancestors, or
with nature. For still others, this just means an inner energy. Whatever
spirituality means for you, rediscover it, and its power.
Take mini-retirements. Don't leave the joy of retirement until you are too old to enjoy
it. Do it now, while you're young. It makes working that much more worth it.
Find ways to take a year off every few years. Save up, sell your home, your
possessions, and travel. Live simply, but live, without having to work. Enjoy
life, then go back to work and save up enough money to do it again in a couple
of years.
Do nothing. Despite the tip above that we should find excitement, there is
value in doing nothing as well. Not doing nothing as in reading, or taking a
nap, or watching TV, or meditating. Doing nothing as in sitting there, doing
nothing. Just learning to be still, in silence, to hear our inner voice, to be
in tune with life. Do this daily if possible.
Stop playing video games. They might be fun, but they can take up way too much time. If
you spend a lot of time playing online games, or computer solitaire, or Wii or
Gameboy or whatever, consider going a week without it. Then find something else
to do, outside.
Watch sunsets, daily. One of the most beautiful times of day. Make it a daily ritual
to find a good spot to watch the sunset, perhaps having a light dinner while
you do so.
Stop reading magazines. They're basically crap. And they waste your time and money.
Cancel your subscriptions and walk past them at the news stands. If you have to
read something, read a trashy novel or even better, read Dumb Little Man once a
day and be done.
Break out from ruts. Do you do things the same way every day? Change it up. Try
something new. Take a different route to work. Start your day out differently.
Approach work from a new angle. Look at things from new perspectives.
Stop watching the news. It's depressing and useless. If you're a news junky, this may be
difficult. I haven't watch TV news or read a newspaper regularly in about two
years. It hasn't hurt me a bit. Anything important, my mom tells me about.
Laugh till you cry. Laughing is one of the best ways to live. Tell jokes and laugh
your head off. Watch an awesome comedy. Learn to laugh at anything. Roll on the
ground laughing. You'll love it.
Lose control. Not only control over yourself, but control over others. It's a
bad habit to try to control others -- it will only lead to stress and
unhappiness for yourself and those you try to control. Let others live, and
live for yourself. And lose control of yourself now and then too.
Cry. Men, especially, tend to hold in our tears, but crying is an
amazing release. Cry at sad movies. Cry at a funeral. Cry when you are hurt, or
when somebody you love is hurt. It releases these emotions and allows us to
cleanse ourselves.
Make an awesome dessert. I like to make warm, soft chocolate cake. But even berries
dipped in chocolate, or crepes with ice cream and fruit, or fresh apple pie, or
homemade chocolate chip cookies or brownies, are great. This isn't an every day
thing, but an occasional treat thing. But it's wonderful.
Try something new, every
week. Ask yourself: "What new thing shall I try this week?"
Then be sure to do it. You don't have to learn a new language in one week, but
seek new experiences. Give it a try. You might decide you want to keep it in
your life.
Be in the moment. Instead of thinking about things you need to do, or things that
have happened to you, or worrying or planning or regretting, think about what
you are doing, right now. What is around you? What smells and sounds and sights
and feelings are you experiencing? Learn to do this as much as possible through
meditation, but also through bringing your focus back to the present as much as
you can in everything you do.”-- -- Jack London
[Leo
Babauta is a writer of
this article is a runner and a vegetarian, and the owner of Zen
Habits where this article
originally appeared.]
Read my articles to widen your Hindu-American Way of Life!
The Auspicious
Occasion of Hanuman Jayanti
The
auspicious occasion of Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated to pay tribute to Lord
Hanuman on his birth anniversary. The day is observed twice a year. It is
celebrated on Chaitra Poornima in southern India while the day is observed on
Narak Chaturdashi or Krishna Paksh in the northern region.
One
Jayanti marks the birth of Lord Hanuman, while the other marks Hanuman Vijayam
(Victory of Hanuman). As per Hindu scriptures, Hanuman Jayanti observed on
Tuesday during the month of Chaitra as per Hindu calendar marks the day of
Hanuman’s victory. As per Ramayana, when Lord Hanuman went in search of Goddess
Sita after she was abducted by the demon Ravana, he reached Ashoka Vatika, a
garden in Lanka.
When Lord Hanuman was spotted by
Ravana’s men, they tried to capture him. But Lord Hanuman emerged victorious as
he not only destroyed the Ashoka Vatika and killed many soldiers including his
son, he even set Lanka on fire with his tail. Some also believe that when
Goddess Sita was returning with Lord Rama and Hanuman after defeating Ravana,
she blessed Hanuman with immortality after seeing his dedication to Lord Rama. To
hail the victory of Lord Hanuman, and his boon of immortality, this day is
celebrated as Hanuman Jayanti.
It
is believed that Lord Hanuman was born on Saturday, Krishna paksh Chaturdashi
during the month of Kartik. The legend has it that Lord Hanuman was born on
this day to Anjana and Kesari, when the mother was meditating for a child on
Anjanadri hill.
The
devotees celebrate the auspicious occasion by performing many rituals and
observing a day-long fast too. They chant the Akhand Path of Ramcharitra Manas
and Sundarkand to seek blessings from the God. Many people offer sindoor or
vermillion to lord and perform the ritual of bathing the idol of Lord Hanuman
with holy Ganga water.
Lord
Hanuman is known by various names such as Bajrangbali, Kesarinandan, Anjaniputra,
and Pawanputra across the nation. Known as a passionate devotee of Lord Rama,
Hanuman is a deity who symbolizes courage, loyalty and compassion.
·
Hanuman Jayanti 2022
·
Saturday, 16 April 2022
·
Purnima Tithi Begins - 02: 25 AM on April 16, 2022
·
Purnima Tithi Ends - 12:24 AM on April 17, 2022
Hanuman Jayanti is an important festival of Hindus and
widely celebrated all over India. Lord Varuna is another name given to Lord
Hanuman.
Hanuman Jayanti is an occasion to remember Lord Hanuman's
unbridled devotion to Lord Rama and his feats of daring. In the epic tale of
Ramayana, the extraordinary role of Lord Hanuman, an exemplary devotee of Lord
Rama, is very well detailed out in situations requiring strength, will-power
and courage. Lord Hanuman is considered a symbol of power and energy. The line
'Bhoot Pisaach Nikat Nahi Aawe, Mahabir Jab Naam Sunave' mentioned in Hanuman
Chalisa, symbolizes that Mahavira takes away all the negativity from the life
of his devotees. It is believed that is a person is supposed to get rid of all
negativity or ghosts; should worship Lord Hanuman.
There is a popular belief that worshiping Lord Hanuman will
help in removing the hardship caused by Lord Shani or Saturn in astrology. When
Lord Hanuman broke the boasting of Lord Shani then he apologized to Hanumanji
and promised that he never ever create obstacles in Shri Ram and Hanuman work.
To make Hanuman Jayanti, a fruitful day, you can visit Maruti's temple and
worship the deity. As a part of the tradition, red tilak (vermilion mark) is
applied on the forehead of Lord Hanuman idol and Ladoos (sweet) are offered.
Some of the important puja rituals include offering red vermillion with ghee to
the idol of Hanuman. People are seen observing fast (Vrat) on this day.
Worshiping Rudra (Bajrangbali) with these rituals will bestow you with
blessings and glory of Hanuman or Anjaneya on Hanuman Jayanti. Thus, he will
always stand by his sincere devotees.
śāntaḥ prayāsātpūrvaṃ viṣamādanantaraṃ ca।
Meaning: Calm. Before the
struggles and after the storm.
Birth
of Hanuman ji
According to the accurate calculations of astrologers,
Hanuman ji was born 58 thousand 112 years ago in the last phase of Tretayuga on
Chaitra Purnima on Tuesday in the sum of Chitra Nakshatra and Aries ascendant
at 6.03 am in India. It happened in a cave in a small hill village.
--Saturday April 16,
2022
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yamashtakam – Savitri - Sri Brahma Vaivarta
Mahapuranam
The
llowing is a rare Ashtakam (8-stanza hymn) on Lord Yama (Dharmaraja) by avitri
taken from Sri Brahma Vaivarta Mahapuranam, Prakriti Khanda and Chapter 28. In
the brief Phalashruti at the end, it is mentioned that one who recites this
hymn with devotion in the mornings will have no fear from Lord Yama (i.e no
fear of death) and gets absolved of all sins. Even if has committed worst of
sins, Lord Yama purifies him if he recites this hymn every day.
sāvitryuvāca
-
tapasā
dharmaṁ
ārādhya puṣkare bhāskaraḥ
purā |
dharmāṁśaṁ yaṁ
sutaṁ
prāpa dharmarājaṁ namāmyaham || 1 ||
samatā-sarva-bhūteṣu
yasya-sarvasya-sākṣiṇaḥ |
ato
yannāma śamanaṁ iti taṁ praṇamāmyaham || 2 ||
yenā
'nantaśca kṛto viśve sarveṣāṁ
jīvināṁ
param |
karmānurūpa
kālena taṁ kṛtāntaṁ namāmyaham || 3 ||
bibharti
daṇḍaṁ daṇḍyāya
pāpināṁ-śuddhi-hetave
|
namāmi
taṁ daṇḍadharaṁ yaḥ
śāstā sarva-karmaṇām || 4 ||
viśve
yaḥ
kavalayatyeva sarvāyuścāpi santatam |
atīva
durnivāryaṁ ca taṁ kālaṁ praṇamāmyaham || 5 ||
tapasvī
vaiṣṇavo
dharmī saṁyamī vijitendriyaḥ |
jīvināṁ
karma-phaladaṁ taṁ yamaṁ praṇamāmyaham || 6 ||
svātmārāmaśca
sarvajño mitraṁ puṇyakṛtāṁ bhavet |
pāpinaṁ
kleśado yasya putro mitro namāmyaham || 7 ||
yaj
janma brahmaṇo vaṁśo jvalantaṁ
brahma-tejasā |
yo
dhyāyanti paraṁ brahma brahma-vaṁśaṁ
namāmyaham || 8 ||
||
phalaśrutiḥ ||
ityuktvā
sā ca sāvitrī praṇanāma yamaṁ
mune |
yamas
tāṁ viṣṇu-bhajanaṁ
karmapākaṁ uvāca ha || 9 ||
idaṁ
yamāṣṭakaṁ
nityaṁ
prātarutthāya yaḥ paṭhet |
yamāt-tasya-bhayaṁ-nāsti
sarva-pāpāt-pramucyate || 10 ||
mahāpāpī yadi paṭhen
nityaṁ
bhaktyā ca nārada |
yamaḥ
karoti taṁ śuddhaṁ kāya-vyūhena niścitam || 11 ||
|| iti
śrībrāhme-vaivarte-mahāpurāṇe prakṛti-khaṇḍe
tulasyupākhyāne sāvitrī-kṛta yamāṣṭakaṁ sampūrṇam ||
------------------------------------------------------
Vedic Astrology (Jyotish): What Is It
and How It Is Different from Western Astrology
“Vedic astrology as
Jyotish is the light and eye of the Vedas for understanding our karma in life.
It is about inner understanding, not just timing outer events. It helps us
understand the purpose of our inner being, the Jivatman or embodied soul in
this incarnation. It helps us navigate through all our karmas.”--David
Frawley
“Jyotish Shastra (Vedic
astrology) is an ancient Indian philosophical tradition that studies the
movement of stars and their influence on human life. Jyotish literally
translates from Sanskrit as “the science of light.” Light, in this context, refers
to the light radiation coming from stars and planets. o, what is
Vedic astrology, and what makes it different from western astrology? Let’s
dive deeper.
Vedic Astrology
and Ayurveda
“Jyotish is
a sister science of Ayurveda, originating from the same great tree of
Vedic knowledge. However, the relationship between both these sciences is
not only historical; they also share some fundamental
concepts. Just like Ayurveda, Vedic astrology is based on the understanding
that the human body is made up of five elements. The 12 zodiac signs of
Vedic astrology are also classified based on their ruling element, and the
qualities of these elements are reflected in the individual
personality traits of these zodiac signs. For example, fire is a predominant
element of Aries and Leo signs, and this is reflected in the fiery temperament
of these individuals.
Vedic astrology is interconnected with
Ayurveda in countless ways; a deep understanding of one complements the other
in every way.
Vedic Astrology:
12 Zodiac Signs and Personality Traits
Each zodiac sign has some qualities
that determine various aspects of an individual’s personality, such
as temperament, relationships, emotional tendencies, and
vulnerabilities.
Aries /
Mesha (April 13 – May 14)
Ariens are
highly motivated, ambitious, and goal-oriented individuals. In
relationships, they are very passionate and expressive of their
intense emotions. The innate warmth of the fire element makes them
very compassionate, open-hearted, courageous, and confident. However, their
sharp tongue can mean they may easily offend, without meaning
to. Since they are ruled more by emotions than rationality, they also
tend to be impulsive and adamant.
Taurus /
Vrishabha (May 15 – June 14)
Taurus sign is ruled by the
earth element, and this is reflected in the grounded personality of those
born under this sign. Their dependable, patient,
understanding, and loyal nature makes them a comforting
presence for those in their friends and family circle. Taurus
individuals possess very strong willpower and display a great degree of
perseverance, even in adversities. Though they have an analytical mind and
excellent decision-making capabilities, they are somewhat resistant
to change and like to remain within their comfort zone. Taurians value
stability and ease in life and, hence, make
slow but steady progress.
Gemini / Mithun
(June 15 – July 14)
Gemini individuals are very creative,
fun-loving, and possess a sharp intellect. They are excellent communicators
and find it easy to make an interesting and varied friendship
group. Being ruled by the air element, Geminis possess the
versatility and adaptability to fit into any situation. However,
this can also make them seem unpredictable, as this can be viewed as
lacking in conviction. Geminis tend to suffer from frequent mood
swings, and this can make them move frequently from one
thing to the next, in the hope of feeling better.
Cancer / Karka
(July 15 – August 14)
Cancer is ruled by the water element,
and these individuals carry the same nurturing, caring qualities of water. They
are passionate, sensitive, loving, forgiving, and wonderfully intuitive. In
their relationships, Cancerians are straightforward, transparent, and
clear. They value connections and are left deeply devoted to their loved
ones. The converse is a resistance to change and pushing beyond their comfort
level. This can lead to holding onto outworn ideas, people, and
situations, which can lead to physical and emotional burdens that are best
released.
Leo / Simha
(August 15 – September 15)
Leos strong personality can make them insensitive to the
feelings of others, yet being ruled by the luminous fire element makes
them magnetic to all those they meet. However, they tend to be a bit
inflexible to opinions that are different from their own. Leos
are fiercely independent, courageous, confident, and domineer
in personalities.
Virgo / Kanya
(September 16 – October 15)
Outwardly introverted, Virgos
appreciate small things done well. Highly observant, self-aware,
intellectual, and thoughtful, they possess the same sensibility and
grounded-ness of their ruling earth element. Their need for
perfectionism can make them critical of themselves and
others, and this can take the joy out of living.
Libra / Tula
(October 16 – November 14)
Libra individuals are very resourceful
in their mental and intellectual capabilities, reflecting the attributes
of the air element. They value balance and justice in life and have a
level-headed nature. This balanced nature can make them a little too realistic,
which can manifest as pessimism, even when life is good.
Scorpio / Vrishchika (November
15 – December 14)
Scorpio is a sign of the water element,
and the spreading nature of water is reflected in the extreme emotions
of these people. They are loving, fair, honest, and truthful but also
secretive. Because of their short temper, they may frequently offend
others. Scorpions can forgive but may not forget those who wrong them or
their loved ones.
Sagittarius / Dhanus
(December 15 – January 13)
Sagittarius individuals have a healthy
attitude towards life. They are fun-loving, candid adventurers who like to
explore. Sagittarians are honest, respectful, creative, and possess strong
leadership tendencies. In their actions, they can be reckless as they have
a tendency to act without much forethought.
Capricorn / Makara
(January 14 – February 11)
Capricorn individuals are calm,
composed, hard-working, dependable, goal-oriented, with a practical
outlook. Work comes foremost in the life of a Capricorn, and they are
known to maintain a high degree of professional ethics. Belonging to the earth
element, they naturally seek stability and security in life. This makes
them content with life’s simple pleasures but can equally make them
procrastinate and slow to change outworn habits and ideas.
Aquarius / Kumbha
(February 12 – March 12)
Aquarians are confident, quick-witted,
creative thinkers, and excellent communicators. Those born under this sign have
a strong rebellious streak and value their freedom. Their charm and
verve can draw many friendships, but these can be
short-lived. Because of their ruling air element, they frequently seek new
things in life.
Pisces / Meena
(March 13 – April 12)
Pisces is a sign of the water element,
and individuals of this sign carry the same versatile, adaptive nature of
water. Some attributes of all other signs can be seen in them. They adapt to
situations and can be sensible as well as intolerant, loving as well as
dominating, courageous as well as timid, loyal as well as dishonest – it
all depends on the situation at hand. Though they are generally less
motivated for laborious tasks, they can be breathtakingly hard-working if they
have their heart set on something. (My
date of birth is March 18, and it mostly collates and does not conflate)
Difference
between Vedic and western astrology
Though both Vedic and
Western astrology systems have 12 zodiac signs, they differ in their
understanding of the position of constellations.
Vedic astrology is based on the
sidereal zodiac – a system in which positions of planets are calculated based
on where they are actually observed in the sky in respect of constellations.
Western astrology, on the other hand, uses the tropical (fixed) zodiac. This
system relies on four seasons that represent the Sun’s movement, equinoxes,
solstices, as well as the tilt of Earth on its axis.
About 2,000 years ago, tropical and
sidereal signs were in the same position. However, due to a phenomenon
called the precession of equinoxes, tropical signs are drifting
westward at a rate of one degree every 72 years. At present, western
astrology’s Aries is about 24 degrees away from Vedic astrology’s
Aries. As a result, these two systems have slightly different zodiac
dates.
Given that Vedic astrology
is based on the laws of nature, some favor this as a more reliable and accurate
method of prediction. While both Vedic and Western astrology have
their merits, and to a large extent do
overlap, many people now choose to move between them to further
cement their findings.”--Mauli
--April 23, 2022
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HINDUWAY OF CELEBRATING
EARTHDAY
Earth Day is celebrated
every year on the 22nd of April since 1970. This day marks the birth of modern
environmental movements and celebrates the rising awareness and consciousness
among people about the earth and its state. Each one of us is integrally related
to earth and should be a part of the movement to conserve and save it
sustainably for future generations. Awareness is the key here.
EARTHDAY.ORG President Kathleen
Rogers released the following statement: “The latest IPCC
report comes as no surprise. Humanity’s relationship with our environment
requires a dire and drastic transformation. While the fossil fuel economy and
technologies of centuries past have created in many cases irreversible damage,
new innovations, heightened regulations, and increased civic actions can bring
about a sustainable future.
Following
COP26 in Glasgow, it is even more apparent that governments will not solve this
crisis themselves. We do not have the time to continue the never-ending cycle
of commitments with no follow through. If we do not heed these tremendous
warnings from scientists and from our own environment, the planet will soon
decide our circumstances for us.
Solving
the climate crisis requires individuals, businesses, and governments to act
boldly, innovate broadly, and implement equitably. We have no more time to sit
back and wait for the next environmental tragedy. We have the power to
accelerate innovative climate action plans, to restore our Earth, and to build
a healthy planet. It is truly going to take all of us to Invest in Our Planet.”
For Earth Day 2022, we need to act (boldly), innovate
(broadly), and implement (equitably). It’s going to take all of us. All
in. Businesses, governments, and citizens — everyone
accounted for, and everyone accountable--A partnership for the planet.
It is customary for American
Hindus hHh to start the day
rushing to the temple for praying, offering favorite dishes to be blessed and
consume them as Prasadam. Hindu festivals are combinations of religious
ceremonies, semi-ritual spectacles, worship, prayer, lustrations, processions, music and dances,
eating, drinking, lovemaking, licentiousness, feeding the poor, and other
activities of a religious or traditional character. Why not act on the Earth
Day after customary praying to the Supreme?
If
Sri Sthuthi was an elaboration of Sri Sooktham, Bhusthuthi is an elaboration of
the concepts covered by Bhusooktham. In thirty three shlokas, Swami Vedanta
Desikan offers his homage to Sri Bhudevi, as the Dharma “Sri Bhumi Devi with
Lord Oppiliappan, Thiruvinnagara Kshetram. Pathni of Yajna Varaha Murthy, who fought with
the Asura known as HiranyAksha to bring back the stolen Bhumi Devi from under
the ocean! Our Acharya points out here that she is easy to approach by Chetanas
and she is the sustenance of the Chetanas. He states that Sriman Narayana is
enriched by His association with Bhumi Devi. The seventh Shloka covers his
thoughts on this aspect of Bhumi Devi.
Pathni of Yajna Varaha Murthy, who fought
with the Asura known as HiranyAksha to bring back the stolen Bhumi Devi from
under the ocean! Our Acharya points out here that she is easy to approach by
Chetanas and she is the sustenance of the Chetanas. He states that Sriman
Narayana is enriched by His association with Bhumi Devi. The seventh Shloka
covers his thoughts on this aspect of Bhumi Devi. Through the latter half of
this verse, he proclaims: TVATH SANGAMAATH BHAVATHI MAADHAVI
LABDHAPOSHA: SAAKA SATAI: ATIGATHO HARICHANDANOSOU-- Here Swami Says that
Sriman Narayana, who is like a Harichandana tree (a variety of Kalpaka Tree),
gets His nourishment by His association with Sri Bhumi Devi and thereby becomes empowered to perform His duties
as praised by the hundreds of branches of the Vedas. I daily chant Mrittikka
Suktam and Vyahriti Homa Mantra that are included in Mahanarayana Upanishad and
not focus on slokas.
erHeHhHere
is the most popuoar sloka:
समुद्र-वसने देवि, पर्वत-स्तन-मंडिते । विष्णु-पत्नि नमस्तुभ्यं, पाद-स्पर्शं क्षमस्व मे ॥
Samudra-vasane Devi, parvata-stana-maNDite |
viShNu-patni namas-tubhyaM, pAda-sparshaM
kShamasva me ||
Bhu Suktam is chanted as a
prayer to Bhu Devi (earth goddess), one of the three consorts of Lord Vishnu,
the other two being Lakshmi and Neela Devi. Bhu Devi is more contextually the
consort of Varaha, one of the incarnations of Vishnu. Varaha (Lord Vishnu in
the incarnation of a giant boar) is said to have slayed the demon Hiranyaksha,
and rescued mother earth from the deep oceans, where Hiranyaksha had held her
in captivity.
Bhuumirbhuumnaa dyaur-varinaa’nthariksham mahithvaa upasthhe the
devyadithe’gnim annaadam annaadyaayaa dadhe
You are the soil (ground)
of the earth, the breadth of the sky, and the vastness of space (the region
between heaven and earth). O goddess Aditi (the earth), I place in your lap
Agni (the god of fire), the consumer of all food, for the consumption of food.
The word Aditi is used here
to mean the earth, though more commonly, Aditi is the mother of Adityas, or the
mother of gods in general. Upastha means lap and also means organ of
generation. The earth has agni (heat) deep within. Fire consumes everything
(including havis, i.e., oblations offered in the fire ritual), and in turn
gives the offerer, food and other recompenses. The heat contained in the earth
is extremely important for the generation of food in various forms, and hence,
in its consumption by various living beings.
Aayam
gauh prshnir-akramiidasanan maatharam punah pitharam cha prayanth-suvah
The approaching effulgent
sun, passes the earth, crosses over, and advances again towards father sky.
The word gauh in the
masculine gender means a bull, but is also used to refer to the sun. One of the
meanings of the word prsni is a ray of light (it also means ‘spotted’, but this
does not make sense here). Suvah is one of the levels of sky (or heaven) above
the earth. In the vedas, sky and earth – dyaavah-prithvi – are often referred
to as a pair.
Thrigmshad-dhaama viraajathi vaak pathangaaya shishriye prathyasya vaha dyubhih
The speech (sound) shines
through thirty abodes, bearing with it the sun and carrying it west towards the
sky.
The word patanga here means
the sun. Sound or speech (vaak) here refers to the primordial speech or sound,
which is the origin of all energy and creation. Thirty abodes are thirty
ghatikas (1 ghatika = 24 minutes), which together add up to one day-time of 12
hours. The above verse in essence, speaks of the 12-hour day, during which the
sun shines on the earth providing immense energy.
Asya praanaath apaanathyanthashcharathi rochanaa vyakhyan-mahishah suvah
With upward and downward
movement, the sun proceeds in the shining sky, and illuminates in the manifest
form.
Praana and apaana
(inhalation and exhalation) refer to upward and downward movement of the sun –
post sunrise in the forenoon and towards sunset in the afternoon respectively.
Rochanaa is the bright sky. The word mahisha literally means bull. It can also
mean a king or someone who is strong; but is here used to indicate the sun.
Verses 5, 6 and 7 refer to
scattering of the sacred fire, its being gathering back and the conducting of a
yagna (fire ritual) thereafter. This may also be an allegory for the scattering
(sowing) of seeds on the earth, the growth of vegetative output, and the
gathering of the same thereupon.
Vatthvaa kruddhah parovapa manyunaa yad-avarthyaa sukalpam agne thatthava
punasthvoddiipayaam-asi
If I have scattered (you)
asunder being angry, in distress or through wrong behaviour, oh Agni! as per
prescribed rule, that yours, I will rekindle again.
Vapa = scatter (or sow);
kruddhah = being angry; manyunaa = in resentment or distress; avarthyaa =
through wrong behaviour; sukalpam = prescribed or sacred rule.
yatthe manyuparopthasya prithiviimanudadhvase aadityaa vishve thad-devaah
vasvashcha samaabharan
Whatever of you (i.e.,
Agni) which was scattered in distress, which spread across the earth that the
Adityas, Vishwe Devas and Vasus have gathered back.
Adityas = a group of 12
divinities (suns) – sons of Aditi. Vishwe Devas = group of 12 gods – the sons
of Vishwaa; but may also refer to all the gods in general. Vasus are a group of
eight gods – representing the five elements (pancha boothas), sun, moon and
stars.
Mano jyothir jushathaam aajyam vichhinnam yagnagm samimam dadhaathu
brhaspathis-thanuthaam imam
no vishve devaa iha maadayanthaam
Let the light of mind be
pleased with the oblation (of ghee). Let the scattered yagna come together. May
Brihaspathi perform this (yagna) for us! May all the gods be delighted here!
Aajyam = ghee, which is
offered as oblation in the yagna (fire ritual). Brihaspathi = preceptor of the
gods.
Verses 8 to 12 below are
drawn from different vedas. They describe, eulogize and pray to goddess earth.
Medinii devii vasundharaa syaad vasudhaa devii vaasavii brahma-varchasah pithrnaagm
shrothram chakshurmanah
May she (i.e., the earth)
be medini, devi, vasundhara, vasudha and vasavi; and through divine power, (may
she be) the ear, eye and mind of the pitrs (departed ancestors/manes).
Here, the goddess is
referred to by several names. Medinii = ground, land or soil. Vasundharaa =
holding wealth & riches (the earth contains wealth of various kinds and is
the source of all material wealth). Vasudhaa = giver of wealth. Vaasavii =
abode of all creatures. Brahma-varchas = divine power.
Devii hiranya-garbhinii devii prasuuvarii rasane sathyaayane siida
Goddess of the golden womb,
goddess –the procreator, the one of many flavours, the abode of goodness, may
you be pleased.
Hiranya-garbhinii = having
golden womb; prasuuvarii = procreator; rasanaa = having many
flavours/fragrances; sathyaayanaa = abode of goodness.
Samudravathii saavithrii ha no devii mahyangii mahii-dharanii
mahodhyathishthhaa
Enveloped by the ocean, illumined
by the sun, she is our goddess, comprising the earth (soil/ground), sustainer
of the earth, a great amalgamator.
Mahyangii = who has soil as
one of her constituents. Mahii-dharanii: Mahii is earth. One of the meanings of
Dharanii is female breast. Hence, Mahii-dharanii would mean nurturer of the
earth. Mahodhyathishthaa = one who stands as an admixture of many things.
Shrnge shrnge yagne yagne vibhiishinii indrapathnii vyaapinii
surasaridiha
Providing fearlessness at
every peak and in every yagna, she is the consort of the overlord, pervading
here as the divine river.
Vibhiishinii would
literally mean terrifying. Indrapathnii, here means consort of the chief god
(Vishnu) and not wife of Indra. Vyaapinii = pervading. Sura-
Vaayumathii jalashayanii shriyandhaa raajaa sathyandho parimedinii
shvo paridhaththam parigaaya
(She is) having (life
giving) air, reclining on water (the oceans), holding riches, glittering in
materiality, with abundant soil, enveloped by a cover (of vegetation, etc.)
all-round.
Shriyandhaa = holding
riches. Raajaa sathyandho = glittering in materiality. Parimedinii = with
abundant soil.
Verses 13 and 14 are
evidently of non-vedic origin, and provide the context for rendering this as a
hymn to Bhu Devi, the consort of Vishnu.
Vishnupathniim mahiim deviim maadhaviim
maadhavapriyaamlakshmii-priyasakhiim deviim namaamyachyutha-vallabhaam
I pay obeisance to the
consort of Vishnu, the earth goddess, to Madhavi – who is beloved of Madhava,
to the goddess who is a dear friend of Lakshmi, and the favourite of Achyuta.
Mahiim deviim = to the
earth goddess. Madhava = Krishna. Achyutha = a name of Vishnu, which means one
who is firm and eternal. Here, the earth goddess is being identified as the
consort of Vishnu, the beloved of Madhava, the friend of Lakshmi, and as the
favourite of Achyutha.
Om dhanurdharaayai vidmahe sarvasiddhyai cha dhiimahi thanno
dharaa prachodayaath
Om! May we know the wielder
of bow! May we meditate upon the giver of all accomplishments! May that Dharaa
(goddess earth) inspire us.
Siddhi = complete
attainment of an object. Siddhis can also refer to the eight super-human
faculties or ashta siddhis (anima, mahima, etc.).
There is one more suktam in
the Atharva Veda dedicated to goddess earth called Pruthvi Suktam.
Gayatri japamantra starts with paying obeisance to Bhudevi: Om Bhuh
bhuvah Suvah……..
Wishing you a very happy Earth Day. Always try your level best
to protect the Mother Earth!
Comments:
Thank you mama,
Happy Earthday.
--Aparna Arcot & Santosh
Venkatraman
‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑
Present World
Religions are founded by Philosophers from Vedic Ancient India
Classification
“The fourfold classification
in ancient times was not something absolutely correct — no classification or
definition can be so — but that was of practical use. The ancient
classification soon degenerated. Who would observe men and place them under
proper classes? Gradually, the classes came to be determined by birth. The
Brahmins were most enlightened and spiritual, but their sons and descendants
did not necessarily develop the same attributes. So the classes became more
conventional than real, though those who were born in a particular class were
helped by the tradition and the atmosphere of the family to develop the
peculiar characteristics of the class. Then there was the caste distinction —
classification not according to characteristics of nature, but according to
occupation. This sort of an economic division was useful to society. But
now-a-days the classification has become quite meaningless. There is no rule
that everyone should take up the occupation or the profession of the family.”--Sri Aurobindo
Bottom of FormCaste System in Ancient India
Ancient
India in the Vedic Period (c. 1500—1000 BCE) did not have social stratification
based on socio-economic indicators; rather, citizens were classified according
to their Varna or castes. ‘Varna’ defines the hereditary roots of a newborn; it
indicates the color, type, order or class of people.
Four
principal categories are defined:
·
Brahmins (priests, gurus, etc.)
·
Kshatriyas (warriors, kings, administrators, etc.)
·
Vaishyas (agriculturalists, traders, etc., also called
Vysyas)
·
Shudras (laborers)
Each Varna propounds specific life principles to
follow; newborns are required to follow the customs, rules, conduct, and
beliefs fundamental to their respective Varnas.
The
lowest caste was the Dalits, the untouchables, who handled meat and waste,
though there is some debate over whether this class existed in antiquity. At
first, it seems this caste system was merely a reflection of one’s occupation
but, in time, it became more rigidly interpreted to be determined by one’s
birth and one was not allowed to change castes nor to marry into a caste other
than one’s own. This understanding was a reflection of the belief in an eternal
order to human life dictated by a supreme deity.
Purpose of the Varna System
The caste
system in ancient India had been executed and acknowledged during, and ever
since, the Vedic period that thrived around 1500—1000 BCE. The segregation of
people based on their Varna was intended to decongest the responsibilities of
one’s life, preserve the purity of a caste, and establish eternal order.
The
underlying reason for adhering to Varna duties is the belief in the attainment
of moksha on being dutiful. Belief in the concept of Karma reinforces the
belief in the Varna life principles. As per the Vedas, it is the ideal duty of
a human to seek freedom from subsequent birth and death and rid oneself of the
transmigration of the soul, and this is possible when one follows the duties
and principles of one’s respective Varna. According to the Vedas, consistent
encroachment on others’ life responsibilities engenders an unstable society.
Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras form the fourfold nature of
society, each assigned appropriate life duties and ideal disposition. Men of
the first three hierarchical castes are called the twice-born; first, born of
their parents, and second, of their guru after the sacred thread initiation
they wear over their shoulders. The Varna system is seemingly embryonic in the
Vedas, later elaborated and amended in the Upanishads
and Dharma Shastras.
Varna System: Brahmins
Brahmins
were revered as an incarnation of knowledge itself, endowed with the precepts
and sermons to be discharged to all Varna of society. They were not just
revered because of their Brahmin birth but also their renunciation of worldly
life and cultivation of divine qualities, assumed to be always engrossed in the
contemplation of Brahman, hence called Brahmins. Priests, gurus, rishis,
teachers, and scholars constituted the Brahmin community. They would always
live through the Brahmacharya (celibacy)
vow ordained for them. Even married Brahmins were called Brahmachari (celibate) by virtue of having intercourse only for
reproducing and remaining mentally detached from the act. However, anyone from
other Varna could also become a Brahmin after extensive acquisition of
knowledge and cultivation of one’s intellect.
Brahmins
were the foremost choice as tutors for the newborn because they represent the
link between sublime knowledge of the gods and the four Varnas. This way, since
the ancestral wisdom is sustained through guru-disciple practice, all citizens
born in each Varna would remain rooted to the requirements of their lives.
Normally, Brahmins were the personification of contentment and dispellers of
ignorance, leading all seekers to the zenith of supreme knowledge, however,
under exceptions; they lived as warriors, traders, or agriculturists in severe
adversity. The ones bestowed with the titles of Brahma Rishi or Maha Rishi were
requested to counsel kings and their kingdoms’ administration. All Brahmin men
were allowed to marry women of the first three Varna, whereas marrying a Shudra
woman would, marginally, bereft the Brahmin of his priestly status.
Nevertheless, a Shudra woman would not be rejected if the Brahmin consented.
Brahmin
women, contrary to the popular belief of their subordination to their husbands,
were, in fact, more revered for their chastity and treated with unequalled
respect. As per Manu Smriti, a Brahmin woman must only marry a Brahmin and no
other, but she remains free to choose the man. She, under rare circumstances,
is allowed to marry a Kshatriya or a Vaishya, but marrying a Shudra man is
restricted. The restrictions in inter-caste marriages are to avoid subsequent
impurity of progeny born of the matches. A man of a particular caste marrying a
woman of a higher caste is considered an imperfect match, culminating in
ignoble offspring.
Varna System: Kshatriyas
Kshatriyas
constituted the warrior clan, the kings, rulers of territories, administrators,
etc. It was paramount for a Kshatriya to learn weaponry, warfare, penance,
austerity, administration, moral conduct, justice, and ruling. All Kshatriyas
would be sent to a Brahmin’s ashram from an early age until they became wholly
equipped with requisite knowledge. Besides austerities like the Brahmins, they
would gain additional knowledge of administration. Their fundamental duty was
to protect their territory, defend against attacks, deliver justice, govern
virtuously, and extend peace and happiness to all their subjects, and they
would take counsel in matters of territorial sovereignty and ethical dilemmas
from their Brahmin gurus. They were allowed to marry a woman of all Varnas with
mutual consent. Although a Kshatriya or a Brahmin woman would be the first
choice, Shudra women were not barred from marrying a Kshatriya.
Kshatriya
women, like their male counterparts, were equipped with masculine disciplines,
fully acquainted with warfare, rights to discharge duties in the king’s
absence, and versed in the affairs of the kingdom. Contrary to popular belief,
a Kshatriya woman was equally capable of defending a kingdom in times of
distress and imparting warfare skills to her descendants. The lineage of a
Kshatriya king was kept pure to ensure continuity on the throne and claim
sovereignty over territories.
Varna System: Vaisyas
Vaisya is
the third Varna represented by agriculturalists, traders, money lenders, and
those involved in commerce. Vaisyas are also the twice-born and go to the
Brahmins’ ashram to learn the rules of a virtuous life and to refrain from
intentional or accidental misconduct. Cattle rearing was one of the most
esteemed occupations of the Vaisyas, as the possession and quality of a
kingdom’s cows, elephants, horses, and their upkeep affected the quality of
life and the associated prosperity of the citizens.
Vaisyas
would work in close coordination with the administrators of the kingdom to
discuss, implement, and constantly upgrade the living standards by providing
profitable economic prospects. Because their life conduct exposes them to
objects of immediate gratification, their tendency to overlook the law and
despise the weak is perceived as probable. Hence, the Kshatriya king would be
most busy with resolving disputes originating of conflicts among Vaisyas.
Vaisha
women, too, supported their husbands in business, cattle rearing, and
agriculture, and shared the burden of work. They were equally free to choose a
spouse of their choice from the four Varnas, albeit selecting a Shudra was
earnestly resisted. Vaisya women enjoyed protection under the law, and
remarriage was undoubtedly normal, just as in the other three Varnas. A Vaisya
woman had equal rights over ancestral properties in case of the untimely death
of her husband, and she would be equally liable for the upbringing of her
children with support from her husband.
Varna System: Shudras
The last
Varna represents the backbone of a prosperous economy, in which they are
revered for their dutiful conduct toward life duties set out for them.
Scholarly views on Shudras are the most varied since there seemingly are more
restrictions on their conduct. However, Atharva Veda allows
Shudras to hear and learn the Vedas by heart,
and the Mahabharata, supports the inclusion of Shudras in ashrams and their
learning the Vedas. Becoming officiating priests
in sacrifices organized by kings was, however, to a large extent restricted.
Shudras are not the twice-born, hence they are not required to wear the sacred
thread like the other Varnas. A Shudra man was only allowed to marry a Shudra
woman, but a Shudra woman was allowed to marry from any of the four Varnas.
Shudras
would serve the Brahmins in their ashrams, Kshatriyas in their palaces and
princely camps, and Vaishyas in their commercial activities. Although they are
the feet of the primordial being, educated citizens of higher Varna would
always regard them as a crucial segment of society, for an orderly society
would be easily compromised if the feet were weak. Shudras, on the other hand,
obeyed the orders of their masters, because their knowledge of attaining moksha
by embracing their prescribed duties encouraged them to remain loyal. Shudra
women, too, worked as attendants and close companions of the queen and would go
with her after marriage to other kingdoms. Many Shudras were also allowed to be
agriculturalists, traders, and enter occupations held by Vaisyas. These detours
of life duties would, however, be under special circumstances, on perceiving
deteriorating economic situations. The Shudras’ selflessness makes them worthy
of unprecedented regard and respect.
Gradual Withdrawal from the Ancient Varna Duties
Despite
the life order being arranged for all kinds of people, by the end of the Vedic
period, many began to deflect and disobey their primary duties. As a large
Varna populace became difficult to handle, the emergence of Jainism propounded
the ideology of one single human Varna and nothing besides. Many followed the
original Varna rules, but many others, disapproving opposing beliefs, formed
modified sub-Varnas within the primary four Varnas. This process, occurring
between 700 CE and 1500 CE, continues to this day, as India is now home to a
repository of the primary four Varnas and hundreds of sub-Varnas, making the
original four Varnas merely ‘umbrella terms’ and perpetually ambiguous.
The
subsequent rise of Islam, Christianity, and other religions also left their
mark on the original Varna system in India. Converted generations reformed
their notion of Hinduism in ways that were compatible with the conditions of
those times. The rise of Buddhism, too, left its significant footprint on the
Varna system’s legitimate continuance in renewed conditions of life. Thus,
soulful adherence to Varna duties from the peak of Vedic period eventually
diminished to subjective makeshift adherence, owing partly to the discomfort in
practicing Varna duties and partly to external influence.
Happy New Solar Year
(Shubhakrit) - Very Rare Nakshatra Purusha Vratam from Matsya Puranam
“After a
couple of dreadful years that have been soaked in misery due to Covid pandemic,
the Hindu New Year (Shubhakrit) is going to be born this Thursday
(14-Apr-2022), as per solar calendar (Sauramana). At the outset, may
I wish you, your family and friends, kith and kin a very happy and prosperous
Hindu New Year! May Lord shower the best of best in every walk of your lives!
April
2022 is said to be astrologically very significant as every planet changes its
sign during this month, a rare phenomenon as it is being told. The most
beneficial and powerful planet Jupiter changes sign exactly when the New Year
dawns. The next major planet Saturn also changes its sign on 29-Apr-2022. There
are varying indications of so many transits within a short span of time -
though the general indication seems to be on the scary side. But the silver
lining is the general characteristic of the year Shubhakrit -
which literally means "doer of auspicious things" - indications are
that it should be auspicious. It is the will of Lord that make or mar the life
of the universe and therefore we cannot but to beg Him for better days!
In this
connection, I am delighted to share a very pertinent Vratam (penance)
cum Stotra titled Nakshatra Purusha Vratam, taken from Sri
Matsya Puranam and Chapter 54. I have given a gist of this chapter in the
preface of the hymn.
Lord
Narada requests Lord Rudra to give a penance (Vratam)
through which devotees of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva can
attain health, wealth, long life, etc. Lord Shiva gives the
details of the Vratam titled Nakshatra Purusha Vratam to seek
the blessings of Lord Narayana. This Vrat should be observed
when Chaitra month starts and specific names of Lord
Narayana should be used to perform Puja to Lord Narayana on specific
parts of His Divine Body when specific Nakshatra is in vogue.
For the sake of simplicity, I have given all the names at the end as Namavali
so that one could use these for Archana during prayers, regardless of the
Nakshatra in vogue (and tallies to 32 names or dvAtrimshat)
May We Pray to Lord Narayana With this
exquisite Namavali when the New Year dawns and every day
thereafter”--Muralidharan
Sri Nakshatra Purusha Vratam
– Sri Matya Mahapuranam
The
following is a rare Nakshatra Purshua Vratam on Lord Vishnu by Lord Rudra to
Sage Narada taken from Sri Matsya Mahapuranam, and Chapter 54 (and retold by
Sage Suta). A gist of this chapter is given below. Eons ago, Sage Narada went
to Mount Kailasa and enquired Lord Rudra how the devotees of Lord Shiva or Lord
Vishnu can attain health, long life, beauty, boons, wealth, etc. through a
penance (Vratam). Lord Ishvara replies that one could attain all these by
observing a penance titled Nakshatra Purusha Vrata whose procedure is explained
herewith. Starting with the month of Chaitra, one should install Lord Vasudeva
Vigraha and perform puja with the names mentioned in this chapter. It is
mentioned that each Nama should be used when the prescribed Nakshatra (star) is
in vogue on specific parts of Lord Vasudeva’s body. After the Puja, a well-learned
Vedic Pundit should be sumptuously gifted with Kalasha, Vigraha, Dakshina and
food. At the end, the devotee should eat food which is devoid of salt and oil.
One who observes this Vrat with due devotion will attain all rightful wishes
after getting absolved of all sins including the slaying of a Brahmin by self
or ancestors and finally reaches the abode of Lord Vishnu.
May We Pray to Lord Narayana With this exquisite Namavali when
the new year dawns and every day thereafter!
sūta
uvāca -
ataḥ
paraṁ
pravakṣyāmi
dāna-dharmān-aśeṣataḥ |
vratopavāsa saṁyuktān yathā matsyoditān iha || 1 ||
mahādevasya
saṁvāde
nāradasya ca dhīmataḥ |
yathāvṛtaṁ
pravakṣyāmi
dharma-kāmā'rtha-sādhakam || 2 ||
kailāsa-śikharāsīnaṁ apṛcchan
nāradaḥ
purā | trinayanaṁ anaṅgāriṁ anaṅgā'ṅga-haraṁ haram || 3 ||
nārada
uvāca -
bhagavan
devadeveśa brahma-viṣṇvindra-nāyaka | śrīmad ārogya rūpāyur
bhāgya saubhāgya sampadā | saṁyuktas tava viṣṇor
vā pumān bhaktaḥ kathaṁ bhavet || 4 ||
nārī vā vidhavā sarva-guṇa-saubhāgya-saṁyutā
|
kramān mukti-pradaṁ
deva kiñcid-vrataṁ ihocyatām || 5 ||
īśvara
uvāca -
samyak
pṛṣṭaṁ
tvayā brahman sarva-loka-hitāvaham |
śrutaṁ
apyatra yacchāntyai tadvratraṁ śṛṇu nārada || 6 ||
nakṣatra-puruṣaṁ-nāma vrataṁ
nārāyaṇātmakam
|
pādādi-kuryād-śīrṣāntaṁ viṣṇu-nāmānukīrtanam
|| 7 ||
pratimāṁ
vāsudevasya mūlarkṣādiṣu cā'rcayet |
caitra-māsaṁ
samāsādya kṛtvā brāhmaṇa-vācanam
|| 8 ||
nakṣatra-puruṣa-stotram
|| mūle-namo-viśvadharāya pādau gulphāvanantāya ca rohiṇīṣu |
jaṅghe
'bhipūjye varadāya caiva dve jānunī cā'śvikumāra ṛkṣe ||
9 ||
pūrvottarāṣāḍha-yuge tathorū namaḥ
śivāyetyabhipūjanīyau |
pūrvottarāphalguni-yugmake
ca meḍhraṁ
namaḥ
pañcaśarāya pūjyam || 10
kaṭiṁ-namaḥ-śārṅga-dharāya viṣṇoḥ
sampūjayen nārada kṛttikāsu |
tathā
'rcayed bhādrapadā-dvaye ca pārśve namaḥ keśi-niṣūdanāya || 11 ||
kukṣi-dvayaṁ
nārada revatīṣu dāmodarāyetyabhipūjanīyam |
ṛkṣe 'nurādhāsu ca mādhavāya namas tathoraḥ
sthalameva pūjyam || 12 ||
pṛṣṭhaṁ
dhaniṣṭhāsu
ca pūjanīyaṁ aghaugha-vidhvaṁsakarāya
tacca |
śrīśaṅkha-cakrāsi-gadādharāya
namo viśākhāsu bhujāśca pūjyāḥ || 13 ||
haste
tu hastā madhusūdanāya namo 'bhipūjyā iti kaiṭabhāreḥ |
punarvasāvaṅguli-pūrva-bhāgāḥ
sāmnāṁ-adhīśāya
namo 'bhipūjyāḥ || 14 ||
bhujaṅga-nakṣatra-dine
nakhāni sampūjayen matsya-śarīra-bhājaḥ |
kūrmasya
pādau śaraṇaṁ vrajāmi jyeṣṭhāsu
kaṇṭhe
harir arcanīyaḥ || 15 ||
śrotre varāhāya namo 'bhipūjye janārdanasya
śravaṇena
samyak |
puṣye
mukhaṁ
dānava-sūdanāya namo narasiṁhāya ca pūjanīyam || 16 ||
namo namaḥ kāraṇa-vāmanāya svātīṣu
dantāgraṁ athā 'rcanīyam |
āsyaṁ
harer bhārgava-nandanāya sampūjanīyaṁ dvija vāruṇe tu
|| 17 ||
namo'stu
rāmāya maghāsu nāsā sampūjanīyā raghu-nandanasya |
mṛgottamāṅge
nayane 'bhipūjye namo'stu te rāma vighūrṇitākṣa || 18 ||
buddhāya
śāntāya namo lalāṭaṁ citrāsu saṁpūjyatamaṁ
murāreḥ
|
śiro
'bhipūjyaṁ bharaṇīṣu viṣṇor namo'stu viśveśvara kalki-rūpiṇe ||
19 ||
ārdrāsu
keśāḥ
puruṣottamasya
sampūjanīyā haraye namaste |
upoṣitenarkṣa-dineṣu
bhaktyā sampūjanīyā dvija-puṅgavāḥ syuḥ || 20 ||
pūrṇe
vrate sarva-guṇānvitāya vāg-rūpa-śīlāya ca sāmagāya |
haimīṁ
viśālāyata bāhu daṇḍāṁ muktā phalendūpala vajra-yuktām || 21
||
jalasya
pūrṇe
kalaśe niviṣṭāṁ arcāṁ harer vastragavā sahaiva |
śayyāṁ
tathopaskarabhājanādi yuktāṁ pradadyād dvija-puṅgavāya
|| 22 ||
yadyasti yatkiñcid ihāsti deyaṁ
dadyād dvijāyātma-hitāya sarvam |
manorathaṁ naḥ
saphalī kuruṣva hiraṇyagarbhā-'cyuta-rudra-rūpin || 23 ||
salakṣmīkaṁ
sabhāryāya kāñcanaṁ puruṣottamam |
śayyāṁ ca
dadyān mantreṇa granthi-bheda-vivarjitām || 24 ||
yathā na viṣṇu-bhaktānāṁ vṛjinaṁ
jāyate kvacit |
tathā
surūpatā ''rogyaṁ keśave bhuktimuttamām || 25 ||
yathā
na lakṣmyā
śayanaṁ
tava śūnyaṁ janārdana |
śayyā
mamāpyaśūnyāstu kṛṣṇa janmani janmani || 26 ||
evaṁ
nivedya tat sarvaṁ vastra-mālyā-'nulepanam |
nakṣatra-puruṣajñāya
viprāyāyātha visarjayet || 27 ||
bhuñjītā 'taila-lavaṇaṁ
sarvarkṣeṣvapyupoṣitaḥ |
bhojanaṁ ca
yathāśakti vittāśāṭhyaṁ vivarjayet || 28 ||
||
phalaśrutiḥ ||
iti
nakṣatra-puruṣaṁ
upāsya vidhivat svayam |
sarvān
kāmān avāpnoti viṣṇuloke mahīyate || 29 ||
brahma-hatyādikaṁ
kiñcid iha vāmutra vā kṛtam |
ātmanā
vā'tha pitṛbhis tat sarvaṁ kṣayaṁ
āpnuyāt || 30 ||
iti
paṭhati
śṛṇoti
yaśca bhaktyā puruṣavaro vrataṁ aṅganātha
kuryāt |
kali-kaluṣa-vidāraṇaṁ
murāreḥ
sakala-vibhūti phala-pradaṁ ca puṁsām || 31
|| nakṣatra-puruṣa
nāmāvaliḥ ||
om viśvadharāya namaḥ |
anantāya | varadāya | śivāya | pañcaśarāya | śārṅgadharāya | keśi-niṣūdanāya
| dāmodarāya | mādhavāya | aghaughavidhvaṁsakarāya | śrīśaṅkha-cakrāsi-gadā-dharāya
| madhusūdanāya | kaiṭabhāraye | sāmnāṁ-adhīśāya
| matsya-śarīra-bhājine | kūrmāya | haraye | varāhāya | janārdanāya |
dānava-sūdanāya | nṛsiṁhāya | kāraṇa-vāmanāya
| bhārgava-nandanāya | rāmāya | raghu-nandanāya | vighūrṇitākṣa-rāmāya
| buddhāya | śāntāya | viśveśvarāya | kalki-rūpiṇe | puruṣottamāya | śrīharaye namaḥ ||
32 ||
||
iti śrīmātsye-mahāpurāṇe
nakṣatra-puruṣa-vrata-māhātmyaṁ sampūrṇam ||
--April 15, 2022
------------------------------------------------------
Goddess in Hinduism
(Sponsored by 25th Anniversary
Conference of the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Pittsburgh, 2000)
Yaa devi sarvabhuteshu buddhi rupena samsthitaa
Namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaha
To that goddess who dwells within all
beings in the form of intellect, I bow again and again and again– Chandi Path (Devi Mahatmya), Ch. 5, v. 20
Ensconced against the southern wall of
the gallery stands a glorious life-size granite image of the goddess Durga,
voluptuous, lithe and graceful, her foot poised delicately on the severed head
of the buffalo demon Mahishasura. Of
all the images of Hindu deities, it is perhaps this conflation of supreme power
and tender loveliness that most arrests the visitor's eye and challenges our
concepts about the divine. It was a similar image of Durga that first caught
the eye of Professor Tom Coburn, a distinguished scholar of Sanskrit who has
translated the great scriptural account of Devi's triumphs, the Devi Mahatmya,
in his book “Encountering the Goddess”.
South Asian religions have given birth
to some of the loveliest and most sublime images of feminine divinity the world
has ever seen, as well as some of the most mysterious and powerful. These range
from graceful miniature paintings of Sita pining for her beloved husband Rama,
or Radha awaiting a tryst with Krishna in a forest grove to imposing images of
Durga and Kali gracing south India's stone temples. In villages throughout the
subcontinent, Devi takes the form of a simple rock, a mound of mud, a wooden
carving, a bronze statue, a painting, a poster, a sword, a tree, as she
receives the loving attentions of worshippers, blesses homes and agricultural
fields, and watches over the fate of her children. Of the world's living
religious traditions, it is only in Hinduism that such extensive worship of
divinity in the female form may be found.
The Hindu goddess in all her myriad of
forms has also been celebrated in poetic verses of praise for many centuries.
The ancient Tamil classic, Silappadikaram, eulogizes its benighted
heroine, Kannaki, who in her rage at a king's injustice, tore off her left
breast and burned the city of Madurai to the ground before rising to the sky as
a goddess. The exquisite Gita Govinda of Jayadeva details in
verses heavy with longing and love the ecstatic union of Krishna with the
beautiful Radha. In pleading, begging, railing, desperate lines, the Bengali
Ramprasad Sen explores the depth of love and despair that is the love of the
dark Mother Kali. The Saundarya Lahari (often attributed to
Adi Shankara) details the magnificent, radiant form of the Devi as queen of the
universe, and reveals the esoteric meaning of her form as the Sri Yantra, the
geometric pattern of energies that describes the inner workings of the
universe.
The fundamental meaning behind all of
these images is the recognition in Hinduism of divine energy as a feminine
force, Shakti, which literally means "power." This power takes a wide
variety of forms, including nature, creation, life force, movement, mind, and
strength, as well as the power to dominate or destroy. Early Samkhya philosophy
viewed reality as fundamentally dual, consisting of Purusha, the conscious Self
(seen as Male), in interaction with Prakriti, nature and the phenomenal world,
including the mind (understood as a Female principle). The processes of yoga
referred to in the Upanishads and formally codified in the Yoga Sutras of
Patanjali in the 2nd C BCE are designed to extricate the pure, eternal,
unblemished Self from its intricate identification with the phenomenal world,
both external and internal, in the form of thoughts and perceptions. Techniques
of self-control and meditation were developed to allow for the recognition of
the Self's separateness from Prakriti, and to cultivate direct self-awareness
free of the mind and senses.
In temples, rituals of puja (worship)
were performed daily to goddesses, sometimes as wives or consorts of powerful
male deities, but sometimes alone, as in the case of Durga, Saraswati,
Mahalakshmi, and many others. The iconography of these female divinities drew
heavily from the very ancient sculptural tradition of yakshis,
female fertility spirits, whose smiling, ample, voluptuous frames adorned the
gateways of early Buddhist and Jain temples from the 5th c. BC. Only the goddesses of disease and
destruction, such as Sitala, Manasa, Mariyamman, and Kali, were sometimes shown
as haggard, emaciated, and ugly; yet even these goddesses were revered and
propitiated, as part of the inevitable cycle of life and death. The Hindu
goddess in all her forms was always linked to this complete acceptance of the
ever-changing, transformative cycle of life.
Hindus show deep reverence to the earth
as the Mother Goddess. Hills, mountains,
stones, and anthills all manifest miraculous powers throughout the Indian
subcontinent, and are ancient places of pilgrimage and renewal. Before building
a house, undertaking cultivation of plants, starting a ritual, or beginning a
dance, Hindus pray to Bhumi Devi, the earth goddess, for her blessings and
forgiveness.
Perhaps the most important festival to
the goddess is Navaratri, the nine nights of worship dedicated to the goddess
Durga. This festival takes place in some form throughout the Indian
subcontinent in the bright moon fortnight of the Hindu months of Chaitra (March-April)
and Ashwin (September-October). The
festival of Navaratri, like many forms of Hindu worship, incorporates many
levels of meaning. It can be a harvest festival, a time for family and friends
to gather and share, a time of rest and renewal, a time of fasting and penance.
Spiritually, Navaratri can be a recognition of the necessity to destroy old
habits to make way for new experiences and knowledge, a celebration of growth
and rebirth, and a profound experience of the goddess as one's inner power of
consciousness.
A unique aspect of Hinduism not found
in other world religions is the recognition of an intimate link between the
goddess and the force of intellect, mind, and speech. This is reflected in
contemporary Hinduism in the person of the goddess Saraswati. Portrayed in
spotless white garments and seated upon a swan, Saraswati holds in her hands a
palm-leaf manuscript and a Veena (the Indian lute), symbolizing her power over
speech, literature, learning, and the arts.
A form of Hindu worship that unites all aspects
of the goddess and aims to attain not only well-being in the world, but also
supreme spiritual knowledge and ultimate liberation, is the tantric practice of
Sri Vidya, the Supreme Wisdom. In Sri Vidya practice, Devi is worshipped as
Tripurasundari, the Beauty of the Three Worlds. Tripurasundari is envisioned as
Rajarajeshwari, Queen of the Universe, Goddess who holds the key to all
knowledge and powers. She is the supreme creator; all worlds and powers dwell
within her body in the form of minor Devis, who are each enumerated and
propitiated through the worship. The essence of Sri Vidya practice is encoded
in the texts Lalita Sahasranama and Saundarya Lahari,
which are recited daily in many parts of India, but can be properly understood
only through initiation by a guru of the tradition.
The vast landscape of goddess worship
in Hinduism is impossible to grasp in a single lifetime, much less in a brief
essay. However the richness of this tradition, and its potential to contribute
to the religious understandings of people the world over, is immense. Many
people throughout the world are seeking to improve the relations of humans to
their physical world, and to one another. In the profound sacred geography of
Hinduism, which reveres the earth as a goddess, are plentiful resources for
regenerating the ecological awareness of human beings. Women, especially those
raised within Hinduism, should be encouraged to read and study deeply the
meanings of these great traditions, and to realize the presence of the goddess
within their own minds and bodies. Men can learn to respect and revere the
feminine as well as masculine qualities, and to see Devi in all women. Such an
attitude, that embraces all of creation and all beings as pulsations of divine
love, will heal and uplift our world--By Sarah Caldwell, Harvard Divinity School
Devīmāhātmya: Greatness of the Goddess
What
is the Hindu Goddess tradition? Who is the Goddess? How is she understood,
celebrated, and worshipped? What can she teach us today? Join Dr. Raj Balkaran
and a global cohort of students for a captivating journey into the tales and
power of the Goddess. This course offers an in-depth study of the Devīmāhātmya,
the foundational Sanskrit text of Great Goddess worship within the Hindu
traditions. Composed some fifteen centuries ago, it signals the Brahmanical
sanctification and crystallization of indigenous Great Goddess traditions
thriving on the Indian subcontinent for untold centuries prior.
Yogic Studies Group will perform a
close reading and analysis of the monumental feats of the Goddess Durgā, who
quells demonic forces and restores the sovereignty of the gods. She is the
refuge of all, restoring order to the cosmos in times of peril. They will also
examine the four hymns to the Goddess incanted by the gods throughout the text,
paying special attention to the theological vision of the feminine divine they
advance.Together they will read the entire Devīmāhātmya line by line, based on
the English translation by Coburn. The course runs live from Apr 11 - May 20.
If you can't make the live sessions, not to worry, recordings will be available.
Academic interest in Hindu goddesses has burgeoned
since the 1970s because of three coalescing factors: in the United States,
funding for fieldwork in South Asia through
postwar area studies programs; feminist scholarship, with its stress on women's
experience and feminist perspectives; and the move from a reliance on texts and
elite viewpoints to an emphasis on local, oral, village contexts where
goddesses tend to thrive. With increasing numbers of publications, however, the
best way to characterize Hindu goddesses, either as individuals or as a
category, has become contested and complex.
Evidence of the health and vitality of Hindu
goddesses is indicated by the number who have made their homes outside India.
Whether the new residence is the Caribbean, Europe, Britain, or North America,
mainstream devī s such as Lakṣmī, Sītā, Kālī, Durgā, Mīnākshi , and Vaishnodevī have adapted in novel ways
to their host environments. Most Hindu communities attempt to replicate as
faithfully as possible the worship settings of "back home"—temples
known for their claims to authenticity are the Kālī temple
in Toronto and the Mīnākshi temple
in Houston—but even so, accommodations are made in terms of
festival timings, temple construction and zoning laws, and types of offerings.
Devotees must also contend with the fact that non-Hindus in diaspora settings
may have strange or even hostile attitudes toward their imported deities. How
should a New York Hindu
react to gift shop lunch boxes decorated with the face of Durgā, or to
Western feminists' interpretations of Kālī as
a symbol of women's rage against patriarchy? Such appropriations are balanced
by what is perceived as more "genuine" attitudes towards Hindu
theism, like the Western-organized and -financed Kālī Mandir
in Laguna Beach, California, to which priests from Kolkata's Dakshineswar Kālī Temple
are regularly brought for ritual accuracy. As scholars’ note and devotees’
experience, the Hindu Goddess, embodied in countless goddesses in Hindu contexts
the world over, is complex, theologically flexible, and alive and well.
Mantra and Meditation for promoting HHHhealth & for Self-Realization
Om Dhanvantaraye Namah
This Mantra
is considered one of the most healing mantras of the ancient Sanskrit mantras
and is beneficial for physical, mental and psychological problems. It is used
to help recover from chronic diseases and other body aliments. It is also said
to be suitable and beneficial for children with health conditions. Dhanvantri
is the father of medicine representing health and healing and is therefore used
extensively in ayurveda, the
sister science of Yoga. Lord Dhanvantri is an incarnation of Vishnu who holds the
pot on amrita (nectar)
representing immortality. The repetition and invocation of this mantra is said to enhance longevity. It is said that
even listening to this mantra daily can improve your vigor, vitality, health
and well-being.
Om Dhanvantaraye Namah
This Mantra
is considered one of the most healing mantras of the ancient Sanskrit mantras
and is beneficial for physical, mental and psychological problems. It is used
to help recover from chronic diseases and other body aliments. It is also said
to be suitable and beneficial for children with health conditions. Dhanvantri
is the father of medicine representing health and healing and is therefore used
extensively in ayurveda, the
sister science of Yoga. Lord Dhanvantri is an incarnation of Vishnu who holds the
pot on amrita (nectar)
representing immortality. The repetition and invocation of this mantra is said
to enhance longevity. It is said that even listening to this mantra daily can
improve your vigor, vitality, health and well-being.
Swami Sivananda from
Varanasi has a passport that puts his age at 120! The sprightly monk puts his
longevity down to a disciplined life of yoga, no sex and a bland food. He’s
right, in part. Yoga helps, as does nutritious food, but that’s not all you
need to do live long.
The
Science-Backed Benefits of Mantra Meditation
Over the last few years, meditation has become a part of
many people's everyday lives. Due in part thanks to the popularization of apps
like Headspace and Calm but also because of its general acceptance as having a
positive influence on the lives of those who practice it.
However, not all meditation is the same and
which types work for some may not work as well for others. For example, I
always struggled with the popular form ‘mindfulness meditation’. Mindfulness
meditation is the practice of observing one’s body, surrounding sounds, smells,
and conscious thoughts as they pass through the mind.
Though we find perceiving some benefit from
others, like a more relaxed body, we can realize ‘Mantra Meditation’ definitely
gives benefit!
What is Mantra Meditation?
Mantra Meditation is exactly what you think
it is. A ‘mantra’ is a phrase or syllable you repeat in the duration of a
meditation session via chanting. A popular choice for this kind of meditation
is the syllable ‘Om’, coming from ancient Vedic tradition.
Sanskrit Maha-Mantra by the International
Society for Krishna Consciousness is Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna Krishna
Krishna, Hare Hare Hare Rama, Hare Rama Rama Rama, Hare Hare. The reason
this specific type of meditation works
better than focusing on an object per se because sound has an important
part to play in the efficacy of the mantra. There are many studies on the
subject but a few here are summarized below:
Physical Benefits
Eases symptoms of joint ache and pain
One of the first studies whilst looking for
research on the topic came from Elizabeth Monk-Turner. They tested a group of
meditators and non-meditators with an average age of 24, mostly college
students, over 14 weeks. The study found that the meditator group experienced
less joint aches and pains. The study shows before the experiment 17% of the
meditators said they had joint ache or pain four to six times a week, which
went down to 0% after the experiment. Non-meditators saw no change.
Less likely to use ‘street drugs’
In the same study as the one above, it also
tested for the use of drugs and tranquillizers. At the beginning of the study,
they asked volunteers about drug use from never, to sometimes, to frequently
(using more words). The meditators started the test with 33% of them saying
that they sometimes took drugs, but by the end of the test that dropped to 5%.
This indicates if you struggle with addiction, mantra meditation could help
you!
Reduces physical stress
Another study looking
at the breathing rate of individuals reciting the Ave Maria prayer or
yoga mantra and its effects on blood pressure and flow to the brain. The study
found that using these mantras slows our breathing rate to 6 respirations per
minute, which is in-sync with our natural circulatory rhythm. In turn, this
reduces our level of physical stress which is the root source of many of the
physical problems we experience in modern time.
Psychological Benefits
Improved symptoms of anxiety and depression
Since mantra meditation also lowers physical
stress, it also has an impact on psychological stress that appears in anxiety
and depression. There are tons of studies that look at this link, but one
interesting is reported below:
Wolf and Abell decided to test three
different groups; those chanting the Maha-Mantra, an alternative mantra
(placebo), and a control group over four weeks. The results from the study
showed that the participants that were chanting the Mana-Mantra had a strong
impact on decreasing symptoms of depression. What is more curious, was while
the placebo group did also show positive results, they weren’t as significant
as the Maha-Mantra group.
Increase in positive emotions
Linking ‘Loving Kindness’ meditation to more
happiness and gratitude increase in positive emotions. ‘Loving Kindness’
meditation often involves repeating phrases of gratitude, a form of
Mantra-Meditation. The specific study by Fredrickson (and others) looked at
meditation practice in the workplace and resulted in volunteers reporting
better life satisfaction as well as fewer symptoms of depression.
Increases our sense of community
For the last point, Mantra-Meditation also
improves our sense of community (social-connectedness). On a more obvious level, if you decide to
meditate in a group we are far more likely to feel a sense of engagement and
belong by doing something together. Though less obvious, when we start to
meditate, we become a part of the worldwide community who also practices
meditation. The feeling of belonging which we get in the physical group also
finds its way in our everyday practices and sense of identity.
Benefits without even realizing Mantra Meditation
It’s important to consider though, meditation
isn’t the be-all-end-all of treatments for mental health conditions. Meditation may be generally weak (with a
few higher-quality studies). They suggested mediation should be part of
wellbeing initiatives rather than clinical solutions. We may like to give
Mantra Meditation a try, either
chanting ‘Om’ as it is very simple or trying the Maha-Mantra described at the
beginning of this piece. If we don’t like either of those options, we can
easily Google some modern alternatives in English--Alexander Boswell.
“Mantra
and Meditation are the prime practices of the deeper Tantric Yoga of unity with
the Supreme Shiva and Universal Shakti. INNER TANTRIC YOGA explores the deeper
teachings of Tantra as a path of Self-Realization, based upon the teachings of
Kavyakantha Ganapati Muni.”--David Frawley
Swami
Sivananda from Varanasi has a passport that puts his age at 120! The sprightly
monk puts his longevity down to a disciplined life of yoga, no sex and a bland
food. He’s right, in part. Yoga helps, as does nutritious food, but that’s not
all you need to do live long.
Happy chanting for Promoting Health &
Self-Realization!
--April 17, 2022
Gandhi Memorial Center on the Sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi in USA
“Truth is the first thing to be sought for, and Beauty and
Goodness will then be added unto you.”
The bronze life-size sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi at the spinning
wheel in our Gandhi Memorial Center was sculpted from life at Sevagram Ashram
by sculptor, Clara Quien in 1946.
The Gandhi statue first arrived in Washington, D.C. to be
displayed at the Smithsonian Institution in 1969 for the Centennial Birth
Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. It was then loaned to the Mahatma Gandhi
Memorial Foundation and eventually made its permanent home in the
Gandhi Memorial Center.
In 1995 the Gandhi statue was displayed at the Kennedy Center in
Washington, D.C. for the 125th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi when
the “Moha-Mudgar” dance-drama based on Swami Shankarachariya’s 16-verse text
was presented by the Gandhi Memorial Center in collaboration with the Embassy
of India.
About the Sculptor:
Clara Quien (1903 to 1987) was a British artist and humanitarian;
the only sculptress granted the privilege of sculpting a life size statue of
Gandhi from life.
Clara Quien was born in England and spent much of her childhood in
and out of China. Her father was the financial director of the company in
charge of making the Wang Poo River navigable from the Yellow Sea to Shanghai.
He also directed the construction of Cheefoo Harbor.
As a very young woman, Clara studied in Switzerland. She then went
on to Florence to study under the late Maestro Andreotti. In Florence she
studied carving, casting and the history of art. From Florence art studies took
Clara to Berlin, Amsterdam, and Paris. Her first solo exhibition in Amsterdam
brought her great acclaim.
In 1935 Clara Quien travelled overland by car with her mother to
India and there, Clara married a Dutch architect, F.J. Hopman. They settled in
Srinagar, Kashmir. One of Clara’s great pieces of work, her
life-size Pieta, was the outcome of a walk in the hills of Kashmir with her
young children. She said that as they walked through the glorious country with
the beautiful flowers growing up through the ice, she reflected on the violence
of man, and decided her Pieta must be done.
Clara explained that as a child she traveled to China with her
father on a train through Russia, just after the tsar was killed, and the sad
sights that she saw on this journey stayed in her memory always. Because of
this preoccupation with the violence of man against man, she did a series of 34
anti-war sculptures that were housed in the Peace House in The Hague until the
sculptures were destroyed by the Nazis.
Clara attempted to stress in her Pieta, the sorrow and suffering
of those left behind after death. Through her life-size pieta, “Love One
Another,” which she offered for philanthropic purposes, she met Mohandas
Gandhi, who placed this work in the Gandhi Museum Garden at Maganwadi AIVIA, in
Wardha after it had brought in a large sum of money for the village uplift
movement. It was through this statue that Clara came to meet Gandhi and to do a
life-size sculpture of him. “He was a man totally free of hatred,” Clara
said, “and he was full of jokes, but never at the expense of
anyone.”
The life-size statue of Gandhi was sculpted in clay at Wardha and
then sent to Italy to be cast in bronze. From there it traveled to
California before it was presented to the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Foundation,
Inc. in Washington, DC.
Meeting and sculpting Gandhi was a turning point in her career.
She was later commissioned to model Pandit Nehru and his daughter, as well as
Maharajas, and the last Viceroy, Lord Mountbatten and his wife. In portraying
all these personalities Clara Quinn used her capacity to complete her work in a
few hours without people posing for her. Her reputation as a portraitist
spread to Persia where she sculpted Princess Ashraf, a bronze equestrian statue
of the Shah and several princes. Back in Bombay in 1951 she received the
highest award for sculpture for her “Return of Gautama” at the annual Art
Exhibition. In 1952 she returned to Europe to join her children in Goldern,
Switzerland.
In 1957 Clara Quien completed a large winged-lion and eleven
bronze line panels in cooperation with F.J. Hopman for decoration of the
Mehrabad Airport in Tehran. She then continued to paint well over a hundred
non-figurative pictures as well as a number of garden and other sculptures. She
also taught modeling of clay and lectured on a wide variety of subjects,
including Gandhian ideals.
--April
16, 2022
*************************************************************
Difference
between Hinduism and other Major Religions in Celebrating New Year
India’s Many New Year’s Days and Their Traditions Scream Cultural
Diversity
While India joins the rest of the world
in ringing in the Gregorian New Year on January
1 with lots of hopes of a fresh beginning, new resolutions, and majestic
fireworks, the traditional New Year’s Day varies from state to state in this
diverse country. Different regions observe New Year’s Day on a different date
as decided by the traditional (solar/ lunar) calendar. Thus, it comes as no
surprise that the multi-cultural Bharat celebrates not one, but many New Year’s
Days known by various names like Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Puthandu, Vishu, Navreh,
etc. in various parts of India. Their New Year’s traditions reflect the rich
cultural diversity of the country. As the world gears up for New Year 2022,
let’s take a look at traditional New Year’s celebrations across India.
Ugadi/
Yugadi – Telugu and Kannada New Year:
One of the important Indian festivals, Ugadi is the
traditional New Year for the Telugus and Kannadigas. It is celebrated on
Chaitra Shudda Padyami, the first day of the first Hindu
month Chaitra, according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar. The word
Ugadi originates from the Sanskrit word, Yugadi, meaning the start of a new
age. The people of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka welcome the New
Year by decorating their homes with mango leaves and marigold flowers. Ugadi
Pachadi, a melange of six different flavors symbolizing various emotions of
life, is a significant part of the New Year’s traditions in these states.
One notable difference between Hinduism
and other major religions is that it doesn’t have a clear founder or starting
point; rather, it grew and spread—possibly as early as 5500 BCE—in the Indian
subcontinent and changed over time based on Indian culture and economics.
Gudi
Padwa – Marathi New Year:
The New Year’s Day in Maharashtra, Goa
and other Konkan regions is called Gudi Padwa. Observed on the same day as
Ugadi, the festival marks the arrival of spring. As part of the celebrations,
people hoist Gudi dvaja (a decorated arrangement consisting of a
bright cloth tied to one end of a bamboo stick with kalash inverted
on it to symbolize victory) outside their homes. Festive dishes like shrikhand
and Puran Poli are traditionally made in Maharashtrian homes. The same day is
also celebrated as Cheti Chand by the Sindhi.
Baisakhi
– Sikh New Year:
Baisakhi is celebrated with great
enthusiasm in the North Indian state of Punjab. This harvest festival
celebrated on the first day of the Vaisakh month (as per Punjab’s solar
calendar) usually falls on the 13th or 14th of April. Baisakhi holds a special
significance for Sikhs as this day coincides with the formation of Sikh
Khalsa. The Land of Five Rivers comes to life with New Year’s
traditions like energetic Bhangra and Gidda performances.
The beautifully-lit Amritsar Temple, where major festivities happen, is a sight
to behold! Advance flight booking can save you a great deal. Check out our
deals on flights to Amritsar now.
Bohag
Bihu – Assamese New Year:
Also known as Rongali Bihu, this is the
biggest festival in Assam. The most important of the three Bihu celebrations in
the agriculture-based state (the other two being Kati Bihu and Magh Bihu),
Bohag Bihu is a harvest festival celebrated in the first month, Bohag, of the
Assamese Calendar. This festival that heralds the spring season and marks the
beginning of the Assamese New Year usually falls in mid-April. The festivities
last for several days, during which men and women of Assam dress up in
traditional attire and celebrate nature’s bounty in a cheerful manner. Folk
songs and Bihu dances are major highlights of this festival of merriment.
Pohela
Boishakh – Bengali New Year:
West Bengal observes the first day of
Vaishaka month as Pohela Boishak or Nabo Barsh, which marks New Year’s Day
according to the Bengali calendar. People wish each other ‘Shubho Noboborsho’
and take part in the processions, parades, cultural programs, and melas (fairs)
that happen throughout the state. An interesting part of Bengali New Year’s
traditions is Panjika, the Hindu astronomical almanac. Every Bengali family
ushers in the New Year with the purchase of a new Panjika. Pohela Boishak is
also celebrated in certain areas of Tripura and in Bangladesh.
Navreh
– Kashmiri New Year:
Celebrated on the first day of Chaitra Navratri, Navreh is one of
Kashmir’s important festivals. Navreh originates from the Sanskrit words ‘nava
varsha’ which means ‘new year’. It falls on the same day as Ugadi and Gudi
Padwa. Navreh is considered most sacred as it is believed to be the day when
the Saptarshi Era of the Kashmiri Hindu calendar started some thousands of
years ago. As part of New Year’s traditions, Kashmiri Hindu
families fill up a thali with unhusked rice, curd, salt, sugar candy,
almonds, silver coins, pen, flowers, the new panchanga, etc., and this thali is
seen first thing in the morning on New Year’s Day.
SPRING
NAVATRI AND THE WORSHIP OF THE MOTHER OF THE UNIVERSE
The new moon in Pisces and Yugadi
also marks the beginning of the spring Navaratris (Chaitra Navaratri) in which
Ma Durga is worshipped as the Mother of the Universe in her nine forms, just as
in the autumn Navaratis.
Let us remember the Supreme Goddess,
Amba Parameshwari JAI MA DURGE!
Puthandu
– Tamil New Year:
The first day of the Tamil
month Chittirai is observed as New Year’s Day in Tamil Nadu. Similar
to the New Year’s traditions in the neighboring states, Puthandu or
Puthuvarusham festivities begin with rangolis and puja rituals followed by a
festive meal. Tamilians arrange a platter on the eve of Puthandu with fruits,
betel leaves, jewelry, coins, etc., and this along with a mirror is placed next
to God during puja (Kerala also follows the same practice for
Vishu, the Malayali New Year, and they call this Vishu Kani). Chitterai
Thiruvizha held at Meenakshi Amman temple is another highlight of Puthandu
celebrations. A large number of people book flights to Tamil Nadu every year
around this time to witness the grand event.
VEDIC/HINDU
NEW YEAR
"April
1/2 2022 marks the beginning of the Vedic/Hindu New Year. It is timed according
to the New Moon in Pisces, which is the New Moon in the month of Chaitra in the
Hindu calendar (Chaitra Shukla Pratipad).
Our 2022 is year 5124 of the Kali Yuga calendar started from 3102
BCE. It is the astronomical New Year that is the basis of Vedic astrology world
predictions for the coming year.
This New Year is called Shubhakrita in the 60 year Jupiter cycle.
One born in this year performs good works, is devoted to knowledge, has
prosperity and protects others. Such qualities are necessary to deal with world
challenges today. These are indicated by the difficult planetary configurations
on this current date. The Hindu New Year also marks the spring Navaratris,
the nine days in which the Mother of the Universe is worshipped in the forms of
Ma Durga. The ninth day is also Ram Navami when Sri Ram was born.
The Vedic calendar of over five thousand years and the Hindu Panchangas reflect
detailed astronomical knowledge from the Earth to the Sun, Moon, planets and
stars. Very different than the western Roman-based calendar which is an
historical fossil.
Happy Hindu New Year! Happy
Yugadi! Happy Spring Navaratri"--David
Frawley.
Hinduism is noted as the world’s oldest
existing religion, dated as far back as the 2nd millennium BCE. Hinduism does not
have one founder or core doctrine that can be referenced. The religion is an
assembly of religious, philosophical and cultural ideas and practices that
originated in the country of India. The name Hinduism is new, compared to the
age of the religion. British writers created the name in the beginning of the
19th century. According to some, an
individual is born into Hinduism.
However, in today’s culture, one does
not need to be of Indian decent to practice Hinduism. It is not exclusive to
one nationality or race. Followers of Hinduism may worship multiple
different gods, although it's not a polytheistic religion because all these gods are believed to be
manifestations of the one Brahman.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
HINDU
VIEW OF EDUCATION
A nation’s theories about education depend upon its
theories about man. Its definition and understanding of education depend upon
its definition and understanding of man. If we regard man as a physical entity,
our approach to education would be of one kind; if we regard man as a mental
being, our approach would be of a different kind. But if we regard man as a
spiritual being, our educational formulations are bound to be different.
I believe that the question is not without a bearing
on the current controversies and problems of education. If we want to be the
architect of our true future, we must understand our past. It may be that while
exploring the past, we may come by some seed-ideas which are true for all
times. If that happens, those ideas may give us some direction and guidance in
our current educational planning.
Education
in the Vision of Vivekananda
Today`s education according to Vivekananda in a way leads us
astray in the direction of materialism, which makes the division of people as
high and low, whereas the ancient India education established unity and concord
of humanity. In the present modern materialistic society, there is no proper
place of values. Our modern political system is party and percentage of vote
based not moral based. Our economic policy is production centered and profit
based, not human centered. There is no relationship between our modern
economics and ethics. Our social system is full of communal and ethnic
conflicts. Now-a-days social injustice has become an accepting phenomenon. In
our judicial system, “all are equal but some one more equal”. Like other system
our educational system is also deviated from ethics and values. Our goal of
education is changed from character building to mark scoring. Our education is
non-functional and uninspiring. In general our education is far from being a
preposition for complete living. We have little scope for freedom and
initiative. Education only aims at making the students enter professional
colleges. They are tutored only their subjects and not real values.
Please go through the detailed discourse on the subject:
http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2022/04/the-hindu-view-of-education.html
On this holy occasion of Ram Navami, I am wishing that blessings of Lord
Rama be with you. Your heart and home be filled with happiness, peace
and prosperity.
Bottom of FormFour Seasons Cycle and Their Effect on
Human Lives
What
Are the Causes of the 4 Seasons on Earth?
“Four seasons -- autumn, winter, spring and summer --
occur throughout the year. Each hemisphere experiences an opposite season. For
example, the winter season in the northern hemisphere is summer in the southern
hemisphere. The seasons are caused by the tilt of the Earth's axis as it orbits
the sun.
The Earth's Orbit
The Earth spins counterclockwise on its axis at an angle
of 23.4 degrees. This spinning of the Earth causes day and night because only
half the world faces the sun. Moreover, as the Earth spins on its axis, it
orbits the sun, taking 365 days to complete a whole orbit. Because of the tilt
of the Earth's axis, different areas receive different amounts of sunlight
during the Earth's orbit, creating the four seasons.
The Seasons
The timing of the seasons is opposite for each hemisphere.
This is because when the north pole is tilted toward the sun, the northern
hemisphere faces the sun at a greater angle than the southern hemisphere.
Therefore the northern hemisphere gets warmer. This represents the summer
months for the northern hemisphere and winter for the southern hemisphere. As the
Earth continues its orbit, the South Pole even The Equinoxes
During the winter solstice, the sun is at its lowest path
in the sky, resulting in the shortest day of the year. After this day, the sun
follows a higher and higher path through the sky. The spring equinox occurs
when sun rises exactly in the east and travels through the sky for 12 hours,
setting exactly in the west. There is a spring and autumn equinox, where every
place on Earth experiences an approximate 12-hour day. After the spring equinox,
the sun continues to follow a higher and higher path through the sky until the
summer solstice, the longest day of the year and the sun's highest point in the
sky. After this, the sun follows a lower and lower path until it reaches the
autumn equinox and then the winter solstice.
Summary of the Different
Seasons
Summer
is the season with the longest days and warmest temperatures, with winter being
the opposite. Spring represents the time when the days start to get longer,
with more hours of sunlight. Autumn is the period when the days get shorter,
with less sunlight, building toward the winter months. Less distinction between
the seasons exists at the equator than at the poles because the equator is
tilted at almost the same angle from the sun all year long-- John Newton
“When
fall starts, and the weather starts to get colder (or it is supposed to) and
you notice that the way the earth looks is changing, you may notice that your
mood has also changed substantially. As the seasons change, so do the way humans
act, feel and interact. According to Live Science, “There is evidence of
seasonal peaks in suicides, which occur more frequently in summer, and birth
rates, which also tend to peak in spring and summer. Both, however, are
influenced heavily by other factors, according to a chapter on chronobiology
that Provencio contributed to
“Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry” (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins,
2008)”
There
is actual scientific evidence that humans are more likely to get less happy
during the fall and winter season. According to a study on human behavior based
on seasons, humans are more likely to suffer from seasonal affective disorder,
or SAD starting during late fall and early winter. “A 2001 study published in
the journal Archives of General Psychiatry, found that people suffering from
SAD secreted the hormone melatonin for longer periods during winter nights than
during summer nights, a fluctuation also seen among mammals whose behavior
varies seasonally. Normally, human production of melatonin, which regulates
sleep and is called the hormone of darkness, does not vary with the seasons.”
says Life Science.
Science
can also explain why some people can stay up at all hours of the night, whereas
others have to be in bed before midnight. “Everybody’s clock doesn’t tick on a
24-hour rotation, however. The average human day – as generated by our primary
circadian pacemakers, called the suprachiasmatic nuclei and located in the
hypothalamus of the brain – lasts about 24 hours and 11 minutes, although it can
be longer or shorter for individuals. Light “resets” this internal clock, so
our bodies are in synch with the time of day, according to Provencion.” This explains why some people are more likely
to stay up at all hours of the night. They have a longer natural cycle. ” says
Life Science. As daylight savings occurs and the nights get longer and the days
get longer, this affects how the human population and animal population
functions.
“Scientists
have shown that mood can change with the seasons, as well as metabolism (it is
easier to gain weight in the winter). The activity of human genes also changes
with the seasons, and so can immune system activity,” says the Huffington Post.
The study also talks about how even the way humans perceive colors changes from
summer to winter. You may not have even realized that your mental state or
physical state has been changing though the seasons, or maybe you never really
understood why you were more sad during the winter, but now you know, you could
just be suffering from SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder”--Dorian Usain
Sri Vishnu Stuti – Lord Rudra – Padma Puranam
The following is a rare hymn on Lord Vishnu by Lord Rudra taken
from Sri Padma Mahapuranam, Srishti Khanda, and Chapter 14 sent from Singapore
through courtesy by Muralidharan for Sri Ramanavami on 10th.
śrīrudra uvāca -
paraṁ parāṇāṁ amṛtaṁ purāṇaṁ parātparaṁ viṣṇuṁ ananta-vīryam |
smarāmi nityaṁ puruṣaṁ vareṇyaṁ nārāyaṇaṁ niṣpratimaṁ purāṇam || 1 ||
parātparaṁ pūrvajaṁ ugravegaṁ gaṁbhīra gaṁbhīradhiyāṁ pradhānam |
nato'smi devaṁ hariṁ īśitāraṁ parā paraṁdhāma paraṁ ca dhāma || 2 ||
parāparaṁ tatparamaṁ ca dhāma parāpareśaṁ puruṣaṁ viśālam
|
nārāyaṇaṁ staumi viśuddha-bhāvaṁ parāparaṁ sūkṣmaṁ idaṁ sasarja
|| 3 ||
sadā sthitatvāt puruṣa pradhānaṁ śāntaṁ pradhānaṁ śaraṇaṁ mamā'stu |
nārāyaṇaṁ vītamalaṁ purāṇaṁ parātparaṁ viṣṇuṁ apārapāram || 4 ||
purātanaṁ nītimatāṁ pradhānaṁ dhṛti kṣamā śānti paraṁ kṣitīśam |
śubhaṁ sadā staumi mahānubhāvaṁ sahasra-mūrddhānaṁ aneka-pādam
||
ananta-bāhuṁ śaśi-sūrya-netraṁ kṣarā'kṣaraṁ kṣīra-samudra-nidram| nārāyaṇaṁ staumi
paraṁ pareśaṁ parātparaṁ yat tridaśair agamyam || 6 ||
trisarga-saṁsthaṁ trihutāśa-netraṁ tritattva-lakṣyaṁ trilayaṁ trinetram |
namāmi nārāyaṇaṁ aprameyaṁ kṛtesitaṁ dvāparataśca raktam || 7 ||
kalau ca kṛṣṇaṁ tamatho namāmi sasarjayovaktrata eva viprān |
bhujāntarākṣāt kṣatramathoru yugmād viśaḥ padāgrāc ca tathaiva śūdrān || 8
namāmi taṁ viśva-tanuṁ purāṇaṁ
parātparaṁ pāragaṁ aprameyam || 9 ||
sūkṣmamūrtir mahāmūrtir vidyāmūrtir amūrtakam |
kavacaṁ sarva-devānaṁ namasye vārijekṣaṇam || 10 ||
sahasra-śīrṣaṁ devaṁ sahasrākṣaṁ mahābhujam |
jagat-saṁvyāpya-tiṣṭhaṁ taṁ namasye parameśvaram || 11 ||
śaraṇyaṁ śaraṇaṁ devaṁ viṣṇuṁ jiṣṇuṁ sanātanam |
nīlamegha-pratīkāśaṁ namasye śārṅgapāṇinam || 12 ||
śuddhaṁ sarvagataṁ nityaṁ vyomarūpaṁ sanātanam |
bhāvā'bhāva-vinirmuktaṁ namasye sarvagaṁ harim || 13 ||
na cā'tra kiñcit paśyāmi vyatiriktaṁ tavā'cyuta
|
tvan-mayaṁ ca prapaśyāmi sarvaṁ etac
carācaram || 14 ||
|| iti śrīpādme mahāpurāṇe
sṛṣṭi-khaṇḍe śrīrudra-kṛta śrīviṣṇu-stutiḥ sampūrṇam ||
Lord
Rama was born on Navami Tithi during Shukla Paksha of Chaitra
month. Each year this day is celebrated as birthday of Lord Rama. Lord Rama was
born during Madhyahna period which is middle of Hindu day. Madhyahna which
prevails for six Ghatis (approximately 2 hours and 24 minutes) is the most
auspicious time to perform Rama Navami Puja rituals. The
mid-point of Madhyahna marks the moment when Shri Rama was born and temples
symbolize this moment as birth moment of Lord Rama. The chanting of Shri Rama
and celebration reaches its peak during this time.
Due
to widespread use of western clock and Gregorian calendar people assume 12 p.m.
as Madhyahna moment. This could have been correct if sunrise and sunset occur
exactly at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. respectively but at most places sunrise and sunset
timings are different from six O'clock. Hence the exact time to celebrate
birthday of Lord Rama falls between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. for most Indian
cities. DrikPanchang.com list Hindu midday moment for all
cities and this moment should be used to mark the birth of Shri Rama.
Ayodhya is birthplace of Lord Rama and Rama Navami celebrations in
Ayodhya are remarkable. Devotees come to Ayodhya from far-flung places. After
taking holy dip into river Sarayu Devotees visit Rama temple
to participate in birthday celebrations.
Eight
Prahar fasting is suggested during Rama Navami. Which means devotees should
observe the fast from sunrise to sunrise. Rama Navami Vrat can be observed in
three different ways, casual (नैमित्तिक) -which can be observed without any cause, continual (नित्य)
- which can be observed throughout life without any desire and desirable (काम्य)
- which can be observed to fulfill any desire.
Rama was a Perfect Incarnation:
"Ordinary
people do not recognize the advent of an Incarnation of God. He comes in
secret. Only a few of His intimate disciples can recognize Him. That Rama was
both Brahman Absolute and a perfect Incarnation of God in human form was known
only to twelve rishis. The other sages said to Him, 'Rama, we know you only as
Dasaratha's son.'
"Can
anyone comprehend Brahman, the Indivisible Existence-Knowledge-Bliss Absolute?
He alone has attained perfect love of God who, having reached the Absolute,
keeps himself in the realm of the Relative in order to enjoy the divine lila. A
man can describe the ways and activities of the Queen if he has previously
visited her in England. Only then will his description of the Queen be correct.
Sages like Bharadvaja adored Rama and said: "O Rama, you are nothing but
the Indivisible Satchidananda. You have appeared before us as a human being,
but you look like a man because you have shrouded yourself with Your own
Maya." These rishis were great devotees of Rama and had supreme love for
God."--Sri Ramakrishna
“Sri Ram is the most ancient of the avatars
honored worldwide today. His life story the Ramayana is the greatest epic poem
and source of inspired music and dance, full of devotion. May humanity return
to his rule of the Universal Dharma as a new Ramarajya to take us beyond all
our difficulties and conflicts!
To
celebrate the birth anniversary of Sri Ram, we should chant the mantra of his
name and awaken his power of Dharma and service within us. JAI SHRI
RAM!”--David Frawley
I have heard that Rama is mantra of two Mantras. Ra from Om
namo naRayana and Ma from Om
NaMah Shivay. Nayana and nasivaya
carry opposite meaning without ra and ma. Ra
is agni beeja and Ma is amrita beeja. It was Sage Vasishtha who christened
Rama, just as Sage Garga christened Krishna. Actions performed by sages of
their caliber have multiple obvious and esoteric (mantra-related) import.
On
this holy occasion of Ram Navami, I am wishing that blessings of Lord Rama be
with you. Your heart and home be filled with happiness, peace and
prosperity.
--April 9, 2022
Comments:
Happy Rama Navami to you and your family. Thanks for
sharing.
--Shanti Raghavan
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FOWAI Forum Webinar 220 on Adi
Sankaracharya's Maya Panchakam
According to Advaita Vedanta Brahman is the only Reality.
This Brahman appears toes as the universe of multifarious names and forms
because of our ignorance of Brahman, in the same way as a rope, when not
recognized as such due to dim light, appears as a snake. This ignorance is also
known by the names 'Nescience' and 'Maya'. In his commentary on the
Kathopanishad Sri Sankara says: "Alas, how unfathomable, inscrutable and
variegated is this Maya, that every creature, though in reality identical with
the supreme Being and even when taught so, does not grasp that fact and does
not recognize himself as the supreme Self, while, even without being told, he
accepts as his Self the not-Self, namely, the aggregate of body and senses and
thinks, 'I am the son of so and so', though these (the body, senses, etc.) are
only objects (of perception, etc.) like pots, etc. Verily it is that they are
being deluded by the Maya of the Supreme Being, such that everyone moves again
and again (through the unending cycle of birth and death)".
In Vivekachudamani, verse 108, Sri Sankara points out that Maya
cannot be known directly, but can only be inferred from its effects, namely,
the world of names and forms which we perceive. It is the power of the Supreme
Being. In verse 109 it is said that Maya cannot be described as either existent
or non-existent or both; it is indescribable (anirvachaniya).
In Mayapanchakam, a work consisting of five stanzas, Sri Sankara
brings out succinctly how Maya makes incompatibles appear together and shows
how it brings about what appears logically to be impossible.
1. Maya, which is adept at making the impossible happen,
superimposes on me (the Atman) who am in reality pure Consciousness, who am
incomparable (because the Atman is the only reality and there is therefore
nothing else with which it can be compared), who am eternal, part less,
unlimited by space, time and other objects, in whom there is no differentiation
whatsoever, the distinctions in the form of the world, God and the individual
soul.
Note: The world, God and the individual soul appear to be
different from one another only because of the limiting adjuncts.
Intrinsically, there is neither difference nor identity among them, for all the
three are in essence Pure Consciousness, homogeneous like a lump of salt. When
the unconditioned Self has, as the limiting adjuncts, the body and organs which
are characterized by ignorance, desire and action, it is called the
transmigrating individual soul. When the limiting adjunct is the power of
eternal and unlimited knowledge, which is Maya, the same Self is known as God,
who is the antaryaamin or Inner Controller of the whole world.
The same Self, free from all limiting adjuncts, is Brahman (Br.up.3.8.12,
Sankarabhashya).
2. Maya, which is adept at making the impossible happen, makes even those who have
mastered the Vedas and the Upanishads behave no better than four-legged animals
by tempting them with wealth and possessions. What a pity!
3. Maya, which is adept at making the impossible happen, makes the
Atman which is of the nature of Bliss and pure and infinite Consciousness and
is without a second, identify itself with the body made up of the elements,
namely, ether, air etc., and whirl intensely in the ocean of trans-migratory
existence.
4. Maya, which is adept at making the impossible happen, creates
in the pure Bliss-Consciousness which is devoid of attributes such as caste,
creed and the like, the notion of 'I'-ness, of looking upon oneself as a
Brahmana, Vaisya, etc., as well as attachment to son, wife and home.
5. Alas! Maya, which is adept at making the impossible happen,
creates in Brahman which is homogeneous, without any parts, distinctions such
as Brahma, Vishnu and Siva and thereby perplexed.
Webinar 220 of Swami Chidanandaji of
FOWAI Forum gives its explanation below on the short poem – Five Verses of the
Delusory Power Called Māyā – attributed to Ᾱdi Shankarāchārya. Within the frame of reference
of avidyā, the erroneous perception, countless confusions take
place. Māyā is not on par with avidyā but is
a concept used to describe all the false attachments and aversions that arise
when there is spiritual ignorance. The
purpose of studying māyā is to identify several areas where we need to question
the reality of things.
निरुपमनित्यनिरंशकेऽप्यखण्डे मयि चिति सर्वविकल्पनादिशून्ये घटयति जगदीशजीवभेद अघटितघटना पटीयसी माया ॥ 1 ॥
1.
Even in me, the pure Awareness, who is incomparable, eternal, all pervading and
bereft of any distinction, the mighty power of māyā is able to
create the delusory existence of the universe, the ego, and īśvara (the
Lord). It is capable of making the impossible things happen!
श्रुतिशतनिगमांत-शोधकानपि अहह धनादिनिदर्शनेन सद्यः । कलुषयति
चतुष्पदाद्यभिन्नान् अघटितघटना पटीयसी माया ॥ 2 ॥
2. This māyā,
with its power to make the impossible happen overwhelms even the wisest
individuals who have studied the scriptures and the Upanishads. Ah! Enticed by
the enchantments of wealth (and woman/man) etc., they behave no different than
the four-legged (animals)! All this is in an instant!
सुखचिदखण्डविबोधमद्वितीयं वियदनलादिविनिर्मिते नियोज्य | भ्रमयति भवसागरे नितान्तम्
अघटितघटना
पटीयसी माया ॥ 3 ॥
3.
(The Truth of the Self is) Bliss, Awareness, the indivisible Consciousness, and
One-without-a-second. –māyā makes this (ātman)
one with matter envelopments composed of the five elements such as space and
air. Then it causes (the Self) to go in circles in the ocean of samsāra thoroughly!
अपगतगुणवर्णजातिभेद सुखचिति विप्रविडाद्यहंकृतिं च । स्फुटयति सुतदारगेहमोहम्
अघटितघटना
पटीयसी माया ॥ 4 ॥
4.
(The Self is) without qualities, caste or birth distinctions. (It is) essentially
absolute bliss and knowledge. Yet, māyā has the capacity
to bring about its union with the conceited ego, having pride in caste and
status such as "I am a Brahmin; I am a trader." Further, possessive
attachments to son, wife and house etc. take place. –māyā is
indeed wonderful!
विधिहरिहरभेदमप्यखण्डे बत विरचय्य बुधानपि प्रकामम् । भ्रमयति हरिहरविभेदभावान्
अघटितघटना
पटीयसी माया ॥ 5 ॥
5.
This wonderful power of māyā makes it possible to create
bitter enmity between erudite scholars by creating differences in their
concepts of the indivisible absolute Existence, Knowledge, and Bliss as Brahmā, Vishnu
and Shiva --- as sectarian gods. They are victimized by the mighty māyā ,
indeed!
In
the Self, which is bliss and consciousness, this maya creates notions of being
a Brahmin, a Vaishya, and other forms of egoism; also makes us get deluded with
regard to sons, daughters, spouses and property! (Verse
4)
--April 9, 2022
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An IMPORTANT AUPA 82 MESSAGE
Under
the feature ‘Mantra to Ponder’, we have tried to highlight a line or two from
the Upanishads, where the ancient meets the modern and the teachings on high
plateau shake hands with our practical needs on a daily basis. You will see, in
this issue, the emphasis on getting rid of egoism, which is an eternal value.
‘Introducing
an Upanishad’, the new column that we started three months back, has received
encouraging feedback. As the third piece, we have ‘Kathopanishad’ for you in this issue.
Ms
Ranjini Manian appears at the Guest-Speak for the second time in our
e-newsletter, and has something to share with us that especially has relevance
to ‘women empowerment’. You will surely be delighted to know two acronyms FOPO
and FOMO, two kinds of fear that haunt most of us.
Lakshmi
Chandrasekharan is a new face at AUPA. She had joined us recently at the
Lonavala Retreat and we have found in her a resourceful young woman, who can
contribute to our work in many ways. Please read her poem under AUPA YUVA.
Please
do write to us and let us know your valuable feedback.
--Swami
Chidananda and Team AUPA
TO ERR IS HUMAN IS DISPLAYED BY
RAMA
We
can easily judge this act--leaving Sita, despite being pregnant and weak, added
to this fact is that the younger brother left her alone in a Jungle.
By
any means despite it may be morals of any age Rama had no right to leave Sita.
It is bad today as it would have been that time.
That
is the reason except for Valmiki Ramayana but no other Ramayana ends the way
Sita was treated later. Rama cannot be a role model of anyone and no one
can justify this decision.
Humans
are petty and they make petty people as Gods, just like them, waring, cheating
doing all sort of negative things. Look at the Hindu pantheon--it is full of
bad examples and its simplification.
Did he violate Kshatriya Dharma, killing VALI
hiding? Did he atone to it in Krishna Avatar killed by a hunter who mistook him
to be a deer while resting under the tree?
Perhaps
a time has come for Hindus to rethink about their ways and try to follow the
best in the religion which were the Bramhasutras, Patanjali’s Yoga sutras
and principal Upanishads!
Comments:
What it means "except for Valmiki Ramayana but no other Ramayana ends the way
Sita treated later. Somehow I have not read these
Puranas well or can relate. My dad focused me in Sruthi alone.
--Bala Subhramaniyan
Webinar on Five
Verses on Cosmic Illusion
The next webinar on Māyā
Panchakam on “Five Verses
on Cosmic Illusion cosmic energy of the Supreme Being with which He projects the
universe from Himself. In other philosophical systems, Maya is the thought of a
cosmic illusion or ignorance, avidya, that deludes the individual soul (atman)
into forgetting its own divine nature. This forgetfulness of its true nature
further causes the soul to mistakenly identify itself with the body and mind,
assume individuality, and thus subject itself to pleasure and pain in the
phenomenal world. This mistaken identity of the soul with the body and
mind is said to be, in Hindu scriptures, analogous to mistaking a rope for a
snake in dull light. In this the rope – snake analogy, the rope represents the
soul, the snake denotes the individual or individuality, and the dull light
represents Maya. Thus there are two powers associated with Maya. The first is
the power of veiling the truth, and the second is the power of projecting the
truth as something else.
“Maya, (Cosmic Illusion, for want of a better word in
English), is a fundamental concept in Hindu philosophy, notably in the Advaita
(non-duality) school of Vedanta. Maya originally denoted the magic power with
which God can make human beings believe in what turns out to be an illusion. By
extension, it later came to mean the powerful force that creates the cosmic
illusion that the phenomenal world is real. For the nondualists, Maya is thus
that cosmic force that presents the ‘infinite Brahman’ (the Supreme Being) as
the finite phenomenal world. Maya is reflected on the individual level by human
ignorance, ‘ajnana’ of the real nature of the self, which is mistaken for the
empirical ego but which is, in reality, identical with Brahman. Maya is used in
various connotations, implying a principle, power or process. Since in Hindu
view non-existence can never be the source of creation (just as a plant can
never sprout without a seed), Maya is the metaphysical principle that is used
in Hinduism to explain the projection of the phenomenal world by Brahman, the
Cosmic Self.
Maya may be explained yet in another way. In the Hindu
view, atman provides sentience (sensitivity) to a sentient (conscious) being
and gives rise to faculties to the mind and intellect in a human body. In the
absence of a body, atman does not say “I”. In the absence of atman, the inert
body does not say “I” either. However, when the two meet, mysterious power in
the form of “I- thought” appears. This mysterious “I – thought”, also called
ego, is the result of Maya. This aspect of Maya is explained by Paramahamsa Sri
Ramakrishna, “Maya is nothing but the egotism of the embodied soul. This
egotism has covered everything like a veil. All troubles come to an end when
the ego dies.”-Dr. Venigopal Menon.
This
Maya, the ego, is like a cloud. The sun remains in the sky, but a dense cloud
cover prevents us from seeing it. When the clouds disperse, we become aware
that the sun has been there all the time. Our clouds—Maya appearing as egotism,
selfishness, hatred, greed, lust, anger, ambition—are pushed away when we
meditate upon our real nature, when we engage in unselfish action, and when we
consistently act and think in ways that manifest our true nature: that is,
through truthfulness, purity, contentment, self-restraint, and forbearance.
This mental purification drives away the clouds of Maya and allows our divine
nature to shine forth.
According
to many schools of Hinduism, the world is an illusion, a play of the supreme
consciousness of God. It is a projection of things and forms that are
temporarily phenomenal and sustains the illusion of oneness and permanence. The
illusion of the phenomenal world is created and sustained by stand-alone
objects thrown together either by an act of randomness or through the
deliberate choice of conscious will.
Death
is the end for us – of life, of beauty, of wealth, of power, of virtue.
Irrespective of status, everyone dies, and yet, this tremendous clinging on to
life exists. We cannot give it up. And this is Maya. Knowledge of happiness
brings knowledge of unhappiness. Material prosperity is reflected in misery
elsewhere. The strong prey upon the weak. Desire is never satisfied with the
enjoyment of desires; it only increases. The more we progress, the more avenues
are open to pain as well as pleasure. All this is Maya. Our feelings, thoughts,
and aspirations are all integral to our life; the core of life is the march
towards perfection. When we take life as we experience it to be all that we
perceive, we forgo perfection. It is life minus that ‘ideal component’; the
differential that is Maya. The symbol OM visually consists of three curves, one
semicircle, and a dot:
The
large bottom curve symbolizes the waking state, A.
The middle curve signifies the dream state, U.
The upper curve denotes the state of deep sleep, M.
The dot signifies the fourth state of consciousness, Turiya
The
semicircle at the top represents Maya and separates the dot from the other
three curves. It signals to us that it is the illusion of Maya that is an
obstacle to the realization of the Highest. Our scriptures declare that
creation is the play of consciousness. It differentiates itself into diverse
things and in the end withdraws everything into itself. Says the Yoga Vasishta,
“The world is nothing but a mere vibration of consciousness in space. All this
is but Maya: for here there is no contradiction between the infinite
consciousness and the apparent existence of the universe. It is like the
marvelous dream of a person who is awake.
In
an ordinary sense, the word ‘Maya’ means, trickery, fraud or deceit. In the
spiritual parlance, Maya means unreality, distinct from the reality represented
by God or Brahman. God in His eternal and absolute aspect is pure consciousness
and His creation is a mere formation within that consciousness. It exists so
long as 270 there is an experienced distinct from the experience.
Maya
is that which arises from Prakirti (nature) or Pradhana (primal energy). ‘Ma’
means the source, the cause, and ‘Ya’ means that which proceeds, goes, walks,
or spreads out. Thus, literally, Maya means that which issues forth, expands,
or arises from the source, ‘Ma’, the universal mother. Maya is also described
in the Hindu scriptures as the play (lila) of God enacted through his creative
and dynamic energy or force (shakti). It is the web of deception weaved by the
universal spider (Brahman) to envelop the worlds in delusion (moha).
An
illusion is the appearance of things differently from what they are actually.
It is part of our normal existence. We do not have to be spiritually inclined
to notice it. For example, everything in the universe is in constant motion,
but we think as if we live in a stable world because we do not perceive the
motion unless we pay particular attention to the planets and the stars and the
movement of time. The sky has no color. But to our eyes, it appears as blue,
because of the reflection of the light by the molecules in the air. This is an
illusion, which we see every day but do not acknowledge mentally unless we
begin to think about it consciously. Even at night, we remember the sky to be
blue! We consider the milk to be a white liquid. This is also an illusion
because in reality milk is a combination of several atoms and molecules that
come together to give the appearance and taste of milk. The appearance of a person
as a combination of the mind and the body is also an illusion because man is
more than the mere union of the two.
Is
the world ‘really’ unreal?
Hinduism
considers the world to be false or unreal not in a physical sense but in an
eternal and absolute sense. The world is an illusion not because it does not
exist, but because it is not what it appears to be all the time. Our scriptures
say that we should not be misled by this ordinary sensory experience of ours.
We should pay particular attention to our perceptions and go beyond the
appearance of things to know the truth. We can arrive at the truth by
understanding the various states of our consciousness. (Awake, dream state,
deep sleep).
Why
this is important for an individual? How does it matter whether the world is
real or unreal? No one can dispute the fact that, at any given moment, the
world in which we live is real. It does exist in some specific form and state,
independent of whether we exist or not. It is real in the physical sense. It is
also tangible to our senses. We experience its existence in innumerable ways in
our minds and through our senses all the time. Right now, at this very moment,
we are in the real world. We cannot say the world is an illusion unless we have
literally lost our minds. This does not mean it is not an illusion. This is the
paradox, the real truth, to understand which we have to go deeper into
ourselves to discover our true nature and the meaning of self-absorption.
Overcoming Maya
Maya
disappears only when our minds and senses are fully stabilized, and we are able
to experience things without the division of the seer and the seen. The only
way to steer clear from Maya is to be able to see the truth as it is, which is
possible only when our egos yield place to our real selves. Maya is something
that separates us from the divine power called GOD. An Individual’s true nature
is divine, but through Maya, or ignorance, that divinity in us is
covered.
daivī hyeṣhā guṇa-mayī mama
māyā duratyayā /
mām eva ye prapadyante māyām etāṁ taranti
te //
BG 7.14: My divine energy Maya, consisting of the three modes of
nature, is very difficult to overcome. But those who surrender unto me cross
over it easily.
Maya
cannot be overcome without a fundamental shift in our awareness and inner
conditioning. Where there is duality, the sense of separation, there is Maya.
When our minds and senses are active, we remain under the influence of Maya.
When we perceive things in a state of duality, we remain in the domain of Maya.
Maya disappears only when our minds and senses are fully stabilized, and we are
able to experience things without the division of the seer and the seen. Even
the gods are not free from the influence of Maya because they also experience
duality 272 and plurality. Truly no one is ever free from Maya, till one has
lost all sense of duality forever. The only way to steer clear from Maya is to
be able to see the truth as it is, which is possible only when our egos yield
place to our real selves.
Sri
Aurobindo discusses the concept as follows: “The one thing that can be
described as an unreal reality is our individual sense of separateness and the
conception of the finite as a self-existent object in the Infinite. This
conception, this sense is pragmatically necessary for the operations of the
surface individuality and are effective and justified by their effects; they
are therefore real to its finite reason and finite self-experience: but once we
step back from the finite consciousness into the consciousness of the essential
and infinite, from the apparent to the true Person, the finite or the
individual still exists but as being and power and manifestation of the
Infinite; it has no independent or separate reality”
Food
for thought!
Is Maya a mirage, or like a mirror
image? Is it like seeing through a cataract or experiencing a dream? If all we
see and experience is an illusion, what is so-called life, if we ‘conquer’
Maya? If it is an illusion, why is it the same for everybody? Why we all see
the same sun rising, stars twinkling, rains falling, hurricane flooding, people
dying? What is the purpose of the creator to so ‘fool’ all his creations?
Perhaps you will find answer to these after hearing to Pujya Swamiji!
Author, Dr. Venugopal Menon to these was born
and raised in a loving family in pre-independent India, became a doctor, served
Indian army, got married, then came over to America with wife and a daughter,
established as a successful Allergist, raised a family of three children, was
involved in many social establishments, retired, and wrote memoirs, 'My Mother
Called Me Unni, A Doctor's Tale of Migration'.
--aPRIL 2, 2022
POST-COLONIAL THEORY BY DR. KUNDAN SINGH
ON APRIL 2, 2022
Colonialism involves a tremendous
"transformation" in the social and cultural spheres through the
process of generating literature on the colonized and then pumping
that “knowledge” into the consciousness of the colonized through the establishment
of institutions and universities. Long after colonialism has come to an
end politically, the colonial discourse on India and Hinduism continues even
today, albeit in seemingly politically correct ways, and gets replicated
at various levels in mainstream academia across the world.
In this webinar,
HUAwe will explore the
theoretical tools that help us understand the impact of colonialism on the
psyche and culture of the Hindu people and the parallels between other
colonized indigenous people.
Post-colonialism is
the critical academic study
of the cultural, political and economic legacy of colonialism and imperialism, focusing on the
impact of human control and exploitation of colonized people and their lands.
More specifically, it is a critical theory analysis
of the history, culture, literature, and discourse of (usually European)
imperial power.
Post-colonialism encompasses a wide
variety of approaches, and theoreticians may not always agree on a common set
of definitions. On a simple level, through anthropological study,
it may seek to build a better understanding of colonial life—based on the
assumption that the colonial rulers are unreliable narrators—from
the point of view of the colonized people. On a deeper level, post-colonialism
examines the social and
political power relationships that sustain
colonialism and neo-colonialism, including
the social, political and cultural narratives surrounding
the colonizer and the colonized. This approach may overlap with studies
of contemporary
history, and may also draw examples from
anthropology, historiography, political science, philosophy, sociology, and human geography.
Sub-disciplines of post-colonial studies examine the effects of colonial rule
on the practice of feminism, anarchism, literature,
and Christian thought.
At
times, the term post-colonial studies may be preferred
to post-colonialism, as the ambiguous term colonialism could
refer either to a system of government, or to an ideology or world-view underlying
that system. However, post-colonialism (i.e., post-colonial
studies) generally represents an ideological response to colonialist thought,
rather than simply describing a system that comes after
colonialism, as the prefix post- may
suggest. As such, post-colonialism may be thought of as a reaction to or
departure from colonialism in the same way post-modernism is
a reaction to modernism; the term post-colonialism itself
is modeled on post-modernism, with which it shares certain concepts and methods--April 1, 2022
UGADI OR GUDIPADVA 2022-2023
Ugadi
is the New Year (Lunar New Year) for Telugu and Kannada speaking people and it
ushers in the spring season. Ugadi 2022 date is April 2. Shubhakrutha Nama
Samvatsara begins on April 2, 2022. In USA, Canada and UK, it is
marked on April 2. In Australia, Malaysia and Singapore it is on April
2. Ugadi (yuga and adi) means beginning of an astronomical cycle.
Ugadi
is also the first day of Chaitra, the first month of the traditional Hindu
calendar followed in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Ugadi is also
known as Chandramana Ugadi or Chandramana Varsha Thodaku or Vatsara Arambha.
Ugadi has its derivation from the word
‘Yugadi’ which consists of two terms ‘Yuga’ and ‘adi,’ which respectively means
‘cycle of time’ and ‘beginning’.
For
the Telugu and Kannada speaking people, Ugadi day begins with an extensive oil
bath. Rangolis or Kolams are drawn in front of homes and doors and windows are
decorated with a 'toran' - mango leaves strung together. Then, it is time for
the preparation of the famous ‘Ugadi Pachadi’ in Andhra Pradesh. In Karnataka,
it is the ‘Bevu Bella.’
A
major event on the day is “Panchanga Sravanam” – predictions for the year. It
is organized at temples and by cultural and social organizations. Ugadi Pachadi which is distributed on
the day is a unique dish with a mixture of six tastes ranging from sweet to
bitter. It comprises of jaggery, raw mango, tamarind, neem flowers, salt and
green chilli. This is the first dish that people have on Ugadi day.
Ugadi
Pachadi has an important symbolic meaning that life brings different
experiences ranging from sweet to bitter. Therefore each individual should
learn to take the different experiences in one's stride and move ahead.
Instead
of the Ugadi Pachadi, in some places people serve jaggery mixed with neem
leaves. The bitter taste of neem leaves and the sweet of jaggery symbolize joy
and sorrow in life. This is more popular with Kannadigas.
Ugadi
marks the beginning of spring or the Vasant Ritu. Farmers wait for the first
showers after the New Year to plough and begin the next cycle of farming. The
festival celebrates nature’s regeneration. All trees begin to sprout tender
leaves. The markets are flooded with different types of fruits. And most
importantly Neem trees begin to blossom.
Ugadi
is also considered to be the ideal time to start new ventures. House warming,
starting of construction of new houses, important documents are signed,
purchases are made on the day. The day symbolizes hope. A day to start afresh.
To forget all the bad of the previous year.
Man
is subject to all kinds of hardships and misfortunes. To remind ourselves of
this, we eat the bitter flowers of the neem on Ugadi - that is on the very
first day of the year we accept the bitterness of life. During the Pongal
ceremony, which is celebrated almost towards the close of the year, we have
sugarcane to chew. If we have only sweetness in the beginning we may have to
experience bitterness towards the end. We must not have any aversion for the
bitter but welcome it as the medicine administered by Mother Nature or by
dharma. If we do so, in due course, we will learn to regard any experience,
even if it were unpleasant, as a sweet one. (As told by Sage of Kanchi).Koil
Alwar Thirumanjanam, Ugadi Asthanam, Panchanga Sravanam are some of the
important rituals associated with Ugadi at Tirumala Temple (Read more about Ugadi festival in Tirupati).
Maharashtrians
celebrate Gudi Padwa on the day
(this year it is on April 2, 2022).
Wish you all a Very Happy Yugadi and a very Happy Shubhakrit Samvatsara Many thanks for your kind
Ugadi greetings, Respected Sir. We heartily reciprocate that the New Year will
usher in a period good health and prosperity
--Koil APN Saptagireesh
YOGA,
UPANISHADS AND AFTER THOUGHTS
Yoga and Upanishads from a long line of complex yet
potent written teachings. While the Vedas are considered the most sacred and treasured spiritual texts of India, it is the Upanishads that
transferred the foundational wisdom of the Vedas into practical and personal
teachings. Practically everyone who
incarnates forgets that they have a spiritual purpose. What
Is Spiritual Education-Devo Ekah and Why Do We Need It? God’s love is a fountain of joy and it is the only power that can unite human
heart. Abdu’l-Baha said that
spiritual power is one of the two wings of man: “One wing is physical power and
material civilization; the other is spiritual power and divine civilization.
With one wing only, flight is impossible. Two wings are essential. Therefore,
no matter how much material civilization advances, it cannot attain to
perfection except through the uplift of spiritual civilization.”
It is not Bahai’s
Temple in Delhi alone! Savitri Bhavan, situated at Auroville, Pondicherry, is a
center dedicated to fostering a living sense of Human Unity through spiritual
education based on the vision and teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother.
Upanishadic Thoughts’ contributions have helped to shape the
material progress of humanity and in the realm of mind, which has influenced
human thought, sciences, and spirituality through time. God is One, the Supreme Being and that
all forms of worship, the various names given to male and female Gods are but
the manifestation of One Great Power. A small Temple in the South Indian hamlet
of ‘Chidambaram’ brings out this point. The sanctum sanctorum here, called, ‘Chidambara Rahasyam’ is the focal point
of this argument.
Please go through the full
course on the subject:
http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2022/03/yoga-upanishads-and-their-after-thoughts.html--April 3, 202
The
Meaning Behind 108 in the Universe, the Divine, the Body, the Tradition and the
Practice
As with so many questions in life, the initial answer is ‘It
depends who you ask.’ The number 108 holds great significance in a variety of
fields. So, let’s have a look at some of the ways in which the number 108 is
significant and see how these may inspire us in our life and practice.
108 and the universe
108 is a particularly significant number in the mathematics of the
universe.
For example, the diameter of the Sun is 108 times the diameter of
the Earth and the average distance of the Sun and the Moon to Earth is 108
times their respective diameters.
108 = 1¹ × 2² × 3³
"1:108 represents the ratios between:
1. The sun's distance & diameter
2. The moon's distance & diameter
3. The sun's & earth's diameters"
Mathematicians from the Vedic tradition came to view 108 as the
number representing the wholeness of existence.
Placing significance on the number 108 reminds us of our place in
the cosmic order of things.
108 and the divine
108 appears as a number of significances within various Eastern
religious traditions. For example, in the Hindu tradition, there are 108
attendants of Shiva. In Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Lord Krishna in Brindavan had 108
followers. The words of the Buddha are recorded in the Tibetan Kangyur in 108
volumes. A bell is chimed 108 times in Buddhist temples in Japan to finish the
old year and welcome the new one.
Placing significance on the number 108 connects us to the divine
source of all things.
108 and the human body
As we focus in on the human body, the number 108 holds special
significance.
For example, there are 108 marma points, considered to be sacred
places in the body. In Ayurveda, these pressure points are seen as vital for giving
life to living beings for it is at these points that consciousness and flesh
intersect.
Additionally, there are 108 nadis, or energy lines, which converge
to form the heart chakra.
Placing significance on the number 108 embraces the life-giving
energy so vital for human existence.
108 and the tradition of yoga
The number 108 has emerged as a truly significant number within
the tradition of yoga.
According to yogic tradition, there are 108 sacred sites known as
pithas, throughout India. There are 108 Upanishads (a collection of Indian
religious and philosophical texts from as early as 800 BCE) and 108 Puranas
(Sanskrit sacred writings on Hindu mythology from as early as 400 BCE).
There are 54 letters in Sanskrit, where each can be seen as either
masculine (Shiva) or feminine (Shakti), and therefore totaling 108.
Placing significance on the number 108 aligns the yogi to the
ancient tradition of yoga.
108 and the practice of yoga and meditation
In yoga, the number 108 has significance as the number
representing spiritual completion.
Sun salutations are often performed in nine rounds of the 12
postures which totals 108 poses. A yoga mala consists of 108 sun
salutations.
Pranayama is also often completed in cycles of 108 – if you’re looking for more
information on breath-work and Pranayama or you’re in search of peace, clarity
and calm, our collection of educational Pranayama books shed
light on the power of Pranayama and combining breath-work exercises with
meditation.
A mala is traditionally a string of 108 prayer beads with a guru
bead. As you pray, you move along the beads, reciting your chosen mantra 108
times.
A mala is used for counting as you repeat a mantra, here at
Yoga-matters we’ve got an extensive collection of malas from Mala Collective.
Each beaded with gemstones that signify different meanings, Mala Collective’s
mala beads help you reconnect with your intentions; whether you’re rising, healing, or rebalancing –
Mala Collective’s unique malas help
you find clarity on what’s most important in your life.
As we practice chanting, breath-work, or asana in rounds of this
sacred number, we become aligned with the rhythm of the universe and the energy
of the divine source.
Placing significance on the number 108 connects the essence of
each individual yoga practice to the whole.
How
to use mala beads for meditation
As well as holding the ability to help you tap into energy with
each of mala’s unique gemstones, using a mala during your yoga practice or
meditation can help you feel more connected with the universe and focus your
mind and breathe as you flow through your practice.
To use your mala beads through practice, simply hold your mala
between both your middle and index fingers. Starting at the guru bead, which is
often signified with a different colored gemstone – use your thumb and begin to
count each of the smaller beads whilst you recite your mantra. Repeat this 108
times as your fingers travel around the mala until you reach the guru bead once
more, as placing significance on the number 108 connects the essence of each
individual yoga practice to the whole.
Mala beads at meditation accessories at Yoga-matters
As you advance through your practice, purchasing a mala can help
guide you into a more meditative state, all whilst helping to reconnect with
the universe and your own intentions. At Yoga-matters, we offer yoga
enthusiasts a wide collection of meditation props and accessories,
to help you delve deeper into your practice.
Whether you’re looking for your own unique mala beads to
align with your individual intentions, or you’re looking for a range of Pranamaya accessories to
help you switch off and delve deeper into a meditative state, we’ve got
everything you need to bring more intention to your practice.
Yoga-matters
For over 20 years, Yoga-matters has been faithfully supporting
yoga teachers, yoga studio owners and yoga practitioners around the world.
We're here to share stories and to support your yoga journey whether that means
taking the time to help you choose your perfect yoga mat, bolster or practical
props or offering you the comfiest clothing basics and essentials to help you
flow and grow.
‑‑March
27, 2022
Comments:
Another
very good article. I also remember your statement earlier in our temple
that there are 27 nakshthrams (birth stars) and each one has 4 padams and thus
making 108 (27 x 4) in total. I also went through your E-mail on the Meaning of
108. Very good Sir. Excellent information. Thank
you.
--Nashville
Nagarajan
CHIDAKASHA,
THE SPACE OF CONSCIOUSNESS
Definition
- What does Chidakasha Dharana mean?
Chidakasha dharana is
a form of meditation that focuses on the inner space in the mind located behind
the ajna (third eye) chakra. It is believed to promote
intuition and even allow psychic powers to manifest.
To practice chidakasha dharana, take a comfortable seated position and close
the eyes. Place the focus on the inner space behind the forehead with no
thoughts, simply observing. Be aware of the body and any visions that appear
without judging or analyzing. Finally, as all visions disappear, experience the
dark, infinite space.
Yogapedia
explains Chidakasha Dharana
Sometimes
called “inner visualization,” chidakasha dharana is a Sanskrit term. Chidakasha refers
to this inner space or “space of consciousness……. from chit,
meaning “consciousness,” and akasha, meaning “space.” Dharana is
a Sanskrit word meaning “concentration.” It is the sixth limb of Patanjali's
eight-fold path of yoga as described in the Yoga Sutras.
The eight limbs of yoga are yama
(abstinences), niyama (observances), asana (yoga postures), pranayama (breath
control), pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation) and samadhi
(absorption)."
During These Times of Stress and Uncertainty Your
Doshas May Be Unbalanced. Chidakasha dharana may allow you to see
visions of colors and forms, which could be old impressions (samskaras)
released by the subconscious mind. Chidakasha dharana is believed to deepen
awareness, relax the mind and balance emotions.
“In
Vedanta the Self or Atman is commonly defined as space (kham, akasha). That
space (akasha) is further defined as bliss (Ananda). What is the nature of this
space that is the Self?
Our
inner Self holds the entire universe in the small space within the spiritual
heart (Hridaya). This is a space of Consciousness (Chidakasha) behind all
manifestation in the time-space world.
Levels of Space and Consciousness
Vedanta
recognizes the existence of several types and levels of space. First is the
material space of our physical world that is the matrix of the other elements
of earth, water, fire and air. It is the external measurable space in which we
determine location and distance. Yet space itself has no form or location of
its own. Objects are located in space but space surrounds and permeates all
objects. We locate objects in space relative to space as distance.
Yet
all objects consist of various stages of densification or crystallization of
the energies of space. Such material space is not empty but is composed of
particles or atoms, out of which the other denser elements are formed. Beyond
this is an additional Pranic space, the space of energy and the life-force,
more subtle than the material space, which makes the entire universe alive,
including our physical bodies.
Beyond
this pranic space is the space of the mind both at individual and cosmic
levels. The individual mind like space is formless and holds thoughts like
various objects or energies in space. We all need space in the mind to
comprehend things and to observe things properly. We can observe the space
between our thoughts. Beyond this mind space is the space
of pure consciousness (Chidakasha) that unlike the mind space has no thoughts.
The space of the Atman is pure, immutable, and empty as it were, sometimes
called the Void, Shunya. It holds the entire universe but is not changed by the
names and forms that appear within it. This Atmic space has a vibration from
which OM as the creative cosmic vibration arises. This Atmic space is of the
nature of light (Jyoti). It is self-illuminating and reveals all, with the mind
reflecting a portion of its light.
Our True Nature as Space
We
do not ordinarily experience ourselves as space but as form, starting with our
physical body that has a precise location and function in time and space. We
also experience ourselves as mind or as a set of ideas, concepts, beliefs,
opinions, emotions and memories. These are also form based and connected to the
body. We then have a social identity framed by our physical and mental
activities and identity.
Yet
we do have an inner sense of our Self as space. We want to be free. We don’t
want to be limited or confined, controlled or dominated by another, or
constricted in a barrier. Our inner sense of Self persists behind and beyond
the ongoing changes in body and mind between birth and death, waking, dream and
deep sleep.
If
our true nature is like space in this higher sense, then truly we are neither
body nor mind. Then we are everything and nothing, sizzles and all-pervasive.
We are the space of Being (Sat), the ground existence itself, which is Brahman
as the Transcendent reality. Space is indivisible, indestructible and formless,
beyond all limitations. This is the Self of Yoga and Vedanta whose nature is
the space of Consciousness.
Once
we can detach ourselves from our bodies and minds, we can experience ourselves
as boundless Space, which is also the space of Seeing and Being. This takes us
beyond all dualities and identifications to our connection with all beings and
with the universe as a whole which is the space of our own inner being.
How
do we discover our inner Space as consciousness and bliss? This is the essence
of Self-inquiry and meditation, observing our bodies and mind from a place of
inner awareness. Moving into the small space within the heart, hridaya akasha, is the key. At the core
of our being we hold the entire universe as our own Self-manifestation, in
which all sorrow is released.
Our
true Self that is the space of consciousness is beyond birth and death,
location and history, quantity, measurement or any type of category. That is
the space of Ananda in which there is peace, happiness, contentment and delight
without end and without any division. Once we are willing to let go of our
outer identifications we can return to our true nature as Infinite Space and
experience all that we observe as a reflection of our own inner light and
presence.’’--David Frawley
What Does 'Equinox' Mean?
Yesterday,
I wrote you about Equinox. The vernal
equinox marks the beginning of spring. So why does the word refer to 'night'?
The vernal equinox is
considered the first day of spring: finally, the day and night are of equal
length
But why does equinox refer to night? After all,
the thing we miss the most in deep December is the daylight, not the
night.
For most of Western history,
the position and movement of the sun and stars at particular points during the
year were used for everything from navigation to causality. (Ever hear people
complain that everything's going wrong because Mercury is in retrograde?)
Ancient astronomers came up with the idea of the celestial sphere,
or a giant sphere that the earth sits within and on whose surface all the stars
are found. You only see half of that sphere at once, and if you've ever been to
a planetarium, this
is a good approximation of what the celestial sphere looks like from earth: a
concave half-dome with us at the center.
Astronomers in the ancient
world knew that the position and movement of the stars and constellations on
the celestial sphere changed throughout one solar year. Without knowing about
the tilt of the earth, or its orbit in relation to the sun and other planets,
they attempted to make sense of what they saw, and how they did that was to
track the movement of the constellations in comparison with the sun and the
moon. They needed a "zero point" from which they could measure the
movement of the stars, and they chose the vernal equinox as that starting
point.
These measurements were vital
for accurate navigation and helping sea forays into Gaul, and Cicero writes,
"If Publius is waiting for the equinox, as you say Aledius tells
you, then he must be going by sea. But he told me he was going by way of
Sicily" (Cicero, Atticus 12.28.3; translation by E. O.
Winstedt, 1912).
It goes without saying that
stargazing is a lot easier to do at night than during the day, and given the
importance of the stars in Roman life, it's not surprising that they chose to
highlight the night in naming the equinox. English borrowed the name in the
14th century, when it was first used in an astronomical treatise written by
Geoffrey Chaucer.
Lord Rama was the Embodiment of
Righteousness.
Rama the perfect example of how a
leader must lead his team towards victory. Ramayana is primarily the tale of
the triumph of good over evil. However, how this victory is brought about has
important lessons in leadership and teamwork when observed closely.
LEADERSHIP AND TEAMWORK LESSONS IN RAMAYANA
As kids, most of us have read
(or even watched) how Lord Rama defeated the demon king Ravana to get his wife,
goddess Sita, back to their home safely. We also know that Lord Rama was living
in the forest along with his wife, Sita. Lord Rama’s father king Dasharatha had
made a promise to one of his queens, Kaikeyi. To fulfil this promise, he had to
send Lord Rama to exile. Lord Rama’s brother, Laxman, voluntarily accompanied
the couple and went to live in the woods with them.
Keeping the importance of
promises and loyalty aside, when looked at
a deeper level, Ramayana also has lessons in leadership and teamwork. Here
are seven lessons that one can learn from the scripture.
1. Planning and vision
A good leader knows the goals to be achieved and has a clear vision to achieve them. Lord Rama’s
goal was clear, which was to get his wife, Sita, back from the demon king
Ravana. He laid out his plan accordingly and slowly worked towards executing
it. Lord Rama knew exactly what he was going to do when it came to executing
his plan.
Similarly, a good leader must
know the goals he/she wants to achieve and then develop plans to achieve them.
Planning and having clarity of vision are two of the most important
characteristics of a good leader. Once you have a vision and a plan, half the
battle is won as you know how to proceed.
2. The importance of making
allies
If Lord Rama had taken it upon
himself to execute the entire plan and get his wife, goddess Sita back all by
himself, it would have taken much longer. But Lord Rama relied on others and
made allies who helped him achieve his goal. He helped king Sugriva in winning
over his kingdom from his brother Bali by defeating him. As a mark of his
gratitude, Sugriva then gave Lord Rama his army to fight the war against
Ravana.
A good leader, therefore,
knows the importance of making allies and knows how to forge useful connections
to achieve targets.
3. Building employees’ confidence and trusting them
When Lord Rama and Laxman were
abducted by the demon Ahiravan, Hanuman took an independent call to save the
two. This happened because Lord Rama trusted Lord Hanuman to take important
calls. This had instilled in him the confidence needed to make such bold
decisions.
It is not possible for a
leader to look after everything in a workspace and there are times when an
employee must face certain situations on his own. A good leader trains their
employees to tackle adverse situations by themselves and relies on them in
times of need.
4. Making employees feel valued
In Ramayana, Ravana’s younger
brother, Vibhishana, realises that he is on the wrong side of the war and wants
to be on Lord Rama’s side. Before agreeing to let him stay with him, Lord Rama
called a special council of elders and asked them about their opinion, making
them feel valued.
A good leader must also
provide employees with the opportunity to speak their mind and make them feel
valued in the workplace.
5. Delegating tasks and assigning the right people
Lord Rama knew who could carry
out which task in the most productive way. Be it asking the Vanar Sena to build
the bridge to Lanka, or sending Angada to Lanka as a messenger, he understood
the individual strengths and knew how to delegate tasks accordingly. A leader
must know that the best results are achieved by delegating certain tasks and choosing
the perfect people to carry out those tasks.
6. Humility
Lord Rama was the epitome of
humility and compassion. He humbly welcomed Vibhishana, brother of his enemy
Ravana, to his team after he realised his folly. Not only this, but Lord Rama
also made Vibhishana the king of Lanka after winning the war. Thus, being
humble is one of the most important characteristics of a good leader. There is
no place for ego or arrogance in a workspace.
7. Adaptability and using the available resources efficiently
Lord Rama was born a prince
and was used to living in opulence. However, he was sent to exile where a
completely different lifestyle awaited
him. The resources were limited, he had to stay in a hut and give up all the
luxuries of the palace. When goddess Sita was abducted, he had nothing much at
his disposal. Yet, from the limited resources available to him, Lord Rama
raised an army, travelled to Lanka without any fancy vehicle, and defeated
Ravana. He thus adapted to a completely new atmosphere and used it to the best
of his advantage to rescue his wife, Sita.
How to adapt to the changing situation and using the available resources efficiently is
something every leader must know. It isn’t necessary that you will always have
the resources required to tackle every situation. What counts in such
challenging times is a leader’s ability to use the available resources to their
best advantage.
Ramayana is the epitome of
teachings that we can take cues from in our everyday lives. It has lessons of
humility, virtue, obedience, and courage and urges us to walk on the path of
righteousness. Along with these lessons, the scripture is one of the most
important texts of Hinduism and has great religious and cultural values.
What do you think about the
leadership lessons from Ramayana?
-March 22, 2022
WHO EVEN DECIDES WHICH TIME IS THE TIME FOR SPRING?
It is
also short for Vasanta Panchami, an Indian festival celebrated every year
on the fifth day (Panchami) of the
Hindu month Magh (January–February), the first day of spring. In
marathi called as "VASANT RUTU HIRAWA" means Vasanta is green season.
In
Ferozepur (Punjab, India), Vasant is celebrated as most auspicious festival
than any other. People from all over India gathered here to feel the purity of
this spring season. Vasant Panchami has its own joy and pleasure. Every year
Kite Festival is celebrated in many states of India. But the border city
(Ferozepur) marks the occasion on huge level of its seasonal significance.
Some of
the Indian festivals have cultural significance, in addition to a religious
significance (which can vary depend on the specific tradition), and are thus
often celebrated by non-Hindus also in some form. These
Khusro (1253-1325
CE) has composed songs using the word Basant (festival), and Nizamuddin
Auliya used to join him in celebrating Basants of Sufis.
In Sanskrit Vasanta means spring and Panchami is the fifth day of the fortnight
of waxing moon (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu month of Magh,
January–February of English calendar. In the Vedas the day
of Vasanta Panchami is dedicated to Goddess Sarasvati. It is not a
national holiday in India but the schools are closed and the students
participate in decoration and arrangement of the worship place. A few weeks
before the celebration, schools become active in organizing various annual
competitions of music, debate, sports and other activities. Prizes are
distributed on the day of Vasanta Panchami. Many schools organize cultural
activities in the evening of the Saraswati Puja day when parents and other
community members attend the functions to encourage the children. Sarasvati is
the goddess of learning. Sarasvati bestows the greatest wealth to humanity, the
wealth of knowledge. In the Vedas the prayer for Sarasvati depicts her as a
white lady in white dress bedecked with white flowers and white pearls, sitting
on a white lotus, which is blooming in a wide stretch of water. She holds
Veena, a string-instrument, like Sitar, for playing music. The prayer finally
concludes, "Oh Mother Sarasvati remove the darkness (ignorance) of my mind
and bless me with the eternal knowledge." The Vedas describe Sarasvati as
a water deity, goddess of a river of the same name. According to popular belief
Sarasvati, originating from the Himalayas, flowed southeast, and ultimately
meeting the Ganges at Prayag, near the confluence of Yamuna. Hence the place is
called Triveni. In due time this course of water petered away.The mythological
history of Sarasvati associates her with the holy rituals performed on the
banks of the river Sarasvati. She is worshipped as a goddess of speech,
attributed to the formation of Vach (words), invention of Sanskrit language and
composition of hymns.
In Ferozepur
(Punjab) it is also as a Kite Festival in Border Area city of
Punjab Ferozepur, This Festival is very famous in the city as boys and girls
buy Dora (Thread) AND GUDE AKA PATANG (Kites) in huge quantity to fly. Children
as well as young boys like this festival very much. Young boys by putting sound
system on their terrace start dancing ritu.
With
the first day of spring taking
place on March 20, 2022, many of us know it means warmer weather is coming, but
realistically, that’s about it. Sure, we know it’s called the spring equinox,
but what does that really even mean? What is an
equinox? What happens during an equinox? And who even decides which day is the
first day of Spring?
If
you don’t know the answers to these questions, don’t feel embarrassed. You’re
in good company. Anyone can celebrate the fact that warmer days are coming, but
it takes a bit of Googling to find out what the equinox really is all about.
Luckily for you, I did the work for you.
--March 20, 2022
PRACTICE PRANAYAMA--FOR PHYSICAL HEALTH AND
FOR ACCESS TO HIGH ENERGIES
Pranayama, or breath control, is a main component
of yoga. It’s frequently practiced with yoga postures and meditation. The goal
of pranayama is to strengthen the connection between your body and mind.
According to research, pranayama can promote relaxation and mindfulness. It’s
also proven to support multiple aspects of physical health, including lung
function, and controlled brain function.
Yoga teachings state that if the mind is moving so are the
heart and respiration. When we are angry, our breath quickens; when we
sleep our breath slows down. By consciously slowing down the breath and
making it rhythmic so that consciousness is not disturbed by it, we can achieve
a corresponding tranquility. – Dr.
Hiroshi Motoyama, psychologist, philosopher and researcher.
If you haven’t practiced pranayama before, you may
want to join a yoga class or find a teacher who can teach the proper technique
for these breathing exercises.
”Pranayama
is a very deep but often misunderstood aspect of Yoga. From ordinary breathing
practices to yogic mastery of the vital force and promoting the higher energy
of consciousness, it is all pranayama at various levels. In the following
article, we will explore the deeper aspects of Prana and Pranayama, including
how to achieve a unitary prana beyond the fluctuations of the ordinary breath,
senses and mind.
In many classical Sanskrit texts,
the term Yoga is used primarily for Pranic practices, while the term Jnana or
knowledge is used for meditation. This is reflected in the teachings of the
great modern sage Ramana Maharshi, who uses these terms in this manner. Many
Yoga Shastras and Yoga Upanishads explain Prana and related factors of
Pranayama, chakras and nadis in great detail. Sometimes the term Hatha Yoga is
used for this Pranic Yoga and Raja Yoga for the Yoga of meditation. So Yoga and
Pranayama are closely related and sometimes equated.
Yoga is not just control of the
mind but also control of the Prana, which two go together. Mind and Prana are
often said to be like the two wings of a bird, with the mind as the power of
knowledge and the Prana as the power of action. Both always move and act in
accord with each other. Yet Prana has deeper meanings as well.
Prana: Levels of Meaning
Prana is a word, much like the
term Yoga, which has a broad range of indications and several different but
interrelated levels of application. You may be surprised to find that Prana can
mean much more than what you may have already thought it to be. These different
meanings are not contradictory but complimentary. They help us bridge the gap
between our ordinary breath and the highest energy of universal consciousness.
Prana in the higher sense is the
spirit, the awareness that inhabits the body and mind, but transcends them.
This higher Prana is much more than the physical breath. It is the great Prana,
Mahan Prana, which is synonymous with the energy of consciousness, Chit-Shakti.
This is the non-elemental, un-manifested Prana of the immortal life. It is inherent in
Eternal Being or Sat and is above all biological functioning.
Pranic based Yoga practices aim
to access this supreme Prana, though it is a process that can only occur by
degrees, starting at a physical level. We should always remember that immortal
prana as our ultimate goal of Pranayama practice. This is the Prana
Purusha of the Upanishads, the Supreme Self, whose nature is the
highest life energy beyond birth and death.
Prana can also indicate the
cosmic creative force, the Ishvara, or Cosmic Lord, such as we find mentioned
in the Yoga Sutras. Ishvara is the energy that creates, sustains and dissolves
the universe. Our own individual soul or Jivatman can also be referred to by
Prana, being the essence of our individual Prana. Jiva or the soul means Prana
or life. This Prana of the soul is what allows us to take various births and to
ultimately transcend the process of birth and death.
Prana and Breath
Prana is a cosmic force and
pervades all of life and nature. Prana is not simply oxygen, which is but a
carrier of prana at a physical level, but the very energy of life, and the
basis of all other energies in the universe, including those that appear
inanimate to us, like the force of gravity.
Yet it is the Prana that works
within our own embodied existence that is the main concern for us. Most of us
are first acquainted with Prana by its association with the breath. Often Prana
is translated as breath or means breath. The breath is the main action of Prana
in the body, and through the breath we can gain mastery over Prana at various
levels, including accessing its higher forms.
Yet Prana is not merely the
ordinary breath, it is the energy behind the breath. Pranayama practice is not
simply breathe work but moving to a deeper level of energy and awareness,
accessing Prana at a level through, behind and beyond the breath.
Prana is also often regarded as
the ‘vital force’ or ‘life energy’, which is sustained by the breath but
pervades all bodily and mental activities. The vital force sustains speech,
mind, the senses and our internal organs. Prana is the basis of Vata dosha in
Ayurvedic medicine, the biological air humor, the most important of the three
biological humors, which rules over all activities, functions and movements in
the body, and is closely aligned with the nervous system.
The five senses are closely
related to prana. The cognitive senses serve to take in various pranic
influences, particularly the eyes and the ears, which take in the Prana of
light and sound. But also the tongue, skin and nose. The skin brings in
both Prana and oxygen and conveys it through the sense of touch. The tongue
takes in the Prana from the food. The nose takes in the Prana of fragrance,
including subtler Pranas from the air than mere oxygen.
The motor organs work to
discharge various pranic impulses as in speaking, moving, eating, elimination
and reproduction, which are all pranic activities connected to our vital urges.
The mind has its own pranic
connections, beginning with its connection to the senses, with our various
associations and relationships, which form our own pranic network. Emotion
itself is pranic energy within the mind, with its patterns of attraction and
repulsion.
Yogic thought divides our nature
into five sheaths, fields or enclosures (koshas). The first is that made of
food (Annamaya Kosha), which consists of the gross body made up of the bodily
tissues and organs. The second is that made of Prana or Pranamaya kosha,
related to the five Pranas and the five motor organs primarily. It governs
movement, vital urges and the breath. Often the term Prana is used for the
functions of the Pranamaya kosha.
However, the Pranamaya kosha is
just the field of the outer or manifest Pranas, particularly those that
interface with and energize the physical body. It is not synonymous with Prana
as a whole. Prana operates in the deeper Koshas of mind
(Manomaya Kosha), intelligence (Vijnanamaya Kosha) and bliss (Anandamaya
Kosha). In fact, Prana in the deeper sense is often related to Ananda or bliss,
which is the main power of creation and the main motivating force behind all
aspects of life.
Pranayama
The manifest pranas are an
expression of rajo-guna, the quality of agitation and turbulence. To reach
sattva guna or a deeper peace and balance, we must calm and internalize the
prana, which implies to calm and unify the energy of the breath. That is why
Yogic Pranayama, like Asana, follows after the Yamas and Niyamas, the
principles of sattvic living and rests upon them.
Pranayama is often regarded as control
of the breath or mastery of the breath. When it is a question of control of the
breath, the issue arises as to “who is controlling the breath?” If we use the
mind or the ego to control the breath, it is not Yoga but a physical exercise.
In Yogic Pranayama it is the witnessing consciousness that should be developed
as the real master of the breath.
Pranayama often emphasizes
holding the breath. The question here arises as to “what we are holding in the
breath?” Some people may be holding negative emotions, fears, desires, or even
ego energy in the breath. It is important to allow the breath to naturally
deepen, so that there is a natural holding by the power of the inner Prana and
awareness, not simply an ego effort. One should energize the breath with
devotion, aspiration and a seeking for higher knowledge. Above all, one should
not think any harmful thoughts about anyone while doing pranayama.
The goal of yogic pranayama is
not simply to exercise the lungs and make us breathe better, though these are a
natural part of it. The goal is to develop a ‘unitary prana’ in which the
fluctuations and disturbances of the breath cease and one can access the inner
energy of consciousness beyond the breath. This unitary Prana or breathless
state is called ‘kevala kumbhaka’ in
yogic thought. It is often practiced along with yoni mudra, closing all the
sensory openings in order to access the inner light. It is the fruit of
extensive Pranayama practices or mastery of the Prana.
Prana and Kundalini
Kundalini can be defined as the
higher energy of the unitary prana. To access it, we must first balance the
breath between the Ida and the Pingala or the left and right nostrils, the
lunar and the solar currents. This implies taking our minds to a state of
unitary attention and unitary awareness beyond the mind’s dualistic
fluctuations of attraction and repulsion, like and dislike, love and hate.
It is only the unitary prana that
can enter into the Sushumna or the central channel and opens the chakras,
unfolding their powers. As long as we are caught in the dualistic prana,
the Kundalini lays asleep and dormant at the base of the spine, and the chakras
are closed, working only at outer level to sustain our outer existence, not
affording steady access to higher states of consciousness.
One can activate this unitary
prana directly through the unitary awareness if one has the ability to create a
strong focused meditation, but that is relatively rare. Only a few Yogis along
the Yoga of knowledge are likely to have this power.
Nadi Shodhana: Alternate Nostril Breathing
All yogic pranayamas can aid in
the development of the higher unitary prana, but for this purpose the main
method emphasized is usually ‘alternate nostril breathing’ or nadi
shodhana. This serves to balance the dualistic outer prana so that we can
access the higher unitary prana.
The Pingala nadi that flows
through the right nostril has a solar, heating, fiery and Pitta nature. It is
stimulating and promotes movement, expression, action and digestion. The Ida
nadi that flows through the left nostril has a lunar, cooling, watery and Kapha
nature. It is calming and promotes rest, introversion, relaxation and sleep.
During the day our breath
fluctuates between one nostril and another. Generally Pitta constitution people,
those of fiery nature, will find the right nostril to be more open than the
left. Those of Kapha or watery constitution will find the left nostril to be
more open than the right. Vata dosha
or airy types will experience greater fluctuations.
The practice of alternate nostril
breathing, done with concentration and part of a sattvic life style, helps
balance the breath and develop the unitary prana behind it.
After the practice of alternate
nostril breathing, if done correctly, one can for a time enter in the flow of
the unitary prana, in which inhalation and exhalation come to an end, or become
very subtle. This is generally experienced as a flow of energy in the region of
the Third Eye, a kind of light, pressure and vibration emanating from that
location but expanding to pervade the entire body. One can learn to work with
and direct this unitary prana through the various nadis and chakras or out of
the body altogether.
Hamsa So’ham Nadi Shodhana
This is a simple method of
combining mantra with alternate nostril breathing.
In Sanskrit symbology, the breath
is governed by s and h sounds. This is common to many languages, but perhaps
nowhere stressed so much as in Sanskrit. Especially the sounds Soham and Hamsa
are used relative to the breath. In this special method, one can use both Soham
and Hamsa relative to alternate nostril breathing.
In this regard, one should note
that the Sa sound has a lunar energy while the Ha sound has a solar energy
according to the ancient science of mantra. Similarly, the mantra So’ham also
has more a lunar or Soma energy, while Hamsa has a solar energy. Inhalation in
general has a more lunar energy and exhalation has a more solar energy as well.
In this procedure, one uses the
mantra So for inhalation through the left or lunar nostril, followed by the
mantra Ham for exhalation through the right or solar nostril. Then one uses the
mantra Ham for inhalation through the right nostril, followed by the mantra Sa
for exhalation through the left nostril. This process of So’ham Hamsa makes one
round of alternate nostril breathing.
During this practice, one should
let the breath naturally deepen. There need be no overt effort to hold the
breath but if this occurs naturally it can be allowed.
After one has done this practice
for fifteen minutes or more, one should let go of the breath and enter into
yoni mudra, or simply just sit quietly with the eyes closed, allowing the
background unitary prana to come forth.
The more one practices this
alternate nostril breathing, the greater the access to the unitary prana, which
will gain in strength even behind the ordinary breath. Begin with at least
fifteen minutes morning and evening.
But remember to keep a peaceful
prana in all that you do. Then all your pranayama practices will work in the
best possible manner. The higher Prana is a power of peace, not a power of
self-assertion! This unitary prana is best accessed through a deeper peace and
surrender of our personal will to the Divine will, and an alignment with our
highest Self.”
--David Frawley
Pranayama
(yogic breathing) has demonstrated numerous beneficial health effects. At
present, there are no systematic reviews evaluating the beneficial health
effects of pranayama alone as a practice. Aim:
The aim of this study is to perform a systematic review about the beneficial
health effects of pranayama. Methods:
Data were obtained using a stepwise search process by searching the online
PubMed, Web of Science, and Sci-Verse Scopus databases using keywords.
Controlled clinical trials in humans, using "Pranayama" as an
intervention with an appropriate control group and evaluating health-related
outcomes were selected for inclusion. Results: Initial database searching
indicated 669 potentially eligible articles, of which 18 studies satisfying the
inclusion/exclusion criteria were selected. All were controlled trials, of
which 13 were randomized and 1 was a crossover study. Number of participants
ranged from 16 to 160, and the duration of pranayama practice varied from 4
days to 6 months. Studies demonstrated a significant effect on
cardiorespiratory functions, in patients with bronchial asthma, with the
improvement of pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, and respiratory function
measurements. Furthermore, reduction in the frequency of attacks, severity, and
medication requirement was also observed, with improved quality of life (QOL). In patients with chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease, symptom, activity, and impact scores were
improved. QOL improvement was also noted in cancer patients. Conclusions: Available evidence on
pranayama indicates physiological and psychological benefits. Beneficial
effects were mostly observed in patients with respiratory diseases such as
bronchial asthma. It also helped those with cancer and cardiovascular disease.
However, further high-quality randomized trials are required to provide
definitive evidence.
Webiar219
- Tips for Responsible Living and Leading (VᾹLMIKI
RᾹMᾹYANA)
By Pūjya Swāmi
Chidānandaji
Gist of the Presentation:
Not
many know the treasure of insights contained in a single chapter (100th in
Ayodhyā Kānda) of the Ᾱdi
Kāvya
(the foremost epic), Vālmiki Rāmāyana. As Rāma is already in the forest, beginning his 14 years of exile, his
younger brother Bharata meets him and receives precious advice on various aspects
of ‘living and leading’.
Human
values like ‘caring for the weak and respecting elders’, leadership qualities
like ‘consulting and being efficient’, time management skills like ‘doing
important things first’ and general words of caution like ‘keeping secrets and
staying informed’ are among the numerous (more than 70) nuggets of wisdom found
in this remarkable ‘sarga’ (chapter) of the second canto of Sāge
Vālmiki’s pioneering work. The webinar gives a sweeping glance at the spectrum
of ideas.
“kaccit
mukhyāh mahatsu eva..O Bharata, Hope you ensure that challenging positions are occupied
by truly competent persons…” (Vālmiki Rāmāyana, 2.100.25)
The seven challenge areas for work-life balance
Dr. Mariette Jansen (Dr. De-Stress) is a psychological coach,
using therapy models, coaching techniques and mindfulness meditation to help
you become balanced, stress free and in control of your life. Focus areas are
work-life balance, confidence, food/diet stress and general stress-- Author
of two books: on meditation and exam stress.
Work-life balance was first mentioned in the UK at the end of the
1970s. Obviously, since those days, a lot has happened in the professional and
the personal world.
Every challenge we encounter adds to pressure, pressure leads to stress, stress
leads to emotional and physical unbalance and unhappiness. So, it is important
to overcome challenges, in order to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Listed below are the seven of the most challenging areas, which could apply
either to work or life situations. Compare them with your own situation and
find out what your main challenges are:
1. Unrealistic demands
The demands that work and life throw at us can easily mount up to
incredible levels. Unreasonable demands at work, arrangements that are eating
into personal time, such as weekend meetings, and technology overload are
mentioned as adding a lot of pressure. Demands of personal life are adding
pressure to work, as time is required to accommodate family or friends, and are
eating into work-time.
Think of family members with intensive schedules, impacting on
yours (the mum that needs to ferry the athlete to extra training sessions or
matches, or the partner that decides to do an evening course), or when
expectations are set by others (like a monthly visit to parents). Meeting too
many demands is a threat to the healthy balance.
How to deal with it?
It is important to be clear about what you want from work and
life. Are the demands justified in the light of what you want? For every
challenge, go through the questions: what do I gain from doing it and what is
the price I pay? Who else gains from it and who else pays a price? This gives
you a good structure to make a choice.
2. Lack of control
Lack of control is creating pressure, as it leaves you ‘hanging in
there, with a dark cloud above your head’. It is difficult to deal with the
uncontrollable workload or the insecurity of the situation of the company you
work in. In personal circumstances aspects as illness, exams, kid issues can
feel as if all control is gone and is very stressful.
How to deal with it?
The way to respond to lack of control is to find a different
internal response. Feeling frustrated by the lack of control makes it worse.
Accepting the situation for what it is, at this moment in time, won’t sap your
energy and make you more efficient. Sometimes, you just have to go with the
flow.
3. Unsupportive relationships
Unsupportive relationships at work, aversive behavior or not
getting credits, are creating a difficult and unproductive work environment
whilst making people feel isolated. Unsupportive relationships at home, where
no one helps each other or considers other people’s pressures creates
frustration and unhappiness.
How to deal with it?
This comes down to people management, communication and
expectations. Are you asking for support? Are you clear on what support you
want? Could it be your expectations are not realistic?
4. Lack of resources
Not enough resources or not the right ones are really affecting
how life can be organized. The absence of a PA or a good babysitter are both
examples of important lacks.
How to deal with it?
Take action and try to be creative. If you can’t find a PA, could
you outsource part of the tasks? Alternatively, lower your standards in certain
areas. Something has to give, and it shouldn’t be you.
5. Unhelpful attitude
Resilience in challenging circumstances determines how well someone
is coping and finding a way forward. If the energy levels are low and
undermined, due to all the different challenges, it can be really hard to find
that resilience.
How to deal with it?
One of the healthy ways of building resilience is meditation.
There are plenty of short and easy ways to bring in a mindfulness meditation
into your day.
6. No skills
Surviving and managing the challenges above and the personal
awareness and behavior that goes with it, are professional and life
skills
How to deal with it?
No skills? Lots of stress. You recognize your weaknesses in
certain areas, such as communication, confidence or practical skills, take
action to develop skills. This will also make you feel more in control.
7. High-stress levels
All the above challenges can appear in anybody’s life and will add
to stress levels. Not being able to handle stress will kill any chance of a
healthy work-life balance.
How to deal with it?
Don’t accept stress as a fact of life. You can be very busy,
without feeling stressed. Stress is a personal response and you can take
control of it by learning skills that will help you to reduce stress, such
as mindfulness and meditation and
learning to be kinder to yourself.
Often, we forget that we are powerful and that we can take charge
of situations that seem to be out of our control. It takes a new way of looking
at yourself, aspects of your life and developing your knowledge and
skills.
But hear to how RAMA in Treta
Yuga dealt with them in life from Swamiji, written by Valmiki in Ramayana,
retold and explained. Do they reflect in modern views?
Life
and work are there to enjoy – not to bring you down! The choice is yours!
--March 19, 2022
SIGNIFICANCE OF PRAYING TO GODDESS
OF FERTILITY AND GOD OF HEALTH
“Vaidyo Narayano Harihi”, means that a doctor
should be seen as a form of Lord Narayana. There are two meanings for this
verse. One is that the true doctor (healer) is Lord Narayana and the true
medicine is the water from the river Ganga.
Dhanwantari is considered a mythical deity born with ambrosia
in one hand and Ayurveda on the other at the end of the churning of milky
ocean. He reincarnated himself in the Chandra dynasty. He was born to King
Dhanwa, learnt Ayurveda from Bharadwaja.
‘Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaaya | Dhanvantaraye
Amrita- Kalasha Hastaaya| Sarva-amaya Vinashaaya rogabhaya Trailokya Naathaya
Dhanvantri Maha-vishnave Namaha’
This is a
mantra dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, which describes his form, hails his
greatness, offers salutations to him and seeks his grace for destroying
diseases.
Today is Goddess of
Fertility Jayanti Day celebrated all over the World! If you're considering
starting a family or having more children, Goddess of Fertility Day is the day
to focus on that. It's a day for a little sex. However, to be successful, sex
really needs to be done at the right time of the menstrual cycle. A healthy body makes a healthy baby. If you are
a woman hoping to conceive and get pregnant, you should eat healthy foods and
cut out processed foods. If you smoke, drink alcohol or take drugs, it is time
to quit. These can negatively affect pregnancy, and make it harder or harder to
get pregnant. Being comfortable is also important when trying to conceive. A
relaxed body will help increase the production of luteinizing hormone, which
helps trigger ovulation. This hormone also maintains the embryo after it is
implanted in the body. I wonder Goddess Fertility in other faiths is
Santhana Lakshmi in Hinduism worshipped on another day jointly with other seven
forms of Lakshmi, called Ashtalakshmi!
Couples
pray to Goddess Santana Lakshmi not only to bestow them with a legal heir to
carry forward the illustrious lineage, but also to keep the child healthy and
free of disease. The Goddess also contributes to the all-round wellbeing of the
child and helps mold its character. By chanting the Santana Lakshmi Stotram with
a clean heart, one can easily appease the Goddess and gain her favor.
“Jatasya
maranam dhrumam; puanarapi maranam punarapi jananam”--
it is therefore necessary for us to shorten this cycle by using this life
purposefully, to shorten that cycle to reach our source and not waste this life
focused solely on materialism! Today is also Holi celebration day. “A different
kind of Holi is celebrated at the cremation ground (smasan) in Varanasi (formerly Banaras). Hence it is called
Masan Holi. The people enacting the Holi smear their bodies with ashes from the
burnt pyres. People throw ashes and gulal (colored powders) on each other. It
is celebrated around Rangabhari. Ekadasi in the Hindu lunar month of
Phalgoon. It celebrates death with hope
of attaining moksha”--Biplab
Bhattacharjee
--March
18, 2022
Goddess of Fertility Day
Goddess of Fertility Day is observed this year on Friday,
March 18th, 2022, an auspicious day in Hinduism this year! This is most
important day for me reaching 92 years. It is most auspicious this year
for it falls on Friday this year. Goddess of All Round Prosperity (Ashta
Lakshmi) is Lakshmi in Hinduism. Goddess of Fertility Day is celebrated on
March 18 every year, and I too with her blessings! This is an occasion to
celebrate Aphrodite and other fertility gods and goddesses. Aphrodite is a
goddess of love, beauty, pleasure, and fertility. It is said that the ancient
Greeks always calls Aphrodite, the goddess of fertility when they would like to
be pregnant. They will pray and make sacrifices in the hope of
fixing their fertility problems. While at present we look for other means to
improve our fertility, we should think back about this Greek. In ancient times,
Aphrodite was considered enchanting, sensual, and wonderfully, feminine. Her
beauty has inspired poetry, music and art. The ancient Greeks sought
help from the gods to bring them children. The Greek gods such as Zeus,
Venus, Celtic, Esotery and Ishtar were considered all powerful forces worshiped
by their subjects as Goddess Norse and Goddess of Fertility. The purpose of
Goddess of Fertility Day is to honor fertility, life, and rebirth, and occurs a
few days before the annual spring equinox. Fertility is the ability of
reproduction!
Santana Lakshmi among Ashtalakshmis
Traditionally
prayed to by couples desiring children, Santana Lakshmi (santana meaning
“progeny,” or “children”) symbolizes fertility.
Arrayed
in gold jewelry, wearing a garland of flowers, and seated on a pink lotus, she
is typically depicted with six hands — two holding pitchers of water, one
holding a shield, one holding a sword, one holding a baby, and one in Abhaya
mudra to dispel negativity and offer the boon of a child. Bestowing
the warmth and care necessary for raising healthy and happy children, Santana
Lakshmi also signifies the ferocity of a protective mother.
Fulfilling
the desire for vibrant and long-living offspring, Santana Lakshmi especially
blesses those who honor parenthood as a sacred duty, and who view children as
being the greatest treasures of family life.
This year March 18, is Panguni Uttiram day. This day is celebrated by both Shaivites and Vaishnavites. On this
day, Lord Shiva married Lord Parvathy. Similarly, the wedding between Murugan
and Deivanai also occurred on this day. Tamil literary works claim that the
union between Lord Rangamannar and the poet Andal happened on this day. This
day is also highly significant as it is the wedding day of Lord Rama and
Goddess Seetha. Hence, this is a special day for celestial weddings.
http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2012/03/panguni-uttiram_26.html
There are many goddesses of fertility. Perhaps the most famous
goddess is Aphrodite, who is associated with love, beauty, pleasure, and
fertility. Before the spring equinox in ancient times, people prayed and made
offerings to Aphrodite, in the hope of starting a family. Some have called the
day Ostara, which is the name of another fertility goddess. However, Ostara has
a day of its own, occurring for only a few days on the vernal equinox.
If
you're considering starting a family or having more children, Goddess of
Fertility Day is the day to focus on that. It's a day for a little sex.
However, to be successful, sex really needs to be done at the right time of the
menstrual cycle. A healthy body makes a healthy baby. If you are a
woman hoping to conceive and get pregnant, you should eat healthy foods and cut
out processed foods. If you smoke, drink alcohol or take drugs, it Is time to
quit. These can negatively affect pregnancy, and make it harder or harder to
get pregnant. Being comfortable is also important when trying to conceive. A
relaxed body will help increase the production of luteinizing hormone, which
helps trigger ovulation. This hormone also maintains the embryo after it is
implanted in the body.
If
you do not want to conceive children, Goddess of Fertility Day can still be
celebrated! It could be a day to start any new project you're looking to work
on. It can also be the sowing date to start planting new plants. Even if it's
too cold to grow outdoors, you can plant the seeds in some fertile soil in a
pot, and move the seeds outdoors when it starts to warm up in the coming
months.
Let
me pray for your long-life on
this Holy day of Goddess of Fertility and this happy Holi Day best wishes for
this joyous day too!
--March 18, 2022
Holi, the Spring Festival of Colors Honoring Mother Earth and
Celebrating Earth Day
Holi in North America is on March 18, this
year. This colorful event is presented by the Hindu
Temple Society of North America,
Flushing, NY. It’s no surprise that the designated Earth Day
coincidentally falls close to Holi. Holi marks the
onset of spring, when the re-generation of Mother Earth also takes
place. As the Earth fills the atmosphere with the vibrant colors of the
flowers and greenery, so does Holi. Therefore, it is only apt
that Earth Day be celebrated along with Holi celebrations, though
celebrated in April 2O22!
May the joyous spirit of the Festival of
Colors pervade our hearts and homes! Come and enjoy Colorful Multi-Cultural
Dances and Music. Performers from different nationalities and cultures
will come together to express their joy of the changing season and their
gratitude to Mother Earth for Her bounty. This colorful event, which will be a
feast for the eyes, ears and mind, is sure to put everyone in the spirit of
spring and friendship. Free and Open to all!
What is Holi?
- Holi is one of the popular festivals of Northern
India
- It is celebrated on the
full moon day in March-April, signaling the end of winter and the onset of
spring.
- This ancient festival, as
with most others, marks the triumph of good over evil.
- Holi is the beginning of a new year for some, and a harvest
festival for yet others.
How
is Holi celebrated?
- Houses are cleaned as in
spring cleaning. Spring cleaning clears our physical environment as well
as our mind.
- Bonfires are lit on many
street corners on the eve of Holi, where some dance to the
rhythm of dhol (drums), while singing devotional and folk
songs. After an inactive winter, these activities wake up the body, mind
and spirit.
- Color is sprinkled on
others as an act of friendship. The colors were originally plant derived
and had ãyurvedic benefits.
Legend
behind the bonfire:
The most popular legend centered
around this bonfire is the demise of the demon Holika. The
arrogant evil king Hiranyakashipu ordered everyone to worship
him instead of the Lord. But his pious son Prahlāda refused to
do so. After several failed attempts, the enraged king asked his evil
sister Holika to put an end to Prahlāda. As Holika had
been blessed with a special boon against fire, she put Prahlāda on
her lap and engulfed herself with fire. Lord Krishna saved him and burned her
instead.
On Holi, a
flammable effigy of Holika is attached to a fire proof pole (Prahlāda)
and dropped into the bonfire to watch Holika (evil) burn. This
symbolically burns our evil tendencies and also represents the triumph of good
over evil. On the next day comes the tradition of applying vibrant color
on participants of the festival as an expression of love and affection. This is
by far, the most joyful and fun part, thus making Holi the
most colorful festival of India.
This ancient tradition is said
to have been initiated by Lord Krishna, Radha and
other cowherds who smeared color powder on each other as a symbol of their
divine love and affection for each other.
Today, eager participants vie
with one another to be the first to apply color (powder and/or liquid) on
others until they are fully covered, drenched and become unrecognizable. Out of
respect, youngsters color only the feet of elders. Fun filled pranks are played
on each other.
Time
to reach out
Traditional sweets and drinks
are distributed to friends and foes alike — “even enemies are friends on Holi”
is the theme of Holi. The usual social divides like gender, age and
status are set aside and everyone mingles freely without malice; which helps
‘burn’ the evil thoughts in our hearts, bringing harmony among all. This is a
good time to forge new friendships and renew old ones.
March 17th is the seventy-sixth day
(seventy-seventh in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar; it marks the
anniversary of the first flight of the B-45 Tornado, the first operational jet
bomber and the launch of Vanguard 1 satellite: the first orbital satellite
launched equipped with solar electric power. Famous March 17th birthdays
include Nat King Cole, James Irwin, Alexander McQueen, Mia Hamm, and Katie
Leedey. March 17th also marks National Corn Dog Day and St. Patrick’s Day.
ST.
PATRICK’S DAY
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! It’s a day we celebrate the life of
the Patron Saint of Ireland. The
holiday is celebrated around the world every year on March 17th marking the
anniversary of St. Patrick’s death in the fifth century. He was kidnapped and
brought to the country as a slave at the age of 16. He later escaped but
eventually returned to Ireland and is credited with bringing Christianity to
the people there.
The first St. Patrick’s celebration actually
took place in America with the first parade on March 17, 1601, in what is now
St. Augustine, Florida. In 1772 homesick Irish soldiers serving in the English
army marched to honor their patron saint in New York City. That grew to become
the oldest civilian parade in the world with around three million spectators
each year. But it hasn’t been held since 2019 due to the pandemic. This year,
it is back alongside parades and celebrations all over America.
--March 17, 2022
Why write a Family History or Autobiography or Memoirs?
Desired
by my son Dr. Ravi Srinivasan I started writing my memoirs, while recovering
after heart attack, not knowing my life will continue further, till 2022.
Evaluating
our history reminds us of who we are. Evaluating major events in our lives helps
us and our posterity become reacquainted with who we are. Take a good look at
events in our past; tell those who read the history our strengths and
weaknesses. Our strengths can give courage to those who read it; weakness will
suggest what needs to be avoided and the consequences. Personal histories can
introduce us to future generations, our descendants. We will become real people
as we share our life's experiences.
We
tell the events in our life the way we saw and felt about them. We can tell our
side of life experiences as we saw them. Family history makes us real to future
generations. We give them a feeling of family and inclusion in the history of
our family’s past. Family traditions can live on, such as traditional
celebrations, holidays, and anniversaries, and unique events like camping,
vacations, or celebrations of a family historical event.
Have
family discussions with family members. There are friends and family members
who are carrying family history around in their heads. Make appointments to
talk to them. Record the interviews.
Make
a commitment to write. Find a specific day and time to write each week, perhaps
a Sunday afternoon. Find a place to write -- a table or desk with space
for material, group sheets, pictures, mementos. Sort out the important
documents, letters, pictures and memorabilia that will put life into your
stories. Collect mementos, pictures, newspaper clippings, items that will
trigger memories. You may want to keep separate folders for each stage of your
life. Decide how you wish to capture what you write. You may want to write it
in a note book, dictate it onto a CD, use a computer, or have another person
assist you. Make a time line of your life thus far. I have done it
so far running 92. NADIPURAM
TO NASHVILLE --My Struggles and Successes.
http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2022/03/nadipuram-to-nashville-my-struggles-and.html
ASHTA LAKSHMI
Ashta Lakshmi: the eight forms of Lakshmi
By Syama Allard
Shakti,
or the creative and energetic force of the Divine, is described in Hindu
traditions as being inherently feminine, manifesting in a variety of forms,
with each displaying unique qualities.
Being
one of these manifestations, the Goddess Lakshmi is the consort of Lord Vishnu
(the sustainer of the universe), and is worshipped by Hindus as the Goddess of
wealth and prosperity. As prosperity exists in a variety of ways, so too does
Lakshmi, who bestows specific types of wealth through eight unique forms, known
collectively as Ashta Lakshmi.
1) Adi Lakshm
With
a name derived from the Sanskrit root laksh, which means “to
understand and know,” as well as “goal,” “aim,” or “objective,” Lakshmi helps
people realize their goals by providing them the wealth they need in order to
do so. And as adi means “first,” Adi Lakshmi is said to be her
primordial form, through which she helps a person attain life’s foremost
aim — freedom from the cycle of death and rebirth. She is thus known also
as Moksha Pradayani, or “one who bestows liberation.”
Wearing
gold jewelry and seated on a pink lotus, Adi Lakshmi is depicted with four
hands — one displaying the Abhaya mudra (fingers held upwards with the palm
facing outward in a gesture of fearlessness), one displaying the Varada mudra
(fingers pointed downwards with the palm facing outward in a gesture of
offering boons), one holding a lotus (symbolizing enlightenment and one’s duty
to maintain righteousness even in unjust environs), and one holding a flag
(symbolizing surrender to the Divine).
Adi
Lakshmi is the embodiment of compassion and is always ready to aid those who
sincerely endeavor to live every moment striving towards the ultimate spiritual
aim of life.
2) Dhana Lakshmi
While
the literal translation of dhana is “wealth” in terms of
money, gold, property, or any other sort of tangible monetary utility, dhana also
refers to qualities like willpower, strength, courage, determination, and
perseverance. As such, Dhana Lakshmi is believed to show favor to those who
work hard by providing the wealth and prosperity required for them to become
the best versions of themselves.
Draped
with jewelry and seated on a pink lotus, Dhana Lakshmi is depicted with six
hands — one wielding a discus (symbolizing time, purity of mind, and protection),
one with a conch (symbolizing creation), one with a bow and arrow, one with a
water pitcher (symbolizing elixir of life), one with a lotus, and one in Abhaya
mudra with gold coins flowing from the palm.
Dhana
Lakshmi is a storehouse of all the universe’s wealth, helping to fulfill the
potential of those who resolve to conquer the mind and persevere despite all
difficulties.
3) Dhanya Lakshmi
Dhanya means
“blessed,” and as life would be impossible without food, Dhanya Lakshmi blesses
devotees with the great fortune of agricultural wealth. Devotees, in turn, show
their gratitude by honoring her before partaking meals, and by selflessly
offering food to others who are in need.
Portrayed
in green garments that represent growth, renewal, and agricultural greenery,
Dhanya Lakshmi sits on a pink lotus and is depicted with eight hands — one in
Abhaya mudra, one in Varada mudra, one holding a mace (symbolizing strength),
two holding lotuses, and three holding various agricultural products.
Indiscriminately
providing nourishment to all, Dhanya Lakshmi highlights the importance of
showing gratitude for Mother Nature’s miracles, for whether rich or poor, no
one can possibly live without them.
4) Gaja Lakshmi
Worshipped
as the “giver of animal wealth,” Gaja Lakshmi was traditionally of deep
importance to farmers whose cows and bulls would provide dairy and till the
land. Gaja, which means “elephant,” also signifies power and
royalty, as elephants were regularly used by rulers of ancient India in warfare.
Flanked
on either side by a white male and female elephant, Gaja Lakshmi sits on a pink
lotus and is depicted with four hands — one in Abhaya mudra, one in Varada
mudra, and the other two holding lotuses.
Satisfying
the needs of those who earn their livelihood through the use of animals, Gaja
Lakshmi’s blessings remind one of the great value such animals add to society,
and how they should, therefore, not be tortured and exploited, but instead
treated with love, care, and respect.
5) Santana Lakshmi
Traditionally
prayed to by couples desiring children, Santana Lakshmi (santana meaning
“progeny,” or “children”) symbolizes fertility.
Arrayed
in gold jewelry, wearing a garland of flowers, and seated on a pink lotus, she
is typically depicted with six hands — two holding pitchers of water, one
holding a shield, one holding a sword, one holding a baby, and one in Abhaya
mudra to dispel negativity and offer the boon of a child. Bestowing the warmth
and care necessary for raising healthy and happy children, Santana Lakshmi also
signifies the ferocity of a protective mother.
Fulfilling
the desire for vibrant and long-living offspring, Santana Lakshmi especially
blesses those who honor parenthood as a sacred duty, and who view children as
being the greatest treasures of family life.
6) Veera Lakshmi
A
symbol of bravery and valor, Veera Lakshmi blesses worshippers with the
strength required to overcome obstacles on the path of one’s material and
spiritual life.
Covered
in flowers and gold ornaments, and seated on a pink lotus, she is depicted with
eight hands — one with a discus, one with a bow, one with an arrow, one with a
sword or trident, one with palm leaf scriptures, one with a conch, one in
Varada mudra, and one in Abhaya mudra.
Wielding
a medley of weapons, Veera Lakshmi is known also as Dhairya Lakshmi (dhairya meaning
“courage”), who grants one the fearlessness needed to persevere through life’s
ups and downs, thus favoring those who resolve to remain determined and
optimistic in all circumstances.
7) Vidya Lakshmi
As vidya means
“knowledge,” this is the form of Lakshmi that helps guide one’s intellectual
development. Cultivating the inherent qualities residing in one’s psyche, she
helps to unlock a person’s potential, allowing them to achieve both material
and spiritual success.
Adorned
in jewelry, Vidya Lakshmi is usually depicted with four hands — two holding
lotuses, one in Abhaya mudra, and one in Varada mudra.
For
those who are troubled by self-doubt and insecurity, Vidya Lakshmi brings
knowledge to foster mental resilience, fortitude, and strong will. More
importantly, however, she also provides divine wisdom to those who are
sincerely looking to spiritually transform their lives.
8) Vijaya Lakshmi
Vijaya
Lakshmi, whose first name means “victory,” is a significator of success,
instilling devotees with hope and inspiration.
Clothed
in red, bedecked with flowers, and seated on a lotus, Vijaya Lakshmi is
depicted with eight hands — one with a discus, one with a sword, one with a
shield, one with a noose, one with a conch, one with a lotus, one in Abhaya
mudra, and one in Varada mudra.
Manifesting
for the purpose of helping people conquer life’s impediments with tenacity and
grit, Vijaya Lakshmi favors those who maintain a positive attitude in the face
of all difficulties. While she can be prayed to for success in any endeavor,
devotees are especially encouraged to invoke her guidance on the path of
spirituality.
Though Lakshmi’s forms are distinct, her
encompassing nature is that of a nurturing and protective mother whose wealth
is considered to be boundless. She gives to devotees what they need, while at
the same time encouraging them to work hard and persevere. Her presence can be
invoked by maintaining cleanliness, offering flowers, and lighting lamps. But
the best way to reach out to any Ashta Lakshmi form is simply to pray with
fervent sincerity.
Goddess of Fertility Day
Goddess of Fertility Day is observed
next on Friday, March 18th, 2022, an auspicious day in Hinduism this year! It is most auspicious this year for it falls
on Friday this year. Goddess of All Round Fertility (Ashta Lakshmi) is Lakshmi
in Hinduism. Goddess of Fertility Day is celebrated on March 18 every year.
This is an occasion to celebrate Aphrodite and other fertility gods and
goddesses. Aphrodite is a goddess of love, beauty, pleasure, and fertility. It
is said that the ancient Greeks always calls Aphrodite, the goddess of
fertility when they would like to pregnant. They will pray and make sacrifices
in the hope of fixing their fertility problems. While at present we look
for other means to improve our fertility, we should think back about this
Greek. In ancient times, Aphrodite was considered enchanting, sensual, and
wonderfully, feminine. Her beauty has inspired poetry, music and art. The ancient Greeks sought help from the gods
to bring them children. The Greek gods
such as Zeus, Venus, Celtic, Esotery and Ishtar were considered all powerful
forces worshiped by their subjects as Goddess Norse and Goddess of Fertility. The
purpose of Goddess of Fertility Day is to honor fertility, life, and rebirth,
and occurs a few days before the annual spring equinox. Fertility is the
ability of reproduction!
Goddess of Fertility Day is observed
next on Friday, March 18th, 2022, an auspicious day in Hinduism this year! It is most auspicious this year for it falls
on Friday this year. Goddess of All Round Fertility (Ashta Lakshmi) is Lakshmi
in Hinduism. Goddess of Fertility Day is celebrated on March 18 every year.
This is an occasion to celebrate Aphrodite and other fertility gods and
goddesses. Aphrodite is a goddess of love, beauty, pleasure, and fertility. It is
said that the ancient Greeks always calls Aphrodite, the goddess of fertility
when they would like to pregnant. They will pray and make sacrifices in the
hope of fixing their fertility problems. While at present we look for other
means to improve our fertility, we should think back about this Greek. In
ancient times, Aphrodite was considered enchanting, sensual, and wonderfully,
feminine. Her beauty has inspired poetry, music and art. The ancient Greeks sought help from the gods
to bring them children. The Greek gods
such as Zeus, Venus, Celtic, Esotery and Ishtar were considered all powerful
forces worshiped by their subjects as Goddess Norse and Goddess of FertilityThe
purpose of Goddess of Fertility Day is to honor fertility, life, and rebirth,
and occurs a few days before the annual spring equinox. Fertility is the
ability of reproducing, and sexual behavior, it depends on several factors such
as nutrition, culture and economy. There are many goddesses of fertility.
Perhaps the most famous goddess is Aphrodite, who is associated with love,
beauty, pleasure, and fertility. Before the spring equinox in ancient times,
people prayed and made offerings to Aphrodite, in the hope of starting a
family. Some have called the day Ostara, which is the name of another fertility
goddess. However, Ostara has a day of its own, occurring for only a few days on
the vernal equinox.If you're considering starting a family or having more
children, Goddess of Fertility Day is the day to focus on that. It's a day for
a little sex. However, to be successful, sex really needs to be done at the
right time of the menstrual cycle. A
healthy body makes a healthy baby. If you are a woman hoping to conceive and
get pregnant, you should eat healthy foods and cut out processed foods. If you
smoke, drink alcohol or take drugs, it Is time to quit. These can negatively
affect pregnancy, and make it harder or harder to get pregnant. Being
comfortable is also important when trying to conceive. A relaxed body will help
increase the production of luteinizing hormone, which helps trigger ovulation.
This hormone also maintains the embryo after it is implanted in the body.
If you do not want to conceive children, Goddess of Fertility
Day can still be celebrated! It could be a day to start any new project you're
looking to work on. It can also be the sowing date to start planting new
plants. Even if it's too cold to grow outdoors, you can plant the seeds in some
fertile soil in a pot, and move the seeds outdoors when it starts to warm up in
the coming months.
http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2012/07/varalakshmi-vrata.html
Ayurveda
and Vedic Astrology
“Ayurveda is called “the mother of all
healing” because it embraces all forms of healing including diet, herbs,
bodywork, surgery, psychology and yoga. It accepts anything internally or
externally that promotes health, well-being and happiness. Ayurveda explores
the qualities and effects not only of foods, medicines and behavior but also of
climates, the weather and the stars (astrology).Ayurveda provides an integral
mind-body system of both diagnosis and treatment. First it shows us our
individual constitution according to the three doshas or biological humors of
Vata (air), Pitta (fire) and Kapha (water), as well as how this constitution is
affected by everything from genetics to environment and emotions. Then it
outlines various treatment measures to enable us to achieve optimal health and
vitality. These range from simple dietary measures to complex herbs and special
purification procedures. Ayurveda aims not only at the cure and prevention of
disease but also at rejuvenation and longevity. Beyond ordinary health care
measures it has special methods to allow us to achieve a higher level of
vitality and awareness – a spiritual Ayurveda that is part of the practice of
Yoga.
Possessing a similar scope to Ayurveda,
Vedic astrology contains all aspects of astrology, including the reading of
birth charts (natal astrology), mundane astrology (the effects of astrology on
society), astrological timing and forecasting (muhurta), and answering
questions (prashna). In addition to these, Vedic astrology encompasses all
forms of divination, including palmistry and numerology, of which several Vedic
forms exist. It includes astronomy and meteorology, which reflect karmic as
well as forces of nature. As a form of natal astrology and reading of birth
charts, Vedic astrology helps us understand our personal lives in all areas,
including health, wealth, relationship, career and spirituality. Like Ayurveda,
it has a broad range of treatment measures including the use of colors, gems,
rituals, mantras and the worship deities to aid in our greater well-being and
life unfoldment. These are called Jyotish-Chikitsa, the therapies
of light or astrology-David Frawley”
Applying the Wisdom of
Ayurveda and Jyotish Astrology off Your Mat
Depending on your level of
yoga knowledge, you may not yet realize that yoga entails so much more than the
just asana of
Ashtanga Yog—more than even pranayama or meditation. In
the modern West, the yoga practice is all about asana—the physical
postures. Pranayama and meditation tie for second place, and certainly all
three are fundamental pillars of living a well-balanced life rooted in the
eastern tradition of Vedic consciousness. But, if you delve a little deeper,
you'll learn that yoga is a vast ancient and complex tradition that integrates
so much more.
Yoga is intricately interlinked as one of the
Vedic "three sister sciences," which includes Ayurveda and Jyotish (also known as
Vedic astrology), and deepening your yoga practice with these sister sciences
can be a truly amazing journey to support your personal practice and spiritual
journey.
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is arguably the oldest systematic
wellness and medical tradition known to man.
Like yoga, it is both an art and a science where it
examines the whole mind/body/spirit dynamics and their relationships with
nature and the cosmos. Like yoga, it encourages greater self-knowledge and a
deeper self-awareness to inspire health, growth and balance.
In studying Ayurveda, we learn about the
three doshas,
or body types—kapha, vata,
and pitta—and
how we can better understand our doshic makeup and its place among the five
elements. (Learn more in The 3 Doshas of Ayurveda.)
The five elements in Ayurveda include: ether (space), earth, air, water, and
fire. So, not only does our yoga practice help make us healthier human beings,
so does Ayurveda, which offers up all kinds of different therapies, dietary
practices, and daily rituals that aim to keep us healthy and balanced, while
also aligning our inner worlds with our outer worlds.
There is tremendous excitement around Ayurveda in
recent times with many experts delighted to see such an increase in awareness
about the practice and benefits of Ayurveda. Andrea Olivera -
founder of the Andrea Olivera Centre for Ayurveda Rituals - is an example of an
expert who has been integrating Ayurveda in western spa and wellness practices
for over 30 years. Andrea notes that Ayurveda is about utilizing its vast
knowledge to enhance and maintain physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual
balance in additional to offering medical and disease healing benefits.
What is Jyotish Astrology?
Jyotish
astrology, also known as Vedic or Indian Astrology, is the third sister science
of yoga. As Andrea notes "its incredible value is to help examine our
cosmic and karmic anatomy according to the influence of celestial energies for
realignment and growth".
Each person has an individual cosmic makeup and
learning about how those energies can play-out in our lives is highly
beneficial. Often many focus on the analytical predication and misguided
"fortune telling" aspects of astrology. Though, as Andrea describes
"these sorts of focuses are distractions and the real value of Jyotish is
for it to be used as a tool for personal growth and harmony."
One example is how Jyotish can be used to takes a
closer look at the position of the moon (related to the emotional mind/body)
and the sun (related to one's purpose or dharma) in our birth-chart, where
understanding the associated observed tendencies can help a person better
realign internally and with their surroundings. Jyotish can also focus on how
the energetic dynamics of a person's planetary framework impacts a person's
proclivities, both positive and negative, that when a person becomes aware of
it they can realign their awareness for better results. There are also larger
cosmic patterns that tend to impact global consciousness and societal dynamics
where the combination of understanding both a personal and global perspective
can really catalyze a deeper understanding of ourselves and our surroundings.
Making Ayurveda and Jyotish Astrology Accessible:As we
know, a large part of yoga is about how deeply connected we are to the Cosmos.
Ayurveda and Jyotish astrology take this connection several steps further.
Though both can also become very convoluted for yoga enthusiast to understand
or make use of. The good news is that there are experts in the community trying
to change this. In Andrea's case, she has created the Eye on Yoga daily
planner, which provides a blended yearly and monthly guide integrating Ayurveda
and Jyotish in an insightful, but highly accessible, way for everyday
life. As additional support, Andrea also provides a complementary jytosih
astrology review of your specific birth-chart with the purchase of an Eye on
Yoga planner so you can better use it for your needs.
The Andrea Olivera Ayurveda Method is
a good example of a well integrated east-meets-west wellness paradigm that
takes Ayurveda healing a step further by including a cosmological frame of
reference through the practice of Jysotish astrology. Combined they become a
powerful tool for healing, growth and self-awareness blending integrated
healing practices like Andrea's exclusive Ayurveda NDT Karma Emotional
Release sessions .
As one dives deeper into the vast ocean of yogic
wisdom, integrating all three vedic sister sciences - Yoga, Ayurveda and
Jyotish - is a really good way to help gain a more complete approach to life.
By using accessible means to bring Ayurveda and Jyotish into the comfort of our
yoga practice, one's sadhana can become more
complete and harmonized to gain a better sense where we may need to speed up,
slow down, or simply just be.
If you’re looking to evolve your sadhana further,
to shed light on your dharma and and guide your healing and spiritual journey,
consider using integrated resources, like the Eye on Yoga planner,
and other resources you find useful. Connect with experts, like Andrea, and
others to begin your integration. It's truly a great time to learn more about
Ayurveda and Jyotish. They are incredible means to help you live more fully
with greater purpose and connection to your inner and outer truth.
During These Times of Stress and Uncertainty Your
Doshas May Be Unbalanced.
To help you bring attention to your doshas and to
identify what your predominant dosha is, we created the following quiz. Try not
to stress over every question, but simply answer based off your intuition.
After all, you know yourself better than anyone else.
[Aimee, who
is a yogi and writer who's been practicing yoga daily for more than 21 years.
Since a journey to India when she was 20, the practice has been her constant
companion. She loves exploring the vast and seemingly endless worlds of yoga]
--March
20, 2022
Enrealment:
A New 'Weastern’ Consciousness
[Writer
Jeff Brown talks about sustaining spirituality]
Throughout my tumultuous early life, I
found comfort in blissful and perfectionist imaginings. In an effort to escape
the chaos of my family environment, I focused my gaze on visions of a
self-actualized reality, one where the world I inhabited would be in a state of
perfect order. This vision served me for many years, until I made the mistake
of projecting it onto my spiritual life, manifest as a misguided quest for
enlightenment. I soon learned.
Although
enlightenment has been broadly defined in the spiritual literature, it is often
interpreted as a kind of pure
consciousness a 'heightened' and purified state of being that is detached
from our everyday concerns, influenced
by David Frawley, Vamadeva Sastri. In
its own way, this interpretation can actually invite us away from the karmic
field of expansion itself- our daily life. It is only through a growing
interface with our real-life experiences and challenges- the School of Heart
Knocks- that we can evolve towards a deeper spiritual life.
With
this in mind, I invite you to consider a more grounded approach this week, one
that reflects what I have realized on my own Soul-shaping journey. Enrealment is the quest for a more
inclusive consciousness, one that makes no distinction between our spiritual
and earthly lives. Through the eyes of enrealment,
the more spiritual person lives in all aspects of reality simultaneously- the
emotional, the material, and the subtle realms- rather than only those realms
that feel the most comfortable. Our quest is not simply to live in the light,
as enlightenment implies, but is to be more genuinely here in all respects:
shadow and light, earth and sky, grocery list and unity consciousness. By
living in the real, our experience of the moment becomes more complete, our
ascension more true.
Enrealment
means that we recognize the chaotic magnificence of our daily life as intrinsic
to our spirituality. It means seeing the Godself in our connection to the world
around us- Everything is God, God is
everything. It means consciously seeking a "Weastern" Consciousness, a consciousness that weaves the quest
for unity that is fundamental to the east with the quest for emotional health
and a healthy self-concept intrinsic to the west. It means honoring our
physical form not simply as a 'vessel' for the soul, but as the embodiment of
the soul. It means learning how to connect with our bodies as gardens of truth.
It means calling ourselves on our detachment from our shadow. It means honoring
our personal experiences as our own built in learning channel. It means
shifting our perspective: What is on one level a challenge, is also an
opportunity for expanding our consciousness.
Enrealment
also includes doing the often difficult work needed to clear our emotional
debris and work through our most pressing issues. Repressed emotions are
un-actualized spiritual lessons. We clear our emotional debris both because it
creates space inside for our authentic self to emerge and express itself, and
because inherent in those feelings and memories are the lessons we need to grow
in our spirituality. By bringing our repressed emotions to the surface and
working them through, we expand our "soulular"
consciousness. By growing down, we grow
up...
In "chakric" terms,
enrealment means we begin at the beginning. We begin with an honoring
of our root chakra -the quest for OM begins at home- and work our way up from
there, one chakra after another. It is not enough for our feet to merely skim
the ground. Our spiritual life begins with our feet planted firmly on Mother
Earth. With our soles firmly planted, our soul has a leg to stand on in its
efforts to go higher. Ascending with both feet on the ground.
As
we work through our chakras, we become organically present in our bodies and in
the moment. From this delightful presence emerges a natural and sustainable
movement toward God. Instead of settling for the occasional enlightenment
moment, we are now capable of a more heightened way of being. One we can
actually sustain. One we can actually ground into. From sole to soul.--Jeff Brown.
["Sou-lshaping"
is Brown's autobiography -- an inner travelogue of his journey from archetypal
male warrior to a more surrendered path. You can connect with his work at www.soulshaping.com]
“Our real life
movement
is a journey into consciousness, to higher levels of awareness and ultimate
Self-realization. This is an inner sacred
journey that cannot be limited to any outer activity. We should explore it
at every moment of our lives.
CONSCIOUSNESS IS NOT A MERE METAPHYSICAL
CONCERN of little practical relevance
to us. It is the source and ground of our every experience in life. India’s
sages knew that each day for us is a journey through consciousness, and they
spoke of four states (avastha chatushtaya): waking, dreaming, deep
sleep (technically called Non-REM sleep), and a fourth state beyond. We are
ordinarily concerned only with the waking state and its demands, but dream and
deep sleep also have their value, identity and experiences. These two subtle
states have a profound impact on us, from health to spirituality, and should
not be ignored.”--David Frawley
Karadaiyan
Nombu 2022
Karadaiyan
Nombu is a festival usually celebrated by the married women of the Tamil
community. Commemorated on the first day of Panguni month according to the
South Indian calendar or Tamil Calendar, Karadaiyan Nombu 2022 will be
celebrated on March 14. There are various rituals and traditions associated
with the commemoration of this festival. As we prepare to celebrate Karadaiyan
Nombu 2022, here’s everything you need to know about this celebration,
Karadaiyan Nombu 2022 Puja Timing, Karadaiyan Nombu Vratham rules etc.
When is Karadaiyan Nombu 2022
Karadaiyan
Nombu will be celebrated on March 14, 2022. This commemoration takes place on
the first day in the Tamil month of Panguni. It is celebrated at the moment
when Maasi month ends, and Panguni begins.
Karadaiyan
is the name of the unique dish which is prepared on this day. Meanwhile, Nombu
means Vratham or fast. The timing for Karadaiyan Nombu 2022 Tithi begins from 6:48 AM on March 14
and will go on till 12:30 PM on March 15, 2022.
The
auspicious event of tying the yellow thread or Manjal Saradu Muhurtam is 12:30 AM on March 15, according to Drik
Panchang.
Significance
of Karadaiyan Nombu
The
celebration of Karadaiyan Nombu is said to be similar to that of Vat Savithri
Vrat in the western and northern parts of India. The story of Karadaiyan Nombu
revolves around Savitri and her strength and resilience, which brought back her
husband from the grasp of the Lord of death - Yama.
Story of
Karadaiyan Nombu Vratham
According
to folklore, Savitri married Satyavan, knowing well that Lord Yama had decided
to take him away on a particular day. However, Savitri sat with Satyavan under
a tree and performed rigorous penance and meditation on this day. She observed
a stringent fast and prayed to Goddess Gowri for the long life of her husband.
This dedication from Savitri distracted Lord Yama, and he left without
Satyavan. This story of Savitri and Satyavan is retold on the location of Karadaiyan Nombu. This is also known by
the celebrations, also known as Savitri
Vratham.
It is
believed that if married women worship Goddess Gowri on this day and observe
the Karadaiyan Nombu Vratham, they
can help lengthen the lives of their partners. After the stringent fast of Karadaiyan Nombu is observed, women
perform Puja of Goddess Gowri, offer her the special preparation of Karadaiyan and tie a sacred yellow
thread known as Manjal Saradu around
their neck. Karadaiyan Nombu Vratham
begins at sunrise on the transition day, and the timing for breaking this fast
is dependent on the time of Meena Sankramana.
Here’s wishing everyone a Happy Karadaiyan
Nombu 2022.
http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2012/03/kaaradaiyan-nonbu-vata-
saavitri-vrat.html
--March 13, 2022
Thank you mama.
--Aparna
SUDHA AT THE FEET OF HER GURU
Empowerment by woman has to be developed on her own.
"Empowerment is not to be given to women by
others but has to be developed on her own.
And I say it out of my own experiences. In my
life’s journey I have faced so many hurdles, challenges and roadblocks! There
were many times when intentionally people created difficult situations. But
with the support of family, friends and my control over my very own mind, I
have been able to overcome them all.
I would like to tell all you dear women out there
that each one can become an achiever if you identify the treasures within
yourself! Then work on them, build on them, nurture them and strengthen them.
Who else knows us better than we ourselves? Rise
up, equip yourself, unleash and out do your own self each time! And you will
wake up each morning to a beautiful world full of opportunities.
Happy Womens Day! More power to you and lots of
love and best wishes for newer beginnings!
#sudharagunathan#womensday2022#MorePowerToYou#womenachievers#superwomen#alltheworldismine
Sudha Ragunathan is an Indian Carnatic vocalist,
singer and composer. She was conferred the Kalaimamani award by the Government of
Tamil Nadu in 1994, Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan by the Government of India,
and Sangeetha Kalanidhi by Madras Music Academy in 2013. Sudha’s musical career began with her first accompanying
her Guru, Padmabhushan Dr. MLV, on stage, and then giving memorable
performances one after the other. Sudha Ragunathan has amassed numerous titles
and awards over the years, making her mother, her Gurus, her rasikas and her
country proud. These accolades have been given by Institutions and governing
bodies from across the world. And Sudha has just this to say of her glories…..”Shri
Gurubyo Namah”….all at the feet of her Guru…and moving on, with the
blessings of the Almighty.
This International Women’s Day,
8 March, joined UN Women and the world in coming together under the theme “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”,
and called for climate action for women, by women.
Women and girls experience the
greatest impacts of the climate crisis as it amplifies existing gender
inequalities and puts women’s lives and livelihoods at risk. Across the
world, women depend more on, yet have less access to, natural resources, and
often bear a disproportionate responsibility for securing food, water, and
fuel.
As women and girls bear the
burden of climate impacts, they are also essential to leading and driving
change in climate adaption, mitigation and solutions. Without the
inclusion of half of the world's population, it is unlikely that solutions for
a sustainable planet and a gender equal world tomorrow will be realized.
Last year, at the Generation Equality Forum,
the Action Coalition for Feminist
Action for Climate Justice was launched, bringing
together governments, private sector companies, the UN system and civil society
in order to make concrete commitments toward climate justice. This
International Women’s Day, the Action Coalition helped driving
global action and investment with a focus on financing for gender-just climate
solutions, increasing women’s leadership in the green economy, building women’s
and girls’ resilience to climate impacts and disasters and increasing the use
of data on gender equality and climate.
In her statement for
International Women's Day, UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous said: "Let us make this International Women’s Day
a moment to recall that we have the answers not just for SDG 5 but, through the
advancement of gender equality, for all 17 Sustainable Development Goals and
Agenda 2030. I look forward to working with every one of you to that
end."
Statement made by UN
Secretary-General António Guterres on International Women's Day
“On International Women’s Day,
we celebrate women and girls everywhere. We celebrate their contributions to
ending the COVID-19 pandemic. Their ideas, innovations and activism that are
changing our world for the better, and their leadership across
all walks of life.”
--March 11, 2022
MATA PITA GURUR DAIVAM
Importance of A
Guru in our lives--How important it is to have a master or a Guru in our lives?
First of all, you will have to accept
that in order to master any skill you require a teacher who is proficient in
that skill. Since he has gained mastery over the subject so his experiences and
skill can help us to achieve victory over that subject.
Now there are 2 kinds of people –One
who wants to try out a path on his own without the help of any master and the
result would not be very beneficial and productive. The other who wants to walk
on a path by following the steps of his Guru and he is guaranteed definite
success.
Since I have a Guru in my life I can
proudly state that my life has completely transformed because of my Guru. Over
here I’m talking about my Spiritual Guru.
Now, how has he influenced my life and
transformed it is a worthwhile journey.
My Guru has given me a secret key to
eternal happiness-happiness which will last forever. He has shown me a path of
endless joy and happiness which will never be gone. He has shown me a solution
to end all my sufferings.
When you drive a car and you want to go
to an unknown place a GPS is your best guide and it will help you reach your
destination smoothly without getting lost. If you are rigid and you do not wish
to use a GPS you probably might get lost in an unknown place and it might take
you a lot of time reaching your destination, maybe you never even reach it.
So in all spheres of life, you need a
guide to help you reach your destination.
Similarly, a guru is your GPS in your
spiritual journey, he will never allow you to get lost and he will help you
reach the destination safely and smoothly with wise instructions to follow the
path GPS and it is guaranteed success. But for that, you will first have to
surrender before him and believe in him leaving aside all your ego and myths.
When you drive the car you believe that
the GPS will take you to the right direction so when you can believe when a
machine that is programmed can help you reach your direction then why not
believe in a Guru who is a realized soul -he will definitely help your soul
reach the goal.
Similarly, you will have to believe
that your Guru will guide you into your spiritual journey. Remember, a Guru has
already walked the path on spirituality so he knows the secret to reach that
path and he also knows the mistakes to avoid on that path so he gives us a
secret code to reach our goal, now your role is to trust him.
If you have faith and follow his path
you definitely will attain success and will not have to go through various
troubles and mistakes to walk on that path. If you want to visit a new country
wouldn’t you ask someone who has already visited that country-you would get a
better idea and that person will show you the best places to visit and the
places to avoid which will help you make that trip productive and efficient?
Similarly, a guru who has already walked that path, on which you want to walk,
will give you all the secrets to walk successfully on that path and the
techniques to use and the mistakes to avoid in order to achieve success, right?
So to make your spiritual journey successful you must follow the one who has
already achieved success in that path.
Not only your Guru will help you in the
spiritual journey but will also guide you in your household life — he will give
you intuition powers to decide what is good and what is bad for your life, he
will give you powers to decide what path to take which will benefit your soul.
Mata, Pita, Guru, Daivam – What Does it
Mean?
From mother to father, from guru to
divine, what does this saying signify?
Sadhguru explains.
Our culture has always told us “mata, pita, guru, daivam”. What does this saying actually
mean?
When they say “mata
pitru gurur daivam” Mother, father, the guru are divine. I want you to
understand this in the right context. When you are just born, who is the most
important person in your life? Not God for sure, not the guru, not the father.
It is the mother. At that point, when you need to be breastfed, hugged, kissed
and nurtured, the mother is the thing. I do not think it needs to be said. The
life itself is making a statement that mother is the thing for an infant that
is just born.
When they say
“mata, pita, guru, daivam”, they are just making a statement about the
natural process of life.
Once the child begins to walk, the father becomes
important because the father has an exposure to the outside situations. Do not
look at it from today’s context. In those days, the father was crucial if a
child had to learn about the world, the skills of life and how to be in
society. Once these things have happened, then to seek a higher possibility, a
guru is a must. If you seek this higher possibility, if you are successful,
daivam or the divine is a natural reality.
When they say
“mata, pita, guru, daivam”, they are
just making a statement about the natural process of life. People may be making
all kinds of interpretations with a half-baked understanding of Sanskrit
language. The mother says, “The saying says first it is the mata. You must be
dedicated to me!” The father says, “I am number two. You must be dedicated to
me. Do not progress to the guru and the divine, it is not necessary.” If this
is the statement people are trying to make, it is unfortunate, because your
mother is not just a mother, your father is not just a father – they are as
much a being as you are. They need to grow too. They should have grown ahead of
you. If the parent forgot to grow and the children are showing the way, it is a
fortune. The parents should make use of it.
A Journey of
Homecoming
If you live a mundane life, the journey from birth
will go from womb to tomb. If you live a life of awareness and seeking, from
birth to divinity is a journey of homecoming. The saying is talking about this
journey. They are suggesting the order of life if your journey is a journey of
consciousness – mother first, then the father’s role, then the guru’s role and
then the Divine.
--March 12, 2022
*************************************************************
MINDFULNESS
AND MEDITATION
"Mananāt trāyatē iti mantrah” is the definition of the word mantra in
Sanskrit. Sustained repetition (Mananāt) of that which protects (trāyatē)
from all miseries arising from bondage or cycles from birth and death is
called mantra, Vedanta Vijnana--A hymn or
portion of text, esp. from the Veda, chanted or intoned as an incantation or
prayer.
Dhyāna meditation is a word referring to one of the eight
branches of yoga, also known as the eightfold-path. Dhyana is the inhibition of the modifications of the mind.
Now, the word mantra is used in wide variety of contexts with different
meanings. Practice of all techniques that lead to meditation aim at
silencing and stilling the mind. With more practice sub-conscious mind can be
emptied which result into what is called no mind.
Mantra
meditation or mindfulness meditation, purpose, benefits and the end result is
the same. The real question is: not what are the benefits of these
two types of meditation techniques. In fact, the real question is how to choose
between these two techniques as both these techniques are equally
effective.
Please go through the full discourse posted in
Hindu Reflections Blogger Posting: http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2022/03/mantra-and-meditation.html
WHY WE
SHOULD JOIN SOIL SAVE MOVEMENT?
The Save
Soil movement is being initiated by Sadhguru, a yogi, mystic and visionary.
Save Soil
is a global movement launched by Sadhguru, to address the soil crisis by
bringing together people from around the world to stand up for Soil Health, and
supporting leaders of all nations to institute national policies and actions
toward increasing the organic content in cultivable Soil.
The Save Soil movement aims to engage
at least 3.5 billion people globally on the issue of Soil health, so they, in
turn, support their leaders in instituting policies and taking action to ensure
a minimum of 3% organic content in cultivable soils globally.
Your participation is essential for
this movement to reach the required scale, and have the necessary impact.
Save Soil - Conscious Planet is
a global movement launched by Sadhguru to save soil from extinction, and bring
the necessary policies to address the catastrophic issue facing humanity. This
movement has garnered support from global leaders including Marc Benioff, Jane
Goodall, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and institutions such as United Nations -
Convention to Combat Desertification, World Economic Forum, World Food Program,
and Food & Agriculture Organization
of United Nations.
Soil
Facts
How is soil degradation impacting our lives?
A study on nutrients in food concluded that we
would have to eat 8 oranges to get the same amount of Vitamin A as our
grandparents did with one orange because soil depletion has caused massive
drops in nutrient levels in food. (Scientific American)
2 billion people suffer from nutritional
deficiencies (WHO)
Average mineral content of calcium, magnesium, and
iron in cabbage, lettuce, tomatoes, and spinach has dropped 80-90% between
1914 and 2018 in the US (NCBI)
·
Global economy will lose US $23 trillion by 2050
through land degradation (UNCCD)
·
Soil degradation causes a loss of $235 billion to
$577 billion in crop productivity every year (IPBES)
Save Soil
Movement aims to:
Increase organic matter in soil to a minimum of 3%
To effect this change we need to:
·
Advocate for policies across all nations towards
soil restoration
·
Raise awareness of this imminent crisis among 3.5
billion people to garner their support for these policies
Join the Movement to Create Awareness about Soil
Extinction
Towards this, on March 21st, Sadhguru
will start an arduous 30,000 km journey as a lone motorcyclist traversing 24
nations, from London to Southern India, meeting with global leaders,
influencers, citizens and their elected representatives to raise awareness of
the issue of Soil Health and activate people’s support for the Save Soil
movement.
--March
8, 2022
Teachings and Influence on Society and Vedanta Study Circle
Sri Ramakrishna was probably the most celebrated mystic of all
times. A simple man, sometimes with childlike enthusiasm, he explained the most
complex concepts of spiritual philosophies in most simple parables, stories and
anecdotes. His words flowed from a deep sense of belief in the Divinity and his
experience of embracing God in a very real form. He directed that the ultimate
goal of every living soul is God-realization. Having practiced different facets
of Hinduism as well of other religions like Islam and Christianity, he preached
that all of these religions were different paths that lead up to a single goal
– God. His conversations with his disciples were recorded by his devotee
Mahendranath Gupta and the collective work was titled as Sri Sri Ramakrishna
Kathamrita (The Nectar of Sri Ramakrishna’s Words). To get rid of the
thought that he belonged to a higher Brahmanical caste, he began to eat food
cooked by the shudras or lower-caste.
His influence reached all strata of the society; he did not differentiate
between devotees based on caste. He even embraced the sceptics, won them over
with his simplistic charm and unselfish love. He was a force of revival to
re-energise the decaying Hinduism in nineteenth century Bengal. His teachings
also had profound effect on other religions like the Brahmoism that were forced
to re-evaluate their beliefs.
Nochur talks about an incident. A lady complained to Thakur about
her husband’s drinking habbits. Thakur asked her to bring him to Thakur.
She said that he will not come. Thakur asked her to chant a mantra for some
time. After some time, the person agreed to visit Thakur. When the person came,
he saw Thakur singing and dancing. He felt this Thakur is an interesting guy.
The person asked Thakur what did he drink- Indian or Foreign liquor? Thakur
told it is village drink. This way that person got interested in Thakur and got
changed in course of time.
It is no wonder that it has greatly inspired
our Vedanta Study Circle. Please enjoy their monthly discourse and discussion.
https://archive.org/stream/GospelOfSriRamakrishnaTheMahendranathGupta/TheGospelOfSriRamakrishna_djvu.txt
Welcome to the next session of the Ramakrishna
Vedanta Study Circle. "The study circle meets every 2nd and
4th Wednesday of the month" This week
we will continue the 6th Chapter of The Gospel of Sri
Ramakrishna, "The Master with the Brahmo Devotees
(I)" page 145.
Mahashivaratri Celebrations 2022
May
I draw your attention to message on YouTube sent through courtesy
Bipal Bhattatacharjee! Share the video
regarding Mahashivaratri Aarti at Sadhguru Ashram at Velliangiri foothills near
Coimbatore located at Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The bust sculpture of Lord
Shiva is the largest in the world.
https://youtu.be/fxi7pIZxSm:Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
What is Mahashivratri and why it is celebrated?
Sadhguru: "In
the Indian culture, at one time, there used to be 365 festivals in a year. In
other words, they just needed an excuse to celebrate every day of the year.
These 365 festivals were ascribed to different reasons, and for different
purposes of life. They were to celebrate various historical events, victories,
or certain situations in life like sowing, planting, and harvesting. For every
situation there was a festival. But Mahashivratri is of a different
significance. Mahashivratri, “The Great Night of Shiva” is the most
significant event in India’s spiritual calendar.
The
fourteenth day of every lunar month or the day before the new moon is known as
Shivratri. Among all the twelve Shivratris that occur in a calendar year, Mahashivratri,
the one that occurs in February-March is of the most spiritual significance. On
this night, the northern hemisphere of the planet is positioned in such a way
that there is a natural upsurge of energy in a human being. This is a day when
nature is pushing one towards one’s spiritual peak. It is to make use of this,
that in this tradition, we established a certain festival which is nightlong.
To allow this natural upsurge of energies to find their way, one of the
fundamentals of this nightlong festival is to ensure that you remain awake with
your spine vertical throughout the night.
Importance
of Mahashivratri
Mahashivratri
is very significant for people who are on the spiritual path. It is also very
significant for people who are in family situations, and also for the ambitious
in the world. People who live in family situations observe Mahashivratri as
Shiva’s wedding anniversary. Those with worldly ambitions see that day as the
day Shiva conquered all his enemies.
But,
for the ascetics, it is the day he became one with Mount Kailash. He became
like a mountain – absolutely still. In the yogic tradition, Shiva is not
worshipped as a God, but considered as the Adi Guru, the first Guru from whom
the science of Yoga originated. After many millennia in meditation, one day he
became absolutely still. That day is Mahashivratri. All movement in him stopped
and he became utterly still, so ascetics see Mahashivratri as the night of
stillness.
Spiritual
Significance of Mahashivratri
Legends
apart, why this day and night are held with such importance in the yogic
traditions is because of the possibilities it presents to a spiritual seeker.
Modern science has gone through many phases and arrived at a point today where
they are out to prove to you that everything that you know as life, everything
that you know as matter and existence, everything that you know as the cosmos
and galaxies, is just one energy which manifests itself in millions of
ways.
This
scientific fact is an experiential reality in every yogi. The word “yogi” means
one who has realized the oneness of the existence. When I say “yoga,” I am not
referring to any one particular practice or system. All longing to know the
unbounded, all longing to know the oneness in the existence is yoga. The night
of Mahashivratri offers a person an opportunity to experience this.
Shivratri
– The Darkest Night of the Month
Shivratri,
is the darkest day of the month. Celebrating Shivratri on a monthly basis, and
the particular day, Mahashivratri, almost seems like celebration of darkness.
Any logical mind would resist darkness and naturally opt for light. But the
word “Shiva” literally means “that which is not.” “That which
is,” is existence and creation. “That which is not” is Shiva. “That which is
not” means, if you open your eyes and look around, if your vision is for small
things, you will see lots of creation. If your vision is really looking for big
things, you will see the biggest presence in the existence is a vast
emptiness.
A
few spots which we call galaxies are generally much noticed, but the vast
emptiness that holds them does not come into everybody’s notice. This vastness,
this unbounded emptiness, is what is referred to as Shiva. Today, modern science also proves
that everything comes from nothing and goes back to nothing. It is in
this context that Shiva, the vast emptiness or nothingness, is referred to as
the great lord, or Mahadeva.
Every
religion, every culture on this planet has always been talking about the
omnipresent, all-pervading nature of the divine. If we look at it, the only
thing that can be truly all-pervading, the only thing that can be everywhere is
darkness, nothingness, or emptiness.
Generally,
when people are seeking well-being, we talk of the divine as light. When people
are no longer seeking well-being, when they are looking beyond their life in
terms of dissolving, if the object of their worship and their sadhana is
dissolution, then we always refer to the divine as darkness.
Significance
of Shivratri
Light
is a brief happening in your mind. Light is not eternal, it is always a limited
possibility because it happens and it ends. The greatest source of light that
we know on this planet is the sun. Even the sun’s light, you could stop it with
your hand and leave a shadow of darkness behind. But darkness is
all-enveloping, everywhere. The immature minds in the world have always
described darkness as the devil. But when you describe the divine as
all-pervading, you are obviously referring to the divine as darkness, because
only darkness is all-pervading. It is everywhere. It does not need any support
from anything.
Light
always comes from a source that is burning itself out. It has a beginning and
an end. It is always from a limited source. Darkness has no source. It is a
source unto itself. It is all-pervading, everywhere, omnipresent. So, when we
say Shiva, it is this vast emptiness of existence. It is in the lap of this
vast emptiness that all creation has happened. It is that lap of emptiness that
we refer to as the Shiva.
In
Indian culture, all the ancient prayers were not about saving yourself,
protecting yourself or doing better in life. All the ancient prayers have
always been “Oh lord, destroy me so that I can become like yourself.” So, when
we say Shivratri, which is the darkest night of the month, it is an opportunity
for one to dissolve their limitedness, to experience the unboundedness of the
source of creation which is the seed in every human being.
Mahashivratri
– A Night of Awakening
Mahashivratri
is an opportunity and a possibility to bring yourself to that experience of the
vast emptiness within every human being, which is the source of all creation.
On the one hand, Shiva is known as the destroyer. On the other, he is known as
the most compassionate. He is also known to be the greatest of the givers. The
yogic lore is rife with many stories about Shiva’s compassion. The ways of
expression of his compassion have been incredible and astonishing at the same
time. So Mahashivratri is a special night for receiving too. It is our wish and
blessing that you must not pass this night without knowing at least a moment of
the vastness of this emptiness that we call as Shiva. Let this night
not just be a night of wakefulness, let this night be a night of awakening for
you--Sadguru
SHIVA
LINGASHTAKAM
Ashtakam is a poetic composition in Sanskrit of eight stanzas or
verses. They were one of the favorite poetic instruments of the rishis (sage)
of the past. This is evident from the dozens of ashtakam found
in the annals of the Indian culture. One such ashtakam that
is beamed from temples across India is the Shiva Lingashtakam. A
countless number of people wake up every day to the holy sounds of this
composition set to a melodious tune that reflects the cultural ethos of that
particular region.
Penned by Adi Shankaracharya, himself considered to be an avatar
of Lord Shiva, Shiva Lingashtakam is a prayer offered to Lord
Shiva in the form of linga (meaning symbol in Sanskrit).
The prayer is a declaration of faith, obedience, loyalty, and devotion towards
Lord Shiva. Shivalinga is a symbolic representation of the
creation of the Universe from the eternal play of Shiva and Shakti. Shiva
Lingashtakam lists Lord Shiva’s glories and the benefits of worshipping
the Shivalinga.
The holy month of Shravan (fifth month of
the Hindu calendar) is considered to be an auspicious time to offer prayers to
Lord Shiva. Shiva Lingashtakam is chanted during the Shiva
Puja that is performed on every day during this month. Devotees chant this hymn
early in the morning or in the evening, preferably during sunrise and sunset,
while performing Shiva Puja in front of a Shivalinga or
while remembering Lord Shiva
Brahma Muraari Suraarchita Lingam
Nirmala Bhashita Shobhita Lingam
Janmaja Dukha Vinaashaka Lingam
Tat pranamami Sada sivalingam
1.1: (I salute that eternal Shiva
Lingam) Which is adored by Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and the Gods, which
is pure, shining, and well-adorned,
1.2: And which destroys the sorrows associated with birth (and
human life). I salute that eternal Shiva
Lingam.
Devamuni Pravaraarchita Lingam
Kaamadaham Karunaakara Lingam
Raavana Darpa Vinaashaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sada Shiva Lingam
2.1: (I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam) Which is worshipped
by the Gods and the best of Sages, which burns all desires, which is
compassionate,
2.2: And which destroyed the pride of even Ravana. I salute that
eternal Shiva Lingam.
Sarva Sugandha Sulepitha Lingam
Buddhi Vivardhana Kaarana Lingam
Siddha Suraasura Vanditha Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
3.1: (I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam) which is
beautifully smeared with various fragrant pastes, which is the cause behind the
elevation of a person's (spiritual) intelligence and discernment,
3.2: And which is praised by the Siddhas, Devas and the Asuras. I
salute that eternal Shiva Lingam.
Kanaka Mahaamani Bhushitha Lingam
Phanipathi Veshtitha Shobhitha Lingam
Daksha Suyajna Vinaashaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
4.1: (I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam) which is
decorated with Gold and other precious gems, which is adorned with the best of
the serpents wrapped around it,
4.2: And which destroyed the grand yajna (sacrifice)
of Daksha. I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam.
umkuma Chandana Lepitha Lingam
Pankaja Haara Sushobhitha Lingam
Sanchitha Paapa Vinaashaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
5.1: (I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam) which is
anointed with Kumkuma (Saffron) and Chandana (Sandal paste), which is
beautifully decorated with garlands of Lotuses,
5.2: And which destroys the accumulated sins (of several lives). I
salute that eternal Shiva Lingam.
Devaganaarchitha Sevitha Lingam
Bhaavair Bhakti Bhirevacha Lingam
Dinakara Koti Prabhakara Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
6.1: (I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam) which is
worshipped and served by the group of Devas (Gods) with true Bhava (emotion or
contemplation) and Bhakti (devotion),
6.2: And which has the splendor of a million suns. I salute that
eternal Shiva Lingam.
Ashta Dalopari Veshtitha Lingam
Sarva Samudbhava Kaarana Lingam
Ashta Daridra Vinaashaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
7.1: (I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam) which is
surrounded by eight-petal flowers, which is the cause behind all
creation,
7.2: And which destroys the eight poverties. I salute that
eternal Shiva Lingam.
Suraguru Suravara Pujitha Lingam
Suravana Pushpa Sadaarchitha Lingam
Paraatparam Paramatmaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
8.1: (I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam) which is
worshipped by the Preceptor of Gods (Lord Brihaspati) and the Best of the Gods,
which is always worshipped by the flowers from the celestial garden,
8.2: Which is superior to even the best and which is the greatest.
I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam.
Lingashtakam Idam Punyam Padeth Shiva Sannidhow
Shivalokam Avapnothi Shive Na Sahamodathe
9.1: Whoever recites this Lingasthakam near Shivalingam,
9.2: Will, in the end, attain the abode of Lord Shiva and enjoy
his bliss.
Benefits of Chanting Shiva Lingashtakam
The last stanza is an appendix that summarizes the benefits of
chanting Shiva Lingashtakam. Regular recitation of this hymn
gives:
- Peace of mind and helps in keeping negative energy, evils,
and negative thoughts away.
- Good health, prosperity, and wisdom dawns.
3.
Induces positivity, confidence, and willpower as well as the
removal of obstacles in endeavors.
--Based
on wisdom talks by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Vaidic Dharma Sansthan)
Karma – Reward or Punish
The only way out of karma is self-discovery. What is this karma thin--Is it destiny? Is it
a punishment for past transgressions? Is it a reward for past merits? Who is
doling out the reward or the punishment? It is none of the above actually but
it can be a bit difficult to understand. In the west, because of our religious
heritage, we see karma in the same way we see God, doling out punishment and
reward, as Hindu Americans. In other words, it is seen as an ethical or moral
enforcement, carrot and stick. For that reason people are busy trying to avoid
bad karma and trying to accumulate good karma. The mission of spirituality is
not getting all the good karma and avoiding the bad but stepping out of karma
altogether. The Smoke & Mirrors of Materialistic Desires. There is no karma
for the true self… that is, the true you! Karma belongs to the realm of the
unconscious, conditioned mind. If is a mindless energy, grinding along. It is
like a spaceship moving through space. It will remain forever on that same
trajectory unless and until something bumps it off into a new direction. That
bump can come from some unexpected event or it can come from a conscious
awakening. Join Lisa Berry and Master Spiritual Teacher GP Walsh when they
explore this profound but little understood phenomenon controversial on this
week’s Flow of Enlightenment.
“As you sow, so
shall you reap” is a common phrase in life which concisely sums up the law of
karma. Karma is the universal Hindu law of cause and effect which holds a
person responsible for his or her actions and effects. According to one’s good
or bad actions, Bhagwan rewards or punishes. The word ‘karma’ means human
action or deed; we are constantly performing karmas whether physically,
mentally, or emotionally. A person’s karma is responsible for good or bad
consequences in his or her life. Nothing in this world happens accidentally or
coincidentally; there is a reason behind everything though it may not be clear
to us at that time. Good actions produce happiness and bad actions lead to
suffering and misery in the present or next life. A person’s past actions
govern his present, and his present actions have an effect on his future. This
means that every person is, to a certain degree, the creator of his own
destiny.
All of our karmas
are performed in one of two ways. The first way is called nishkãma karma, when
actions are performed without any expectation of material gain, ego, or
material desires. Nishkãma karmas are only performed to fulfill one’s duties
and please God. The second way is called sakãma karma, when actions are
performed with an expectation of material desire or purpose. Bhagwan
Swaminarayan taught the ideal of performing one’s karmas without the
expectation of material gain. He stressed the need for an aspirant to have one
desire – to please God even while performing nishkãma karma.
In Hindu Dharma there are 3 types of
karmas:
·
Kriyamãn
karma are karmas being acquired every moment. The fruits of these karmas
can be attained in this life, the next, or after many births.
·
Sanchit
karma is an accumulation of karmas containing the sum total of all a
person’s karmas from one or many past lives. The fruits of these karmas are
being experienced or have yet to be experienced.
·
Prãrabdha
karma is a part of one’s sanchita karma that is being experienced in this
birth. For example, the attributes and conditions of one’s physical body and
mental capacities are due to one’s prãrabdha karmas.
Bhagwan
Swãminãrãyan has explained in His discourses that God has given every person
the freedom of action, and therefore, he or she is responsible for performing
karmas that either result in punya (merits) or pãpa (sins). Furthermore,
Bhagwan is the giver of the fruits of one’s good and bad karmas when He
determines the consequences of one’s karmas. No karma by itself can produce or
give results, but when Bhagwan so decides, only then can one experience its
good or bad effects. The karma principle is not a self-operating system in
which karmas automatically bring or give one results. This is because karmas by
themselves are inanimate.
Dharma is the very
foundation of life. It is moral law combined with spiritual discipline that
guides one's life. Dharma means ‘that which holds,’ i.e., the people of this
world and the whole of creation cannot exist without dharma to hold them in
place. Dharma is an all-inclusive term used to mean righteousness, morality,
religion, responsibility, and duty. Dharma includes the practice of religious
disciplines and duties, such as honesty, Brahmacharya, and non-violence. The
purpose of dharma is not only to help one’s jiva come closer with Bhagwan, but
it also suggests a code of conduct that is intended to secure both worldly joys
and eternal bliss. The practice of dharma gives an experience of happiness,
strength, and tranquility within one's self and makes life disciplined.
“Karma is misunderstood, Good
Karma does not give you material rewards but association with Gurus, and
Shastras that lead you to Moksha. Bad Karma destroys your inner peace, darkens
the mind and makes you more attached to the mortal body and material world”-David Frawley
A THRILLING DIVINE COINCIDENCE
While observing Mahasivaratri
worship and enjoying this as usual, I wish to share this exciting news with you
all:
“Shankar Mahadevan is a singer and a composer
especially for Indian films. He belongs to Tamil speaking family in India. He
has received numerous awards including Padma Shri award for Film Music in 2019
and Lata Mangeshkar award in 2011.
We also have a namesake amongst us in
Nashville, T. N. Dr. Sankaran Mahadevan (though the first name is spelt
slightly different) is a Professor of Engineering at Vanderbilt University. He
is also an accomplished musician, musicologist and a spiritual teacher. He
facilitates our Sunday Bhagavad Gita study group (now over Zoom due to COVID19
pandemic). Dr. Mahadevan hails from the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, the land of
famous temples, Carnatic music, Bharatanatyam classical dance, famous resorts
like Ooty, Kodaikanal etc.
Coincidentally the names Sankaran/Shankar and
Mahadevan are the other names of Lord Shiva.
Note: The song was composed by Sri Thyagaraja
(1767-1847) regarded as guardian saint of Carnatic music.
Wish you a Blessed Mahashivratri !
Comments:
So nice to hear Mahadevan’s song, thank u!
MUSIC
IS DIVINE AND SPIRITUAL
In God’s creation, perhaps, the first musical sounds were the
chirping of the birds like Bulbuls’ whistles, cooing of the cuckoos in
crescendo, the peacock crying and dancing rhythmically spreading out its
glorious multi-colored feathers like a fan. Again, animals too like the herd of elephants with their majestic
gait trumpeting add to the birds’ chorus to make a grand symphony. Music
is higher than this and is in close touch with mind or spirit. In the words of
Lin u Tang it is a pure sentiment without words with which alone the intellect
can operate.
Our mythology attributes the origin of Indian Music to the Divine Brahma.
Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva the Eternal Trinity were said to be the first
musicians: Brahma kept the time beat with the clanging cymbals and Vishnu
sounded the holy mridangam or the drum. Lord Shiva displayed his infinite modes of
rhythm in his cosmic dance of Universal creation and preservation.
Origin of Music is traced to the Vedic hymns too that were chanted in ancient
India during ceremonies and other religious occasions.
Music can be found in the Vedas, which are the oldest scriptures in the Hindu
tradition. The Sama Veda, one of the four Vedas, describes music at
length.
The Sama Veda was derived from the Rig Veda so that its hymns could be sung as
Samagana. The hymns were sung by Udgater priests at sacrifices in which the
Soma the ritual drink was offered to various deities. The chanting style evolved
into jatis and eventually into ragas… Bharat’s Natyashastra was the first
treatise laying down fundamental principles of dance, music and drama.
Music has its own language, the language of emotions such as joy, fear,
depression, despair which are universal and so music which uses such emotions
as its language is universal.
From time immemorial extraordinary powers have been ascribed to music. It is
said Muthuswami Dikshitar brought rain by singing the raga Amritvarshani. It is
said the late Nagaswaram Vidvan Sivakozhundu could draw out cobras from their
holes and make them swing their hoods to his tunes.
Tansen, the peerless musician who was one of the nine gems in the court of
Emperor Akbar with his rich expositions of Dhrupads in Deepak, Megh Malhar and
other raagas illuminated the unlit lamps, brought unseasonal rains, gave life
to unattended musical instruments and even said to have tamed wild beasts.
Congreve has very well said:”Music hath charms to soothe a savage beast, to
soften rocks or bend a knotted oak.” There is one story about raaga Deepak.
Once Emperor Akbar asked Gopal Naik an expert musician in his court whether
raag Deepak could kindle fire. Gopal Naik affirmed. Akbar wanted him to sing
and prove. Gopal was reluctant and though with all precautions standing in
water he sang his body burst into flames and was reduced to ashes.
It is Music through saints have touched the heart of God. Music
was the easiest path to reach God. We have heard many stories where God has run to the rescue of
innumerable singer- saints like Mirabai, Kabir, Surdas, Ramprasad, Tulsidas and
many others His heart rent by their appealing Music.
Music has the power to heal our ailments too. After many experiments it has
been established that Musical therapy can cure diseases. Even simple ailment
like headaches can be cured by Music.
I have heard of a violent patient who would cool down the moment was played.
Gandhiji in his ‘Influence of Music’ writes how Music has given him peace and
helped to overcome anger. Again he tells us that in Transvaal when he was badly
wounded, the pain of his wound were relieved when Olive Doke sang to him ‘Lead
Kindly Light’. Music has great magical powers.
It seems audiences sat enthralled as the delicate small hands of the young
prodigy Mozart wove an enchanted spell. Again when Hadyn gave a performance of
his 'Oratorio’s Creation’ in Vienna a burst of sunlight accompanied the
phrase “ Let there be light” the audiences looked up awe- struck to Hadyn’s box
With tears in his eyes Hadyn pointed towards heaven “ It came from there” he
whispered.
It seems once the famous violinist Mehudi Menuhin forgot his passport while
travelling and the authorities would not allow him to pass despite his
requests. At last as a proof he was asked to play the violin. And lo! No sooner
had Menhumin’s bow touched the strings, the crowd stood bewitched.
Once Menuhin had started he could not stop and the audience stood motionless.
Finally the music slowed down and ended not before tears rolled down the cheeks
of the spell- bound listeners. They permitted him to go but not before
confessing that they had done this purposely to hear his heavenly music which
otherwise was impracticable for them.
Fortunately I had the privilege to attend to various concerts of
famous musicians like Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, Allaudin Khan, Ustad
Amir Khan and a lot more.
Many of the programs would last the whole night and we would return at dawn
with the milkman with the heavenly music in us. Bismillah Khan especially would
get into top mood and regale us when nearing dawn only a few handful eager
lovers of music still sat to hear him more.
I remember it was at Swami Haridas Sangit Sammelan organised by Shri
Brijnarayan where Pdt. Jasraj when only seventeen years old gave his first
performance singing raag Madhuvanti. It is unforgettable.
Needless to say that these great musicians have been messengers of God to
transport us to the realm of ecstasy. Great music never dies; it vibrates in
the memory forever as it is intimately connected with Divinity.
Origin of Music is traced to the Vedic hymns too that were chanted in ancient
India during ceremonies and other religious occasions, writes MEERA S. SASHITAL
KARMA COHEN.
http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2022/03/music-is-divine.html
--March 5, 2022
*************************************************************
TIME AND BREATH
“Clock time is artificial and
mechanical, and removes us from the depletion. Your breath is your natural biological natural
rhythms of life, creating stress, agitation and clock that can attune you to the forces of nature within
and around you. Everything is breathing, drawing in and out the forces of life
and consciousness. Deepening and concentrating your breath with an inner
awareness, you can learn how to control time, your emotions and all the
movements of the mind. Observing the breath from the witnessing Self and Seer,
you can go beyond birth and death, time and space. Learn how to breathe
with the whole of existence, the breath of Brahman, ever into its own
Self-being.”--David Frawley
Difference between Pranayama
and Breathing
Everybody knows how to
breathe, even a newborn child. Still, these days most of us need a breathing
the program that can help us in dealing with our day-to-day desk work, driving,
tension, anxiety and even depression. It is well known that deep breathing
exercises can help overcome these stresses in life, so it is necessary for all
of us to understand the science of breathing i.e. Pranayama.
“When the breath wanders, the
mind is unsteady, ut when the breath is still, so is the mind still.” Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Pranayama
is a part of yoga system that teaches us the art of extending and controlling
our breath in many ways. It teaches us to change the depth, rate, and pattern
of breathing.
Pranayama is the conscious
awareness of breath. The term is derived from Sanskrit, Prana means breath, respiration, vitality or energy. Ayama means expansion or stretching.
Thus, Pranayama connotes extension and control of breath. Proper rhythmic, slow
and deep breathing, strengthens the respiratory system, soothes the nervous
system and increases concentration. According to Yoga, the breath connects the
Body, Mind, and Spirit.
The rate of breathing changes
with circumstances such as it increases due to emotional or physical
disturbances whereas, it automatically slows down when one is calm and
peaceful. Like, when we get tired while climbing stairs, we get breathless. Try
the following to regulate your breathing and feel less exhausted. Climb keeping
shoulders straight and take a deep breathe in for two stairs (inhale), and
exhale for two steps, with a rhythm of two in and two out. Like this, we expel
more carbon dioxide and take in great supply of oxygen, thus we feel less
fatigue.
Mostly we use only a fraction
of our lung capacity as we do shallow breathing. We barely expand the ribcage,
shoulders are often hunched and have painful tension in the upper part of back
and neck due to which we suffer lack of oxygen which makes us breathless and
tired. So, keep both shoulder blades as close as possible without strain and
exhale gently and fully pause, then inhale with a deep, slow, gentle breath
until the lungs are comfortably filled. Then breath out slowly through the
nose, without changing the position of shoulder blades. Repeat this cycle many
times. By doing this, the brain gets stimulated and ease nerve tension by
providing the fuller supply of oxygen.
Types of Breathing
Clavicular
Breathing (Sectional Breathing): It is shallow breathing in which the abdomen is
completely controlled, and breathing is performed by forcing the air into the
uppermost region of the lungs. The shoulders and collar bones are raised while
the abdomen is contracted during inhalation.
Thoracic
(Chest Breathing): Breathing takes place by expanding and contracting the chest only,
while the abdomen is kept under control. The middle lobes of the lungs are
fully activated through this breathing.
Abdominal
Breathing: Deep
abdominal breathing brings air to the lowest and largest part of lungs.
Breathing is slow and deep such that diaphragm is used properly.
A full yogic breath combines
all three, beginning with abdomen and continuing the inhalation through the
thoracic and clavicular area. The abdomen should expand outward on inhalation
and contract on exhalation. To get the feeling of this motion, while sitting in
any meditative posture preferably Vajrasana,
place the hands on the abdomen close to each other. Exhale slowly inhale
through the nostrils taking the hands away from each other so that the
abdomen bulges. Hold the breath for a second. Then slowly exhale so that the
abdomen retracts bringing the hands closer. Hold the breath for a second.
Repeat the breathing cycle five times, preferably in the ratio 4:2:8:2.
Breathing should be deep, slow and rhythmic.
The lower sections of the
lungs increase with air flow. Rhythmic movement of the diaphragm massages the
abdomen gently and enables the organs to function effectively.
--March 6, 2022
cing, and sexual behavior, it
depends on several factors such as nutrition, culture and economy. There are
many goddesses of fertility. Perhaps the most famous goddess is Aphrodite, who
is associated with love, beauty, pleasure, and fertility. Before the spring
equinox in ancient times, people prayed and made offerings to Aphrodite, in the
hope of starting a family. Some have called the day Ostara, which is the name
of another fertility goddess. However, Ostara has a day of its own, occurring
for only a few days on the vernal equinox.If you're considering starting a
family or having more children, Goddess of Fertility Day is the day to focus on
that. It's a day for a little sex. However, to be successful, sex really needs
to be done at the right time of the menstrual cycle. A healthy body makes a healthy baby. If you
are a woman hoping to conceive and get pregnant, you should eat healthy foods
and cut out processed foods. If you smoke, drink alcohol or take drugs, it Is
time to quit. These can negatively affect pregnancy, and make it harder or
harder to get pregnant. Being comfortable is also important when trying to
conceive. A relaxed body will help increase the production of luteinizing
hormone, which helps trigger ovulation. This hormone also maintains the embryo
after it is implanted in the body.
If you do not want to conceive children, Goddess of Fertility
Day can still be celebrated! It could be a day to start any new project you're
looking to work on. It can also be the sowing date to start planting new
plants. Even if it's too cold to grow outdoors, you can plant the seeds in some
fertile soil in a pot, and move the seeds outdoors when it starts to warm up in
the coming months.
The Meaning Behind 108 in the
Universe, the Divine, the Body, the Tradition and the Practice
Why
is 108 a special number?
As
with so many questions in life, the initial answer is ‘It depends who you ask.’
The number 108 holds great significance in a variety of fields. So let’s have a
look at some of the ways in which the number 108 is significant and see how
these may inspire us in our life and practice.
108
and the universe
108
is a particularly significant number in the mathematics of the universe.
For
example, the diameter of the Sun is 108 times the diameter of the Earth and the
average distance of the Sun and the Moon to Earth is 108 times their respective
diameters.
108 = 1¹ × 2² × 3³
"1:108 represents the ratios
between:
1. The sun's distance & diameter
2. The moon's distance & diameter
3. The sun's & earth's
diameters"
2 x 27 =54. 2 x 54
= 108.
There are 1,008
flower petals in the Crown Chakra In the human body. So much more could be said
for sure. Mostly we can intuitively resonate with this number. A lucky number
to all. Also Knowledge from India is one of the main traditions that spiritually guides all in life. Mathematicians
from the Vedic tradition came to view 108 as the number representing the
wholeness of existence.
Placing
significance on the number 108 reminds us of our place in the cosmic order of
things.
108
and the divine
108
appears as a number of significance within various Eastern religious
traditions. For example, in the Hindu tradition, there are 108 attendants of
Shiva. In Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Lord Krishna in Brindavan had 108 followers. The
words of the Buddha are recorded in the Tibetan Kangyur in 108 volumes. A bell
is chimed 108 times in Buddhist temples in Japan to finish the old year and
welcome the new one.
Placing
significance on the number 108 connects us to the divine source of all things.
108
and the human body
As
we focus in on the human body, the number 108 holds special significance.
For
example, there are 108 marma points, considered to be sacred places in the
body. In Ayurveda, these pressure points are seen as vital for giving life to
living beings for it is at these points that consciousness and flesh intersect.
Additionally,
there are 108 nadis, or energy lines, which converge to form the heart chakra.
Placing
significance on the number 108 embraces the life-giving energy so vital for
human existence.
108
and the tradition of yoga
The
number 108 has emerged as a truly significant number within the tradition of
yoga.
According
to yogic tradition, there are 108 sacred sites known as pithas, throughout
India. There are 108 Upanishads (a collection of Indian religious and
philosophical texts from as early as 800 BCE) and 108 Puranas (Sanskrit sacred
writings on Hindu mythology from as early as 400 BCE).
There
are 54 letters in Sanskrit, where each can be seen as either masculine (Shiva)
or feminine (Shakti), and therefore totaling 108.
Placing
significance on the number 108 aligns the yogi to the ancient tradition of
yoga.
108
and the practice of yoga and meditation
In
yoga, the number 108 has significance as the number representing spiritual
completion.
Sun
salutations are often performed in nine rounds of the 12 postures which totals
108 poses. A yoga mala consists of 108 sun salutations.
Pranayama
is also often completed in cycles of 108 – if you’re looking for more
information on breath-work and Pranayama or you’re in search of peace, clarity
and calm, our collection of educational Pranayama books shed
light on the power of Pranayama and combining breath-work exercises with meditation.
A
mala is traditionally a string of 108 prayer beads with a guru bead. As you
pray, you move along the beads, reciting your chosen mantra 108 times.
A
mala is used for counting as you repeat a mantra, here at Yoga-matters we’ve
got an extensive collection of malas from Mala Collective.
Each beaded with gemstones that signify different meanings, Mala Collective’s
mala beads help you reconnect with your intentions; whether you’re rising, healing, or rebalancing – Mala
Collective’s unique malas help you find clarity on what’s most important in
your life.
As
we practice chanting, breath-work, or asana in rounds of this sacred number, we
become aligned with the rhythm of the universe and the energy of the divine
source.
Placing
significance on the number 108 connects the essence of each individual yoga
practice to the whole.
How to use mala beads for meditation
As
well as holding the ability to help you tap into energy with each of mala’s
unique gemstones, using a mala during your yoga practice or meditation can help
you feel more connected with the universe and focus your mind and breathe as
you flow through your practice.
To
use your mala beads through practice, simply hold your mala between both your
middle and index fingers. Starting at the guru bead, which is often signified
with a different colored gemstone – use your thumb and begin to count each of
the smaller beads whilst you recite your mantra. Repeat this 108 times as your
fingers travel around the mala until you reach the guru bead once more, as
placing significance on the number 108 connects the essence of each individual
yoga practice to the whole.
Mala beads at meditation accessories at Yoga-matters
As
you advance through your practice, purchasing a mala can help guide you into a
more meditative state, all whilst helping to reconnect with the universe and
your own intentions. At Yoga-matters, we offer yoga enthusiasts a wide
collection of meditation props and accessories,
to help you delve deeper into your practice.
Whether
you’re looking for your own unique mala beads to align with your individual
intentions, or you’re looking for a range of Pranamaya accessories to
help you switch off and delve deeper into a meditative state, we’ve got
everything you need to bring more intention to your practice.
Yoga-matters
For
over 20 years, Yoga-matters has been faithfully supporting yoga teachers, yoga
studio owners and yoga practitioners around the world. We're here to share stories
and to support your yoga journey whether that means taking the time to help you
choose your perfect yoga mat, bolster or practical props or offering you the
comfiest clothing basics and essentials to help you flow and grow.
Ayurveda
and Vedic Astrology
“Ayurveda
is called “the mother of all healing” because it embraces all forms of healing
including diet, herbs, bodywork, surgery, psychology and yoga. It accepts
anything internally or externally that promotes health, well-being and
happiness. Ayurveda explores the qualities and effects not only of foods,
medicines and behavior but also of climates, the weather and the stars
(astrology).
Ayurveda provides an
integral mind-body system of both diagnosis and treatment. First it shows us
our individual constitution according to the three doshas or biological humors
of Vata (air), Pitta (fire) and Kapha (water), as well as how this constitution
is affected by everything from genetics to environment and emotions. Then it
outlines various treatment measures to enable us to achieve optimal health and
vitality. These range from simple dietary measures to complex herbs and special
purification procedures. Ayurveda aims not only at the cure and prevention of
disease but also at rejuvenation and longevity. Beyond ordinary health care
measures it has special methods to allow us to achieve a higher level of
vitality and awareness – a spiritual Ayurveda that is part of the practice of
Yoga.
Possessing a similar
scope to Ayurveda, Vedic astrology contains all aspects of astrology, including
the reading of birth charts (natal astrology), mundane astrology (the effects
of astrology on society), astrological timing and forecasting (muhurta), and
answering questions (prashna). In addition to these, Vedic astrology encompasses
all forms of divination, including palmistry and numerology, of which several
Vedic forms exist. It includes astronomy and meteorology, which reflect karmic
as well as forces of nature.
As a form of natal
astrology and reading of birth charts, Vedic astrology helps
us understand our
personal lives in all areas, including health, wealth, relationship, career and
spirituality. Like Ayurveda, it has a broad range of treatment measures
including the use of colors, gems, rituals, mantras and the worship deities to
aid in our greater well-being and life unfoldment. These are called Jyotish-Chikitsa,
the therapies of light or astrology-David
Frawley”
Applying the Wisdom of
Ayurveda and Jyotish Astrology off Your Mat
Depending
on your level of yoga knowledge, you may not yet realize that yoga entails so
much more than the just asana of
Ashtanga Yog—more than even pranayama or meditation. In
the modern West, the yoga practice is all about asana—the physical
postures. Pranayama and meditation tie for second place, and certainly all
three are fundamental pillars of living a well-balanced life rooted in the
eastern tradition of Vedic consciousness. But, if you delve a little deeper,
you'll learn that yoga is a vast ancient and complex tradition that integrates
so much more.
Yoga is intricately interlinked as one of the
Vedic "three sister sciences," which includes Ayurveda and Jyotish (also known as
Vedic astrology), and deepening your yoga practice with these sister sciences
can be a truly amazing journey to support your personal practice and spiritual
journey.
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is arguably the oldest systematic
wellness and medical tradition known to man.
Like yoga, it is both an art and a science where it
examines the whole mind/body/spirit dynamics and their relationships with
nature and the cosmos. Like yoga, it encourages greater self-knowledge and a
deeper self-awareness to inspire health, growth and balance.
In studying Ayurveda, we learn about the
three doshas,
or body types—kapha, vata,
and pitta—and
how we can better understand our doshic makeup and its place among the five
elements. (Learn more in The 3 Doshas of Ayurveda.)
The five elements in Ayurveda include: ether (space), earth, air, water, and
fire. So, not only does our yoga practice help make us healthier human beings,
so does Ayurveda, which offers up all kinds of different therapies, dietary
practices, and daily rituals that aim to keep us healthy and balanced, while
also aligning our inner worlds with our outer worlds.
There is tremendous excitement around Ayurveda in
recent times with many experts delighted to see such an increase in awareness
about the practice and benefits of Ayurveda. Andrea Olivera -
founder of the Andrea Olivera Centre for Ayurveda Rituals - is an example of an
expert who has been integrating Ayurveda in western spa and wellness practices
for over 30 years. Andrea notes that Ayurveda is about utilizing its vast
knowledge to enhance and maintain physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual
balance in additional to offering medical and disease healing benefits.
What is Jyotish Astrology?
Jyotish astrology, also known as Vedic or Indian
Astrology, is the third sister science of yoga. As Andrea notes "its
incredible value is to help examine our cosmic and karmic anatomy according to
the influence of celestial energies for realignment and growth".
Each person has an individual cosmic makeup and
learning about how those energies can play-out in our lives is highly
beneficial. Often many focus on the analytical predication and misguided
"fortune telling" aspects of astrology. Though, as Andrea describes
"these sorts of focuses are distractions and the real value of Jyotish is
for it to be used as a tool for personal growth and harmony."
One example is how Jyotish can be used to takes a
closer look at the position of the moon (related to the emotional mind/body)
and the sun (related to one's purpose or dharma) in our birth-chart, where
understanding the associated observed tendencies can help a person better
realign internally and with their surrounding.
Jyotish can also focus on how the energetic dynamics
of a person's planetary framework impacts a person's proclivities, both
positive and negative, that when a person becomes aware of it they can realign
their awareness for better results. There are also larger cosmic patterns that
tend to impact global consciousness and societal dynamics where the combination
of understanding both a personal and global perspective can really catalyze a
deeper understanding of ourselves and our surroundings.
Making Ayurveda and Jyotish Astrology Accessible
As we know, a large part of yoga is about how
deeply connected we are to the Cosmos. Ayurveda and Jyotish astrology take this
connection several steps further. Though both can also become very convoluted
for yoga enthusiast to understand or make use of. The good news is that there
are experts in the community trying to change this. In Andrea's case, she has
created the Eye on Yoga daily
planner, which provides a blended yearly and monthly guide integrating Ayurveda
and Jyotish in an insightful, but highly accessible, way for everyday
life. As additional support, Andrea also provides a complementary jytosih
astrology review of your specific birth-chart with the purchase of an Eye on
Yoga planner so you can better use it for your needs.
The Andrea Olivera Ayurveda Method is
a good example of a well integrated east-meets-west wellness paradigm that
takes Ayurveda healing a step further by including a cosmological frame of
reference through the practice of Jysotish astrology. Combined they become a
powerful tool for healing, growth and self-awareness blending integrated
healing practices like Andrea's exclusive Ayurveda NDT Karma Emotional
Release sessions .
As one dives deeper into the vast ocean of yogic
wisdom, integrating all three vedic sister sciences - Yoga, Ayurveda and
Jyotish - is a really good way to help gain a more complete approach to life.
By using accessible means to bring Ayurveda and Jyotish into the comfort of our
yoga practice, one's sadhana can become more
complete and harmonized to gain a better sense where we may need to speed up,
slow down, or simply just be.
If you’re looking to evolve your sadhana further,
to shed light on your dharma and and guide your healing and spiritual journey,
consider using integrated resources, like the Eye on Yoga planner,
and other resources you find useful. Connect with experts, like Andrea, and
others to begin your integration.
It's truly a great time to learn more about
Ayurveda and Jyotish. They are incredible means to help you live more fully
with greater purpose and connection to your inner and outer truth.
During These Times of Stress and Uncertainty Your
Doshas May Be Unbalanced.
To help you bring attention to your doshas and to
identify what your predominant dosha is, we created the following quiz.
Try not to stress over every question, but simply
answer based off your intuition. After all, you know yourself better than
anyone else.
[Aimee, who
is a yogi and writer who's been practicing yoga daily for more than 21 years.
Since a journey to India when she was 20, the practice has been her constant
companion. She loves exploring the vast and seemingly endless worlds of yoga]
Enrealment:
A New 'Weastern’ Consciousness
[Writer
Jeff Brown talks about sustaining spirituality]
Throughout my tumultuous early life, I
found comfort in blissful and perfectionist imaginings. In an effort to escape
the chaos of my family environment, I focused my gaze on visions of a
self-actualized reality, one where the world I inhabited would be in a state of
perfect order. This vision served me for many years, until I made the mistake
of projecting it onto my spiritual life, manifest as a misguided quest for
enlightenment. I soon learned.
Although
enlightenment has been broadly defined in the spiritual literature, it is often
interpreted as a kind of pure
consciousness a 'heightened' and purified state of being that is detached
from our everyday concerns, influenced
by David Frawley, Vamadeva Sastri. In
its own way, this interpretation can actually invite us away from the karmic
field of expansion itself- our daily life. It is only through a growing
interface with our real-life experiences and challenges- the School of Heart
Knocks- that we can evolve towards a deeper spiritual life.
With
this in mind, I invite you to consider a more grounded approach this week, one
that reflects what I have realized on my own Soul-shaping journey. Enrealment is the quest for a more
inclusive consciousness, one that makes no distinction between our spiritual
and earthly lives. Through the eyes of enrealment,
the more spiritual person lives in all aspects of reality simultaneously- the
emotional, the material, and the subtle realms- rather than only those realms
that feel the most comfortable. Our quest is not simply to live in the light,
as enlightenment implies, but is to be more genuinely here in all respects:
shadow and light, earth and sky, grocery list and unity consciousness. By
living in the real, our experience of the moment becomes more complete, our
ascension more true.
Enrealment
means that we recognize the chaotic magnificence of our daily life as intrinsic
to our spirituality. It means seeing the Godself in our connection to the world
around us- Everything is God, God is
everything. It means consciously seeking a "Weastern" Consciousness, a consciousness that weaves the quest
for unity that is fundamental to the east with the quest for emotional health
and a healthy self-concept intrinsic to the west. It means honoring our
physical form not simply as a 'vessel' for the soul, but as the embodiment of
the soul. It means learning how to connect with our bodies as gardens of truth.
It means calling ourselves on our detachment from our shadow. It means honoring
our personal experiences as our own built in learning channel. It means
shifting our perspective: What is on one level a challenge, is also an
opportunity for expanding our consciousness.
Enrealment
also includes doing the often difficult work needed to clear our emotional
debris and work through our most pressing issues. Repressed emotions are
un-actualized spiritual lessons. We clear our emotional debris both because it
creates space inside for our authentic self to emerge and express itself, and
because inherent in those feelings and memories are the lessons we need to grow
in our spirituality. By bringing our repressed emotions to the surface and
working them through, we expand our "soulular"
consciousness. By growing down, we grow
up...
In "chakric" terms,
enrealment means we begin at the beginning. We begin with an honoring
of our root chakra -the quest for OM begins at home- and work our way up from
there, one chakra after another. It is not enough for our feet to merely skim
the ground. Our spiritual life begins with our feet planted firmly on Mother Earth.
With our soles firmly planted, our soul has a leg to stand on in its efforts to
go higher. Ascending with both feet on the ground.
As
we work through our chakras, we become organically present in our bodies and in
the moment. From this delightful presence emerges a natural and sustainable
movement toward God. Instead of settling for the occasional enlightenment
moment, we are now capable of a more heightened way of being. One we can
actually sustain. One we can actually ground into. From sole to soul.--Jeff Brown.
["Sou-lshaping"
is Brown's autobiography -- an inner travelogue of his journey from archetypal
male warrior to a more surrendered path. You can connect with his work at www.soulshaping.com]
“Our real life
movement
is a journey into consciousness, to higher levels of awareness and ultimate
Self-realization. This is an inner sacred
journey that cannot be limited to any outer activity. We should explore it
at every moment of our lives.
CONSCIOUSNESS IS NOT A MERE METAPHYSICAL
CONCERN of little practical relevance
to us. It is the source and ground of our every experience in life. India’s
sages knew that each day for us is a journey through consciousness, and they
spoke of four states (avastha chatushtaya): waking, dreaming, deep
sleep (technically called Non-REM sleep), and a fourth state beyond. We are
ordinarily concerned only with the waking state and its demands, but dream and
deep sleep also have their value, identity and experiences. These two subtle
states have a profound impact on us, from health to spirituality, and should
not be ignored.”--David Frawley
Karadaiyan
Nombu 2022
Karadaiyan
Nombu is a festival usually celebrated by the married women of the Tamil
community. Commemorated on the first day of Panguni month according to the
South Indian calendar or Tamil Calendar, Karadaiyan Nombu 2022 will be
celebrated on March 14. There are various rituals and traditions associated
with the commemoration of this festival. As we prepare to celebrate Karadaiyan
Nombu 2022, here’s everything you need to know about this celebration,
Karadaiyan Nombu 2022 Puja Timing, Karadaiyan Nombu Vratham rules etc.
When is Karadaiyan Nombu 2022
Karadaiyan
Nombu will be celebrated on March 14, 2022. This commemoration takes place on
the first day in the Tamil month of Panguni. It is celebrated at the moment
when Maasi month ends, and Panguni begins.
Karadaiyan
is the name of the unique dish which is prepared on this day. Meanwhile, Nombu
means Vratham or fast. The timing for Karadaiyan Nombu 2022 Tithi begins from 6:48 AM on March 14
and will go on till 12:30 PM on March 15, 2022.
The
auspicious event of tying the yellow thread or Manjal Saradu Muhurtam is 12:30 AM on March 15, according to Drik
Panchang.
Significance
of Karadaiyan Nombu
The
celebration of Karadaiyan Nombu is said to be similar to that of Vat Savithri
Vrat in the western and northern parts of India. The story of Karadaiyan Nombu
revolves around Savitri and her strength and resilience, which brought back her
husband from the grasp of the Lord of death - Yama.
Story of
Karadaiyan Nombu Vratham
According
to folklore, Savitri married Satyavan, knowing well that Lord Yama had decided
to take him away on a particular day. However, Savitri sat with Satyavan under
a tree and performed rigorous penance and meditation on this day. She observed
a stringent fast and prayed to Goddess Gowri for the long life of her husband.
This dedication from Savitri distracted Lord Yama, and he left without
Satyavan. This story of Savitri and Satyavan is retold on the location of Karadaiyan Nombu. This is also known by
the celebrations, also known as Savitri
Vratham.
It is
believed that if married women worship Goddess Gowri on this day and observe
the Karadaiyan Nombu Vratham, they
can help lengthen the lives of their partners. After the stringent fast of Karadaiyan Nombu is observed, women
perform Puja of Goddess Gowri, offer her the special preparation of Karadaiyan and tie a sacred yellow
thread known as Manjal Saradu around
their neck. Karadaiyan Nombu Vratham
begins at sunrise on the transition day, and the timing for breaking this fast
is dependent on the time of Meena
Sankramana. Here’s wishing everyone a Happy Karadaiyan Nombu 2022.
http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2012/03/kaaradaiyan-nonbu-vata-
saavitri-vrat.html
--March 13, 2022
SUDHA AT THE FEET OF HER GURU
Empowerment by woman has to be developed on her own.
"Empowerment is not to be given to women by
others but has to be developed on her own.
And I say it out of my own experiences. In my
life’s journey I have faced so many hurdles, challenges and roadblocks! There
were many times when intentionally people created difficult situations. But
with the support of family, friends and my control over my very own mind, I
have been able to overcome them all.
I would like to tell all you dear women out there
that each one can become an achiever if you identify the treasures within
yourself! Then work on them, build on them, nurture them and strengthen them.
Who else knows us better than we ourselves? Rise
up, equip yourself, unleash and out do your own self each time! And you will
wake up each morning to a beautiful world full of opportunities.
Happy Womens Day! More power to you and lots of
love and best wishes for newer beginnings!
#sudharagunathan#womensday2022#MorePowerToYou#womenachievers#superwomen#alltheworldismine
Sudha Ragunathan is an Indian Carnatic vocalist,
singer and composer. She was conferred the Kalaimamani award by the Government
of Tamil Nadu in 1994, Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan by the Government of India,
and Sangeetha Kalanidhi by Madras Music Academy in 2013. Sudha’s musical career began with her first accompanying
her Guru, Padmabhushan Dr. MLV, on stage, and then giving memorable
performances one after the other. Sudha Ragunathan has amassed numerous titles
and awards over the years, making her mother, her Gurus, her rasikas and her
country proud. These accolades have been given by Institutions and governing
bodies from across the world. And Sudha has just this to say of her glories…..”Shri
Gurubyo Namah”….all at the feet of her Guru…and moving on, with the
blessings of the Almighty.
This International Women’s Day,
8 March, joined UN Women and the world in coming together under the theme “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”,
and called for climate action for women, by women.
Women and girls experience the
greatest impacts of the climate crisis as it amplifies existing gender
inequalities and puts women’s lives and livelihoods at risk. Across the
world, women depend more on, yet have less access to, natural resources, and
often bear a disproportionate responsibility for securing food, water, and
fuel.
As women and girls bear the
burden of climate impacts, they are also essential to leading and driving
change in climate adaption, mitigation and solutions. Without the
inclusion of half of the world's population, it is unlikely that solutions for
a sustainable planet and a gender equal world tomorrow will be realized.
Last year, at the Generation Equality Forum,
the Action Coalition for Feminist
Action for Climate Justice was launched, bringing
together governments, private sector companies, the UN system and civil society
in order to make concrete commitments toward climate justice. This
International Women’s Day, the Action Coalition helped driving
global action and investment with a focus on financing for gender-just climate
solutions, increasing women’s leadership in the green economy, building women’s
and girls’ resilience to climate impacts and disasters and increasing the use
of data on gender equality and climate.
In her statement for
International Women's Day, UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous said: "Let us make this International Women’s Day
a moment to recall that we have the answers not just for SDG 5 but, through the
advancement of gender equality, for all 17 Sustainable Development Goals and
Agenda 2030. I look forward to working with every one of you to that
end."
Statement made by UN
Secretary-General António Guterres on International Women's Day
“On International Women’s Day,
we celebrate women and girls everywhere. We celebrate their contributions to
ending the COVID-19 pandemic. Their ideas, innovations and activism that are
changing our world for the better, and their leadership across
all walks of life.”
--March 11, 2022
MATA PITA GURUR DAIVAM
Importance of A
Guru in our lives--How important it is to have a master or a Guru in our lives?
First of all, you will have to accept
that in order to master any skill you require a teacher who is proficient in
that skill. Since he has gained mastery over the subject so his experiences and
skill can help us to achieve victory over that subject.
Now there are 2 kinds of people –One
who wants to try out a path on his own without the help of any master and the
result would not be very beneficial and productive. The other who wants to walk
on a path by following the steps of his Guru and he is guaranteed definite
success.
Since I have a Guru in my life I can
proudly state that my life has completely transformed because of my Guru. Over
here I’m talking about my Spiritual Guru.
Now, how has he influenced my life and
transformed it is a worthwhile journey.
My Guru has given me a secret key to
eternal happiness-happiness which will last forever. He has shown me a path of
endless joy and happiness which will never be gone. He has shown me a solution
to end all my sufferings.
When you drive a car and you want to go
to an unknown place a GPS is your best guide and it will help you reach your
destination smoothly without getting lost. If you are rigid and you do not wish
to use a GPS you probably might get lost in an unknown place and it might take
you a lot of time reaching your destination, maybe you never even reach it.
So in all spheres of life, you need a
guide to help you reach your destination.
Similarly, a guru is your GPS in your
spiritual journey, he will never allow you to get lost and he will help you
reach the destination safely and smoothly with wise instructions to follow the
path GPS and it is guaranteed success. But for that, you will first have to
surrender before him and believe in him leaving aside all your ego and myths.
When you drive the car you believe that
the GPS will take you to the right direction so when you can believe when a
machine that is programmed can help you reach your direction then why not
believe in a Guru who is a realized soul -he will definitely help your soul
reach the goal.
Similarly, you will have to believe
that your Guru will guide you into your spiritual journey. Remember, a Guru has
already walked the path on spirituality so he knows the secret to reach that
path and he also knows the mistakes to avoid on that path so he gives us a
secret code to reach our goal, now your role is to trust him.
If you have faith and follow his path
you definitely will attain success and will not have to go through various
troubles and mistakes to walk on that path. If you want to visit a new country
wouldn’t you ask someone who has already visited that country-you would get a
better idea and that person will show you the best places to visit and the
places to avoid which will help you make that trip productive and efficient?
Similarly, a guru who has already walked that path, on which you want to walk,
will give you all the secrets to walk successfully on that path and the
techniques to use and the mistakes to avoid in order to achieve success, right?
So to make your spiritual journey successful you must follow the one who has
already achieved success in that path.
Not only your Guru will help you in the
spiritual journey but will also guide you in your household life — he will give
you intuition powers to decide what is good and what is bad for your life, he
will give you powers to decide what path to take which will benefit your soul.
Mata, Pita, Guru, Daivam – What Does it
Mean?
From mother to father, from guru to
divine, what does this saying signify?
Sadhguru explains.
Our culture has always told us “mata, pita, guru, daivam”. What does this saying actually
mean?
When they say “mata
pitru gurur daivam” Mother, father, the guru are divine. I want you to
understand this in the right context. When you are just born, who is the most
important person in your life? Not God for sure, not the guru, not the father.
It is the mother. At that point, when you need to be breastfed, hugged, kissed
and nurtured, the mother is the thing. I do not think it needs to be said. The
life itself is making a statement that mother is the thing for an infant that
is just born.
When they say
“mata, pita, guru, daivam”, they are just making a statement about the
natural process of life.
Once the child begins to walk, the father becomes
important because the father has an exposure to the outside situations. Do not
look at it from today’s context. In those days, the father was crucial if a
child had to learn about the world, the skills of life and how to be in
society. Once these things have happened, then to seek a higher possibility, a
guru is a must. If you seek this higher possibility, if you are successful,
daivam or the divine is a natural reality.
When they say
“mata, pita, guru, daivam”, they are
just making a statement about the natural process of life. People may be making
all kinds of interpretations with a half-baked understanding of Sanskrit
language. The mother says, “The saying says first it is the mata. You must be
dedicated to me!” The father says, “I am number two. You must be dedicated to
me. Do not progress to the guru and the divine, it is not necessary.” If this
is the statement people are trying to make, it is unfortunate, because your
mother is not just a mother, your father is not just a father – they are as
much a being as you are. They need to grow too. They should have grown ahead of
you. If the parent forgot to grow and the children are showing the way, it is a
fortune. The parents should make use of it.
A Journey of
Homecoming
If you live a mundane life, the journey from birth
will go from womb to tomb. If you live a life of awareness and seeking, from
birth to divinity is a journey of homecoming. The saying is talking about this
journey. They are suggesting the order of life if your journey is a journey of
consciousness – mother first, then the father’s role, then the guru’s role and
then the Divine.
--March 12, 2022
*************************************************************
MINDFULNESS
AND MEDITATION
"Mananāt trāyatē iti mantrah” is the definition of the word mantra in
Sanskrit. Sustained repetition (Mananāt) of that which protects (trāyatē)
from all miseries arising from bondage or cycles from birth and death is
called mantra, Vedanta Vijnana--A hymn or
portion of text, esp. from the Veda, chanted or intoned as an incantation or
prayer.
Dhyāna meditation is a word referring to one of the eight
branches of yoga, also known as the eightfold-path. Dhyana is the inhibition of the modifications of the
mind.
Now, the word mantra is used in wide variety of contexts with different
meanings. Practice of all techniques that lead to meditation aim at
silencing and stilling the mind. With more practice sub-conscious mind can be
emptied which result into what is called no mind.
Mantra
meditation or mindfulness meditation, purpose, benefits and the end result is
the same. The real question is: not what are the benefits of these
two types of meditation techniques. In fact, the real question is how to choose
between these two techniques as both these techniques are equally
effective.
Please go through the full discourse posted in
Hindu Reflections Blogger Posting: http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2022/03/mantra-and-meditation.html
WHY WE
SHOULD JOIN SOIL SAVE MOVEMENT?
The Save
Soil movement is being initiated by Sadhguru, a yogi, mystic and visionary.
Save Soil
is a global movement launched by Sadhguru, to address the soil crisis by
bringing together people from around the world to stand up for Soil Health, and
supporting leaders of all nations to institute national policies and actions
toward increasing the organic content in cultivable Soil.
The Save Soil movement aims to engage
at least 3.5 billion people globally on the issue of Soil health, so they, in
turn, support their leaders in instituting policies and taking action to ensure
a minimum of 3% organic content in cultivable soils globally.
Your participation is essential for
this movement to reach the required scale, and have the necessary impact.
Save Soil - Conscious Planet is
a global movement launched by Sadhguru to save soil from extinction, and bring
the necessary policies to address the catastrophic issue facing humanity. This
movement has garnered support from global leaders including Marc Benioff, Jane
Goodall, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and institutions such as United Nations -
Convention to Combat Desertification, World Economic Forum, World Food Program,
and Food & Agriculture Organization
of United Nations.
Soil
Facts
How is soil degradation impacting our lives?
A study on nutrients in food concluded that we
would have to eat 8 oranges to get the same amount of Vitamin A as our
grandparents did with one orange because soil depletion has caused massive
drops in nutrient levels in food. (Scientific American)
2 billion people suffer from nutritional
deficiencies (WHO)
Average mineral content of calcium, magnesium, and
iron in cabbage, lettuce, tomatoes, and spinach has dropped 80-90% between
1914 and 2018 in the US (NCBI)
·
Global economy will lose US $23 trillion by 2050
through land degradation (UNCCD)
·
Soil degradation causes a loss of $235 billion to
$577 billion in crop productivity every year (IPBES)
Save Soil
Movement aims to:
Increase organic matter in soil to a minimum of 3%
To effect this change we need to:
·
Advocate for policies across all nations towards
soil restoration
·
Raise awareness of this imminent crisis among 3.5
billion people to garner their support for these policies
Join the Movement to Create Awareness about Soil
Extinction
Towards this, on March 21st, Sadhguru
will start an arduous 30,000 km journey as a lone motorcyclist traversing 24
nations, from London to Southern India, meeting with global leaders,
influencers, citizens and their elected representatives to raise awareness of
the issue of Soil Health and activate people’s support for the Save Soil
movement.
--March
8, 2022
Teachings and Influence on Society and Vedanta Study Circle
Sri Ramakrishna was probably the most celebrated mystic of all
times. A simple man, sometimes with childlike enthusiasm, he explained the most
complex concepts of spiritual philosophies in most simple parables, stories and
anecdotes. His words flowed from a deep sense of belief in the Divinity and his
experience of embracing God in a very real form. He directed that the ultimate
goal of every living soul is God-realization. Having practiced different facets
of Hinduism as well of other religions like Islam and Christianity, he preached
that all of these religions were different paths that lead up to a single goal –
God. His conversations with his disciples were recorded by his devotee
Mahendranath Gupta and the collective work was titled as Sri Sri Ramakrishna
Kathamrita (The Nectar of Sri Ramakrishna’s Words). To get rid of the
thought that he belonged to a higher Brahmanical caste, he began to eat food
cooked by the shudras or lower-caste.
His influence reached all strata of the society; he did not
differentiate between devotees based on caste. He even embraced the sceptics,
won them over with his simplistic charm and unselfish love. He was a force of
revival to re-energise the decaying Hinduism in nineteenth century Bengal. His
teachings also had profound effect on other religions like the Brahmoism that
were forced to re-evaluate their beliefs.
Nochur talks about an incident. A lady complained to Thakur about
her husband’s drinking habbits. Thakur asked her to bring him to Thakur.
She said that he will not come. Thakur asked her to chant a mantra for some
time. After some time, the person agreed to visit Thakur. When the person came,
he saw Thakur singing and dancing. He felt this Thakur is an interesting guy.
The person asked Thakur what did he drink- Indian or Foreign liquor? Thakur
told it is village drink. This way that person got interested in Thakur and got
changed in course of time.
It is no wonder that it has greatly inspired
our Vedanta Study Circle. Please enjoy their monthly discourse and discussion.
https://archive.org/stream/GospelOfSriRamakrishnaTheMahendranathGupta/TheGospelOfSriRamakrishna_djvu.txt
Welcome to the next session of the Ramakrishna
Vedanta Study Circle. "The study circle meets every 2nd and
4th Wednesday of the month" This week
we will continue the 6th Chapter of The Gospel of Sri
Ramakrishna, "The Master with the Brahmo Devotees
(I)" page 145.
Mahashivaratri Celebrations 2022
May
I draw your attention to message on YouTube sent through courtesy
Bipal Bhattatacharjee! Share the video
regarding Mahashivaratri Aarti at Sadhguru Ashram at Velliangiri foothills near
Coimbatore located at Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The bust sculpture of Lord
Shiva is the largest in the world.
https://youtu.be/fxi7pIZxSm:Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
What is Mahashivratri and why it is celebrated?
Sadhguru: "In
the Indian culture, at one time, there used to be 365 festivals in a year. In
other words, they just needed an excuse to celebrate every day of the year.
These 365 festivals were ascribed to different reasons, and for different
purposes of life. They were to celebrate various historical events, victories,
or certain situations in life like sowing, planting, and harvesting. For every
situation there was a festival. But Mahashivratri is of a different
significance. Mahashivratri, “The Great Night of Shiva” is the most
significant event in India’s spiritual calendar.
The
fourteenth day of every lunar month or the day before the new moon is known as
Shivratri. Among all the twelve Shivratris that occur in a calendar year, Mahashivratri,
the one that occurs in February-March is of the most spiritual significance. On
this night, the northern hemisphere of the planet is positioned in such a way
that there is a natural upsurge of energy in a human being. This is a day when
nature is pushing one towards one’s spiritual peak. It is to make use of this,
that in this tradition, we established a certain festival which is nightlong.
To allow this natural upsurge of energies to find their way, one of the
fundamentals of this nightlong festival is to ensure that you remain awake with
your spine vertical throughout the night.
Importance
of Mahashivratri
Mahashivratri
is very significant for people who are on the spiritual path. It is also very
significant for people who are in family situations, and also for the ambitious
in the world. People who live in family situations observe Mahashivratri as
Shiva’s wedding anniversary. Those with worldly ambitions see that day as the
day Shiva conquered all his enemies.
But,
for the ascetics, it is the day he became one with Mount Kailash. He became
like a mountain – absolutely still. In the yogic tradition, Shiva is not
worshipped as a God, but considered as the Adi Guru, the first Guru from whom
the science of Yoga originated. After many millennia in meditation, one day he
became absolutely still. That day is Mahashivratri. All movement in him stopped
and he became utterly still, so ascetics see Mahashivratri as the night of
stillness.
Spiritual
Significance of Mahashivratri
Legends
apart, why this day and night are held with such importance in the yogic
traditions is because of the possibilities it presents to a spiritual seeker. Modern
science has gone through many phases and arrived at a point today where they
are out to prove to you that everything that you know as life, everything that
you know as matter and existence, everything that you know as the cosmos and
galaxies, is just one energy which manifests itself in millions of ways.
This
scientific fact is an experiential reality in every yogi. The word “yogi” means
one who has realized the oneness of the existence. When I say “yoga,” I am not
referring to any one particular practice or system. All longing to know the
unbounded, all longing to know the oneness in the existence is yoga. The night
of Mahashivratri offers a person an opportunity to experience this.
Shivratri
– The Darkest Night of the Month
Shivratri,
is the darkest day of the month. Celebrating Shivratri on a monthly basis, and
the particular day, Mahashivratri, almost seems like celebration of darkness.
Any logical mind would resist darkness and naturally opt for light. But the
word “Shiva” literally means “that which is not.” “That which
is,” is existence and creation. “That which is not” is Shiva. “That which is
not” means, if you open your eyes and look around, if your vision is for small
things, you will see lots of creation. If your vision is really looking for big
things, you will see the biggest presence in the existence is a vast
emptiness.
A
few spots which we call galaxies are generally much noticed, but the vast
emptiness that holds them does not come into everybody’s notice. This vastness,
this unbounded emptiness, is what is referred to as Shiva. Today, modern science also proves
that everything comes from nothing and goes back to nothing. It is in
this context that Shiva, the vast emptiness or nothingness, is referred to as
the great lord, or Mahadeva.
Every
religion, every culture on this planet has always been talking about the
omnipresent, all-pervading nature of the divine. If we look at it, the only
thing that can be truly all-pervading, the only thing that can be everywhere is
darkness, nothingness, or emptiness.
Generally,
when people are seeking well-being, we talk of the divine as light. When people
are no longer seeking well-being, when they are looking beyond their life in
terms of dissolving, if the object of their worship and their sadhana is
dissolution, then we always refer to the divine as darkness.
Significance
of Shivratri
Light
is a brief happening in your mind. Light is not eternal, it is always a limited
possibility because it happens and it ends. The greatest source of light that
we know on this planet is the sun. Even the sun’s light, you could stop it with
your hand and leave a shadow of darkness behind. But darkness is
all-enveloping, everywhere. The immature minds in the world have always
described darkness as the devil. But when you describe the divine as
all-pervading, you are obviously referring to the divine as darkness, because
only darkness is all-pervading. It is everywhere. It does not need any support
from anything.
Light
always comes from a source that is burning itself out. It has a beginning and
an end. It is always from a limited source. Darkness has no source. It is a
source unto itself. It is all-pervading, everywhere, omnipresent. So, when we
say Shiva, it is this vast emptiness of existence. It is in the lap of this
vast emptiness that all creation has happened. It is that lap of emptiness that
we refer to as the Shiva.
In
Indian culture, all the ancient prayers were not about saving yourself,
protecting yourself or doing better in life. All the ancient prayers have
always been “Oh lord, destroy me so that I can become like yourself.” So, when
we say Shivratri, which is the darkest night of the month, it is an opportunity
for one to dissolve their limitedness, to experience the unboundedness of the source
of creation which is the seed in every human being.
Mahashivratri
– A Night of Awakening
Mahashivratri
is an opportunity and a possibility to bring yourself to that experience of the
vast emptiness within every human being, which is the source of all creation.
On the one hand, Shiva is known as the destroyer. On the other, he is known as
the most compassionate. He is also known to be the greatest of the givers. The
yogic lore is rife with many stories about Shiva’s compassion. The ways of
expression of his compassion have been incredible and astonishing at the same
time. So Mahashivratri is a special night for receiving too. It is our wish and
blessing that you must not pass this night without knowing at least a moment of
the vastness of this emptiness that we call as Shiva. Let this night
not just be a night of wakefulness, let this night be a night of awakening for
you--Sadguru
SHIVA
LINGASHTAKAM
Ashtakam is a poetic composition in Sanskrit of eight stanzas or
verses. They were one of the favorite poetic instruments of the rishis (sage)
of the past. This is evident from the dozens of ashtakam found
in the annals of the Indian culture. One such ashtakam that
is beamed from temples across India is the Shiva Lingashtakam. A
countless number of people wake up every day to the holy sounds of this
composition set to a melodious tune that reflects the cultural ethos of that
particular region.
Penned by Adi Shankaracharya, himself considered to be an avatar
of Lord Shiva, Shiva Lingashtakam is a prayer offered to Lord
Shiva in the form of linga (meaning symbol in Sanskrit).
The prayer is a declaration of faith, obedience, loyalty, and devotion towards
Lord Shiva. Shivalinga is a symbolic representation of the
creation of the Universe from the eternal play of Shiva and Shakti. Shiva
Lingashtakam lists Lord Shiva’s glories and the benefits of
worshipping the Shivalinga.
The holy month of Shravan (fifth month of
the Hindu calendar) is considered to be an auspicious time to offer prayers to
Lord Shiva. Shiva Lingashtakam is chanted during the Shiva
Puja that is performed on every day during this month. Devotees chant this hymn
early in the morning or in the evening, preferably during sunrise and sunset,
while performing Shiva Puja in front of a Shivalinga or
while remembering Lord Shiva
Brahma Muraari Suraarchita Lingam
Nirmala Bhashita Shobhita Lingam
Janmaja Dukha Vinaashaka Lingam
Tat pranamami Sada sivalingam
1.1: (I salute that eternal Shiva
Lingam) Which is adored by Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and the Gods, which
is pure, shining, and well-adorned,
1.2: And which destroys the sorrows associated with birth (and
human life). I salute that eternal Shiva
Lingam.
Devamuni Pravaraarchita Lingam
Kaamadaham Karunaakara Lingam
Raavana Darpa Vinaashaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sada Shiva Lingam
2.1: (I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam) Which is
worshipped by the Gods and the best of Sages, which burns all desires, which is
compassionate,
2.2: And which destroyed the pride of even Ravana. I salute that
eternal Shiva Lingam.
Sarva Sugandha Sulepitha Lingam
Buddhi Vivardhana Kaarana Lingam
Siddha Suraasura Vanditha Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
3.1: (I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam) which is
beautifully smeared with various fragrant pastes, which is the cause behind the
elevation of a person's (spiritual) intelligence and discernment,
3.2: And which is praised by the Siddhas, Devas and the Asuras. I
salute that eternal Shiva Lingam.
Kanaka Mahaamani Bhushitha Lingam
Phanipathi Veshtitha Shobhitha Lingam
Daksha Suyajna Vinaashaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
4.1: (I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam) which is
decorated with Gold and other precious gems, which is adorned with the best of
the serpents wrapped around it,
4.2: And which destroyed the grand yajna (sacrifice)
of Daksha. I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam.
umkuma Chandana Lepitha Lingam
Pankaja Haara Sushobhitha Lingam
Sanchitha Paapa Vinaashaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
5.1: (I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam) which is
anointed with Kumkuma (Saffron) and Chandana (Sandal paste), which is
beautifully decorated with garlands of Lotuses,
5.2: And which destroys the accumulated sins (of several lives). I
salute that eternal Shiva Lingam.
Devaganaarchitha Sevitha Lingam
Bhaavair Bhakti Bhirevacha Lingam
Dinakara Koti Prabhakara Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
6.1: (I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam) which is
worshipped and served by the group of Devas (Gods) with true Bhava (emotion or
contemplation) and Bhakti (devotion),
6.2: And which has the splendor of a million suns. I salute that
eternal Shiva Lingam.
Ashta Dalopari Veshtitha Lingam
Sarva Samudbhava Kaarana Lingam
Ashta Daridra Vinaashaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
7.1: (I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam) which is
surrounded by eight-petal flowers, which is the cause behind all
creation,
7.2: And which destroys the eight poverties. I salute that
eternal Shiva Lingam.
Suraguru Suravara Pujitha Lingam
Suravana Pushpa Sadaarchitha Lingam
Paraatparam Paramatmaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
8.1: (I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam) which is
worshipped by the Preceptor of Gods (Lord Brihaspati) and the Best of the Gods,
which is always worshipped by the flowers from the celestial garden,
8.2: Which is superior to even the best and which is the greatest.
I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam.
Lingashtakam Idam Punyam Padeth Shiva Sannidhow
Shivalokam Avapnothi Shive Na Sahamodathe
9.1: Whoever recites this Lingasthakam near Shivalingam,
9.2: Will, in the end, attain the abode of Lord Shiva and enjoy
his bliss.
Benefits of Chanting Shiva Lingashtakam
The last stanza is an appendix that summarizes the benefits of
chanting Shiva Lingashtakam. Regular recitation of this hymn
gives:
- Peace of mind and helps in keeping negative energy, evils,
and negative thoughts away.
- Good health, prosperity, and wisdom dawns.
6.
Induces positivity, confidence, and willpower as well as the
removal of obstacles in endeavors.
--Based
on wisdom talks by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Vaidic Dharma Sansthan)
Karma – Reward or Punish
The only way out of karma is self-discovery. What is this karma thin--Is it destiny? Is it
a punishment for past transgressions? Is it a reward for past merits? Who is
doling out the reward or the punishment? It is none of the above actually but
it can be a bit difficult to understand. In the west, because of our religious
heritage, we see karma in the same way we see God, doling out punishment and
reward, as Hindu Americans. In other words, it is seen as an ethical or moral
enforcement, carrot and stick. For that reason people are busy trying to avoid
bad karma and trying to accumulate good karma. The mission of spirituality is not
getting all the good karma and avoiding the bad but stepping out of karma
altogether. The Smoke & Mirrors of Materialistic Desires. There is no karma
for the true self… that is, the true you! Karma belongs to the realm of the
unconscious, conditioned mind. If is a mindless energy, grinding along. It is
like a spaceship moving through space. It will remain forever on that same
trajectory unless and until something bumps it off into a new direction. That
bump can come from some unexpected event or it can come from a conscious
awakening. Join Lisa Berry and Master Spiritual Teacher GP Walsh when they
explore this profound but little understood phenomenon controversial on this
week’s Flow of Enlightenment.
“As you sow, so
shall you reap” is a common phrase in life which concisely sums up the law of
karma. Karma is the universal Hindu law of cause and effect which holds a
person responsible for his or her actions and effects. According to one’s good
or bad actions, Bhagwan rewards or punishes. The word ‘karma’ means human
action or deed; we are constantly performing karmas whether physically,
mentally, or emotionally. A person’s karma is responsible for good or bad
consequences in his or her life. Nothing in this world happens accidentally or
coincidentally; there is a reason behind everything though it may not be clear
to us at that time. Good actions produce happiness and bad actions lead to
suffering and misery in the present or next life. A person’s past actions
govern his present, and his present actions have an effect on his future. This
means that every person is, to a certain degree, the creator of his own
destiny.
All of our karmas
are performed in one of two ways. The first way is called nishkãma karma, when
actions are performed without any expectation of material gain, ego, or
material desires. Nishkãma karmas are only performed to fulfill one’s duties
and please God. The second way is called sakãma karma, when actions are
performed with an expectation of material desire or purpose. Bhagwan
Swaminarayan taught the ideal of performing one’s karmas without the
expectation of material gain. He stressed the need for an aspirant to have one
desire – to please God even while performing nishkãma karma.
In Hindu Dharma there are 3 types of
karmas:
·
Kriyamãn
karma are karmas being acquired every moment. The fruits of these karmas
can be attained in this life, the next, or after many births.
·
Sanchit
karma is an accumulation of karmas containing the sum total of all a
person’s karmas from one or many past lives. The fruits of these karmas are
being experienced or have yet to be experienced.
·
Prãrabdha
karma is a part of one’s sanchita karma that is being experienced in this
birth. For example, the attributes and conditions of one’s physical body and
mental capacities are due to one’s prãrabdha karmas.
Bhagwan
Swãminãrãyan has explained in His discourses that God has given every person
the freedom of action, and therefore, he or she is responsible for performing
karmas that either result in punya (merits) or pãpa (sins). Furthermore,
Bhagwan is the giver of the fruits of one’s good and bad karmas when He
determines the consequences of one’s karmas. No karma by itself can produce or
give results, but when Bhagwan so decides, only then can one experience its
good or bad effects. The karma principle is not a self-operating system in
which karmas automatically bring or give one results. This is because karmas by
themselves are inanimate.
Dharma is the very
foundation of life. It is moral law combined with spiritual discipline that
guides one's life. Dharma means ‘that which holds,’ i.e., the people of this
world and the whole of creation cannot exist without dharma to hold them in
place. Dharma is an all-inclusive term used to mean righteousness, morality,
religion, responsibility, and duty. Dharma includes the practice of religious
disciplines and duties, such as honesty, Brahmacharya, and non-violence. The
purpose of dharma is not only to help one’s jiva come closer with Bhagwan, but
it also suggests a code of conduct that is intended to secure both worldly joys
and eternal bliss. The practice of dharma gives an experience of happiness,
strength, and tranquility within one's self and makes life disciplined.
“Karma is misunderstood, Good
Karma does not give you material rewards but association with Gurus, and
Shastras that lead you to Moksha. Bad Karma destroys your inner peace, darkens
the mind and makes you more attached to the mortal body and material world”-David Frawley
A THRILLING DIVINE COINCIDENCE
While observing Mahasivaratri
worship and enjoying this as usual, I wish to share this exciting news with you
all:
“Shankar Mahadevan is a singer and a composer
especially for Indian films. He belongs to Tamil speaking family in India. He
has received numerous awards including Padma Shri award for Film Music in 2019
and Lata Mangeshkar award in 2011.
We also have a namesake amongst us in
Nashville, T. N. Dr. Sankaran Mahadevan (though the first name is spelt slightly
different) is a Professor of Engineering at Vanderbilt University. He is also
an accomplished musician, musicologist and a spiritual teacher. He facilitates
our Sunday Bhagavad Gita study group (now over Zoom due to COVID19 pandemic).
Dr. Mahadevan hails from the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, the land of famous
temples, Carnatic music, Bharatanatyam classical dance, famous resorts like
Ooty, Kodaikanal etc.
Coincidentally the names Sankaran/Shankar and
Mahadevan are the other names of Lord Shiva.
Note: The song was composed by Sri Thyagaraja
(1767-1847) regarded as guardian saint of Carnatic music.
Wish you a Blessed Mahashivratri !
Comments:
So nice to hear Mahadevan’s song, thank u!
-Radha Kirtane
Music is Divine and
Spiritual
In God’s creation, perhaps, the first musical sounds were the
chirping of the birds like Bulbuls’ whistles, cooing of the cuckoos in
crescendo, the peacock crying and dancing rhythmically spreading out its
glorious multi-colored feathers like a fan. Again, animals too like the herd of elephants with their majestic
gait trumpeting add to the birds’ chorus to make a grand symphony. Music
is higher than this and is in close touch with mind or spirit. In the words of
Lin u Tang it is a pure sentiment without words with which alone the intellect
can operate.
Our mythology attributes the origin of Indian Music to the Divine Brahma.
Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva the Eternal Trinity were said to be the first
musicians: Brahma kept the time beat with the clanging cymbals and Vishnu
sounded the holy mridangam or the drum. Lord Shiva displayed his infinite modes of
rhythm in his cosmic dance of Universal creation and preservation.
Origin of Music is traced to the Vedic hymns too that were chanted in ancient
India during ceremonies and other religious occasions.
Music can be found in the Vedas, which are the oldest scriptures in the Hindu
tradition. The Sama Veda, one of the four Vedas, describes music at
length.
The Sama Veda was derived from the Rig Veda so that its hymns could be sung as
Samagana. The hymns were sung by Udgater priests at sacrifices in which the
Soma the ritual drink was offered to various deities. The chanting style
evolved into jatis and eventually into ragas… Bharat’s Natyashastra was the
first treatise laying down fundamental principles of dance, music and
drama.
Music has its own language, the language of emotions such as joy, fear,
depression, despair which are universal and so music which uses such emotions
as its language is universal.
From time immemorial extraordinary powers have been ascribed to music. It is
said Muthuswami Dikshitar brought rain by singing the raga Amritvarshani. It is
said the late Nagaswaram Vidvan Sivakozhundu could draw out cobras from their
holes and make them swing their hoods to his tunes.
Tansen, the peerless musician who was one of the nine gems in the court of
Emperor Akbar with his rich expositions of Dhrupads in Deepak, Megh Malhar and
other raagas illuminated the unlit lamps, brought unseasonal rains, gave life
to unattended musical instruments and even said to have tamed wild beasts.
Congreve has very well said:”Music hath charms to soothe a savage beast, to
soften rocks or bend a knotted oak.” There is one story about raaga Deepak.
Once Emperor Akbar asked Gopal Naik an expert musician in his court whether
raag Deepak could kindle fire. Gopal Naik affirmed. Akbar wanted him to sing
and prove. Gopal was reluctant and though with all precautions standing in
water he sang his body burst into flames and was reduced to ashes.
It is Music through saints have touched the heart of God. Music
was the easiest path to reach God. We have heard many stories where God has run to the rescue of
innumerable singer- saints like Mirabai, Kabir, Surdas, Ramprasad, Tulsidas and
many others His heart rent by their appealing Music.
Music has the power to heal our ailments too. After many experiments it has
been established that Musical therapy can cure diseases. Even simple ailment
like headaches can be cured by Music.
I have heard of a violent patient who would cool down the moment was played.
Gandhiji in his ‘Influence of Music’ writes how Music has given him peace and
helped to overcome anger. Again he tells us that in Transvaal when he was badly
wounded, the pain of his wound were relieved when Olive Doke sang to him ‘Lead
Kindly Light’. Music has great magical powers.
It seems audiences sat enthralled as the delicate small hands of the young
prodigy Mozart wove an enchanted spell. Again when Hadyn gave a performance of his
'Oratorio’s Creation’ in Vienna a burst of sunlight accompanied the phrase “
Let there be light” the audiences looked up awe- struck to Hadyn’s box With
tears in his eyes Hadyn pointed towards heaven “ It came from there” he
whispered.
It seems once the famous violinist Mehudi Menuhin forgot his passport while
travelling and the authorities would not allow him to pass despite his
requests. At last as a proof he was asked to play the violin. And lo! No sooner
had Menhumin’s bow touched the strings, the crowd stood bewitched.
Once Menuhin had started he could not stop and the audience stood motionless.
Finally the music slowed down and ended not before tears rolled down the cheeks
of the spell- bound listeners. They permitted him to go but not before confessing
that they had done this purposely to hear his heavenly music which otherwise
was impracticable for them.
Fortunately I had the privilege to attend to various concerts of
famous musicians like Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, Allaudin Khan, Ustad
Amir Khan and a lot more.
Many of the programs would last the whole night and we would return at dawn
with the milkman with the heavenly music in us. Bismillah Khan especially would
get into top mood and regale us when nearing dawn only a few handful eager
lovers of music still sat to hear him more.
I remember it was at Swami Haridas Sangit Sammelan organised by Shri
Brijnarayan where Pdt. Jasraj when only seventeen years old gave his first
performance singing raag Madhuvanti. It is unforgettable.
Needless to say that these great musicians have been messengers of God to
transport us to the realm of ecstasy. Great music never dies; it vibrates in
the memory forever as it is intimately connected with Divinity.
Origin of Music is traced to the Vedic hymns too that were chanted in ancient
India during ceremonies and other religious occasions, writes MEERA S. SASHITAL
KARMA COHEN.
http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2022/03/music-is-divine.html
--March 5, 2022
*************************************************************
TIME AND BREATH
“Clock time is artificial and
mechanical, and removes us from the depletion. Your breath is your natural biological natural
rhythms of life, creating stress, agitation and clock that can attune you to the forces of nature within
and around you. Everything is breathing, drawing in and out the forces of life
and consciousness. Deepening and concentrating your breath with an inner
awareness, you can learn how to control time, your emotions and all the
movements of the mind. Observing the breath from the witnessing Self and
Seer, you can go beyond birth and death, time and space. Learn how to
breathe with the whole of existence, the breath of Brahman, ever into its own
Self-being.”--David Frawley
Difference between Pranayama
and Breathing
Everybody knows how to
breathe, even a newborn child. Still, these days most of us need a breathing
the program that can help us in dealing with our day-to-day desk work, driving,
tension, anxiety and even depression. It is well known that deep breathing
exercises can help overcome these stresses in life, so it is necessary for all
of us to understand the science of breathing i.e. Pranayama.
“When the breath wanders, the
mind is unsteady, ut when the breath is still, so is the mind still.” Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Pranayama
is a part of yoga system that teaches us the art of extending and controlling
our breath in many ways. It teaches us to change the depth, rate, and pattern
of breathing.
Pranayama is the conscious
awareness of breath. The term is derived from Sanskrit, Prana means breath, respiration, vitality or energy. Ayama means expansion or stretching.
Thus, Pranayama connotes extension and control of breath. Proper rhythmic, slow
and deep breathing, strengthens the respiratory system, soothes the nervous
system and increases concentration. According to Yoga, the breath connects the
Body, Mind, and Spirit.
The rate of breathing changes
with circumstances such as it increases due to emotional or physical
disturbances whereas, it automatically slows down when one is calm and
peaceful. Like, when we get tired while climbing stairs, we get breathless. Try
the following to regulate your breathing and feel less exhausted. Climb keeping
shoulders straight and take a deep breathe in for two stairs (inhale), and
exhale for two steps, with a rhythm of two in and two out. Like this, we expel
more carbon dioxide and take in great supply of oxygen, thus we feel less
fatigue.
Mostly we use only a fraction
of our lung capacity as we do shallow breathing. We barely expand the ribcage,
shoulders are often hunched and have painful tension in the upper part of back
and neck due to which we suffer lack of oxygen which makes us breathless and
tired. So, keep both shoulder blades as close as possible without strain and
exhale gently and fully pause, then inhale with a deep, slow, gentle breath
until the lungs are comfortably filled. Then breath out slowly
through the nose, without changing the position of shoulder blades. Repeat this
cycle many times. By doing this, the brain gets stimulated and ease nerve
tension by providing the fuller supply of oxygen.
Types of Breathing
Clavicular
Breathing (Sectional Breathing): It is shallow breathing in which the abdomen is
completely controlled, and breathing is performed by forcing the air into the
uppermost region of the lungs. The shoulders and collar bones are raised while
the abdomen is contracted during inhalation.
Thoracic
(Chest Breathing): Breathing takes place by expanding and contracting the chest only,
while the abdomen is kept under control. The middle lobes of the lungs are
fully activated through this breathing.
Abdominal
Breathing: Deep
abdominal breathing brings air to the lowest and largest part of lungs.
Breathing is slow and deep such that diaphragm is used properly.
A full yogic breath combines
all three, beginning with abdomen and continuing the inhalation through the
thoracic and clavicular area. The abdomen should expand outward on inhalation
and contract on exhalation. To get the feeling of this motion, while sitting in
any meditative posture preferably Vajrasana,
place the hands on the abdomen close to each other. Exhale slowly inhale
through the nostrils taking the hands away from each other so that the
abdomen bulges. Hold the breath for a second. Then slowly exhale so that the
abdomen retracts bringing the hands closer. Hold the breath for a second.
Repeat the breathing cycle five times, preferably in the ratio 4:2:8:2.
Breathing should be deep, slow and rhythmic.
The lower sections of the
lungs increase with air flow. Rhythmic movement of the diaphragm massages the
abdomen gently and enables the organs to function effectively.
--March 6, 2022
The Meaning Behind 108 in the Universe, the Divine,
the Body, the Tradition and the Practice
Why is 108 a special number?
As
with so many questions in life, the initial answer is ‘It depends who you ask.’
The number 108 holds great significance in a variety of fields. So let’s have a
look at some of the ways in which the number 108 is significant and see how
these may inspire us in our life and practice.
108
and the universe
108
is a particularly significant number in the mathematics of the universe.
For
example, the diameter of the Sun is 108 times the diameter of the Earth and the
average distance of the Sun and the Moon to Earth is 108 times their respective
diameters.
108 = 1¹ × 2² × 3³
"1:108 represents the ratios
between:
1. The sun's distance & diameter
2. The moon's distance & diameter
3. The sun's & earth's
diameters"
2 x 27 =54. 2 x 54
= 108.
There are 1,008
flower petals in the Crown Chakra In the human body. So much more could be said
for sure. Mostly we can intuitively resonate with this number. A lucky number
to all. Also Knowledge from India is one of the main traditions that spiritually guides all in life. Mathematicians
from the Vedic tradition came to view 108 as the number representing the
wholeness of existence.
Placing
significance on the number 108 reminds us of our place in the cosmic order of
things.
108
and the divine
108
appears as a number of significance within various Eastern religious
traditions. For example, in the Hindu tradition, there are 108 attendants of
Shiva. In Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Lord Krishna in Brindavan had 108 followers. The
words of the Buddha are recorded in the Tibetan Kangyur in 108 volumes. A bell
is chimed 108 times in Buddhist temples in Japan to finish the old year and
welcome the new one.
Placing
significance on the number 108 connects us to the divine source of all things.
108
and the human body
As
we focus in on the human body, the number 108 holds special significance.
For
example, there are 108 marma points, considered to be sacred places in the
body. In Ayurveda, these pressure points are seen as vital for giving life to
living beings for it is at these points that consciousness and flesh intersect.
Additionally,
there are 108 nadis, or energy lines, which converge to form the heart chakra.
Placing
significance on the number 108 embraces the life-giving energy so vital for
human existence.
108
and the tradition of yoga
The
number 108 has emerged as a truly significant number within the tradition of
yoga.
According
to yogic tradition, there are 108 sacred sites known as pithas, throughout
India. There are 108 Upanishads (a collection of Indian religious and
philosophical texts from as early as 800 BCE) and 108 Puranas (Sanskrit sacred
writings on Hindu mythology from as early as 400 BCE).
There
are 54 letters in Sanskrit, where each can be seen as either masculine (Shiva)
or feminine (Shakti), and therefore totaling 108.
Placing
significance on the number 108 aligns the yogi to the ancient tradition of
yoga.
108
and the practice of yoga and meditation
In
yoga, the number 108 has significance as the number representing spiritual
completion.
Sun
salutations are often performed in nine rounds of the 12 postures which totals
108 poses. A yoga mala consists of 108 sun salutations.
Pranayama
is also often completed in cycles of 108 – if you’re looking for more
information on breath-work and Pranayama or you’re in search of peace, clarity
and calm, our collection of educational Pranayama books shed
light on the power of Pranayama and combining breath-work exercises with meditation.
A
mala is traditionally a string of 108 prayer beads with a guru bead. As you
pray, you move along the beads, reciting your chosen mantra 108 times.
A
mala is used for counting as you repeat a mantra, here at Yoga-matters we’ve
got an extensive collection of malas from Mala Collective.
Each beaded with gemstones that signify different meanings, Mala Collective’s
mala beads help you reconnect with your intentions; whether you’re rising, healing, or rebalancing – Mala
Collective’s unique malas help you find clarity on what’s most important in
your life.
As
we practice chanting, breath-work, or asana in rounds of this sacred number, we
become aligned with the rhythm of the universe and the energy of the divine
source.
Placing
significance on the number 108 connects the essence of each individual yoga
practice to the whole.
How to use mala beads for meditation
As
well as holding the ability to help you tap into energy with each of mala’s
unique gemstones, using a mala during your yoga practice or meditation can help
you feel more connected with the universe and focus your mind and breathe as
you flow through your practice.
To
use your mala beads through practice, simply hold your mala between both your
middle and index fingers. Starting at the guru bead, which is often signified
with a different colored gemstone – use your thumb and begin to count each of
the smaller beads whilst you recite your mantra. Repeat this 108 times as your
fingers travel around the mala until you reach the guru bead once more, as
placing significance on the number 108 connects the essence of each individual
yoga practice to the whole.
Mala beads at meditation accessories at Yoga-matters
As
you advance through your practice, purchasing a mala can help guide you into a
more meditative state, all whilst helping to reconnect with the universe and
your own intentions. At Yoga-matters, we offer yoga enthusiasts a wide
collection of meditation props and accessories,
to help you delve deeper into your practice.
Whether
you’re looking for your own unique mala beads to align with your individual
intentions, or you’re looking for a range of Pranamaya accessories to
help you switch off and delve deeper into a meditative state, we’ve got
everything you need to bring more intention to your practice.
Yoga-matters
For
over 20 years, Yoga-matters has been faithfully supporting yoga teachers, yoga
studio owners and yoga practitioners around the world. We're here to share stories
and to support your yoga journey whether that means taking the time to help you
choose your perfect yoga mat, bolster or practical props or offering you the
comfiest clothing basics and essentials to help you flow and grow.
Ayurveda
and Vedic Astrology
“Ayurveda
is called “the mother of all healing” because it embraces all forms of healing
including diet, herbs, bodywork, surgery, psychology and yoga. It accepts
anything internally or externally that promotes health, well-being and
happiness. Ayurveda explores the qualities and effects not only of foods,
medicines and behavior but also of climates, the weather and the stars
(astrology).
Ayurveda provides an
integral mind-body system of both diagnosis and treatment. First it shows us
our individual constitution according to the three doshas or biological humors
of Vata (air), Pitta (fire) and Kapha (water), as well as how this constitution
is affected by everything from genetics to environment and emotions. Then it
outlines various treatment measures to enable us to achieve optimal health and
vitality. These range from simple dietary measures to complex herbs and special
purification procedures. Ayurveda aims not only at the cure and prevention of
disease but also at rejuvenation and longevity. Beyond ordinary health care
measures it has special methods to allow us to achieve a higher level of
vitality and awareness – a spiritual Ayurveda that is part of the practice of
Yoga.
Possessing a similar
scope to Ayurveda, Vedic astrology contains all aspects of astrology, including
the reading of birth charts (natal astrology), mundane astrology (the effects
of astrology on society), astrological timing and forecasting (muhurta), and
answering questions (prashna). In addition to these, Vedic astrology encompasses
all forms of divination, including palmistry and numerology, of which several
Vedic forms exist. It includes astronomy and meteorology, which reflect karmic
as well as forces of nature.
As a form of natal
astrology and reading of birth charts, Vedic astrology helps
us understand our
personal lives in all areas, including health, wealth, relationship, career and
spirituality. Like Ayurveda, it has a broad range of treatment measures
including the use of colors, gems, rituals, mantras and the worship deities to
aid in our greater well-being and life unfoldment. These are called Jyotish-Chikitsa,
the therapies of light or astrology-David
Frawley”
Applying the Wisdom of
Ayurveda and Jyotish Astrology off Your Mat
Depending
on your level of yoga knowledge, you may not yet realize that yoga entails so
much more than the just asana of
Ashtanga Yog—more than even pranayama or meditation. In
the modern West, the yoga practice is all about asana—the physical
postures. Pranayama and meditation tie for second place, and certainly all
three are fundamental pillars of living a well-balanced life rooted in the
eastern tradition of Vedic consciousness. But, if you delve a little deeper,
you'll learn that yoga is a vast ancient and complex tradition that integrates
so much more.
Yoga is intricately interlinked as one of the
Vedic "three sister sciences," which includes Ayurveda and Jyotish (also known as
Vedic astrology), and deepening your yoga practice with these sister sciences
can be a truly amazing journey to support your personal practice and spiritual
journey.
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is arguably the oldest systematic
wellness and medical tradition known to man.
Like yoga, it is both an art and a science where it
examines the whole mind/body/spirit dynamics and their relationships with
nature and the cosmos. Like yoga, it encourages greater self-knowledge and a
deeper self-awareness to inspire health, growth and balance.
In studying Ayurveda, we learn about the
three doshas,
or body types—kapha, vata,
and pitta—and
how we can better understand our doshic makeup and its place among the five
elements. (Learn more in The 3 Doshas of Ayurveda.)
The five elements in Ayurveda include: ether (space), earth, air, water, and
fire. So, not only does our yoga practice help make us healthier human beings,
so does Ayurveda, which offers up all kinds of different therapies, dietary
practices, and daily rituals that aim to keep us healthy and balanced, while
also aligning our inner worlds with our outer worlds.
There is tremendous excitement around Ayurveda in
recent times with many experts delighted to see such an increase in awareness
about the practice and benefits of Ayurveda. Andrea Olivera -
founder of the Andrea Olivera Centre for Ayurveda Rituals - is an example of an
expert who has been integrating Ayurveda in western spa and wellness practices
for over 30 years. Andrea notes that Ayurveda is about utilizing its vast
knowledge to enhance and maintain physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual
balance in additional to offering medical and disease healing benefits.
What is Jyotish Astrology?
Jyotish astrology, also known as Vedic or Indian
Astrology, is the third sister science of yoga. As Andrea notes "its
incredible value is to help examine our cosmic and karmic anatomy according to
the influence of celestial energies for realignment and growth".
Each person has an individual cosmic makeup and
learning about how those energies can play-out in our lives is highly beneficial.
Often many focus on the analytical predication and misguided "fortune
telling" aspects of astrology. Though, as Andrea describes "these
sorts of focuses are distractions and the real value of Jyotish is for it to be
used as a tool for personal growth and harmony."
One example is how Jyotish can be used to takes a
closer look at the position of the moon (related to the emotional mind/body)
and the sun (related to one's purpose or dharma) in our birth-chart, where
understanding the associated observed tendencies can help a person better
realign internally and with their surrounding.
Jyotish can also focus on how the energetic
dynamics of a person's planetary framework impacts a person's proclivities,
both positive and negative, that when a person becomes aware of it they can
realign their awareness for better results. There are also larger cosmic
patterns that tend to impact global consciousness and societal dynamics where
the combination of understanding both a personal and global perspective can
really catalyze a deeper understanding of ourselves and our surroundings.
Making Ayurveda and Jyotish Astrology Accessible
As we know, a large part of yoga is about how
deeply connected we are to the Cosmos. Ayurveda and Jyotish astrology take this
connection several steps further. Though both can also become very convoluted
for yoga enthusiast to understand or make use of. The good news is that there
are experts in the community trying to change this. In Andrea's case, she has
created the Eye on Yoga daily
planner, which provides a blended yearly and monthly guide integrating Ayurveda
and Jyotish in an insightful, but highly accessible, way for everyday
life. As additional support, Andrea also provides a complementary jytosih
astrology review of your specific birth-chart with the purchase of an Eye on
Yoga planner so you can better use it for your needs.
The Andrea Olivera Ayurveda Method is
a good example of a well integrated east-meets-west wellness paradigm that
takes Ayurveda healing a step further by including a cosmological frame of
reference through the practice of Jysotish astrology. Combined they become a
powerful tool for healing, growth and self-awareness blending integrated
healing practices like Andrea's exclusive Ayurveda NDT Karma Emotional
Release sessions .
As one dives deeper into the vast ocean of yogic
wisdom, integrating all three vedic sister sciences - Yoga, Ayurveda and
Jyotish - is a really good way to help gain a more complete approach to life.
By using accessible means to bring Ayurveda and Jyotish into the comfort of our
yoga practice, one's sadhana can become more
complete and harmonized to gain a better sense where we may need to speed up,
slow down, or simply just be.
If you’re looking to evolve your sadhana further,
to shed light on your dharma and and guide your healing and spiritual journey,
consider using integrated resources, like the Eye on Yoga planner,
and other resources you find useful. Connect with experts, like Andrea, and
others to begin your integration.
It's truly a great time to learn more about
Ayurveda and Jyotish. They are incredible means to help you live more fully
with greater purpose and connection to your inner and outer truth.
During These Times of Stress and Uncertainty Your
Doshas May Be Unbalanced.
To help you bring attention to your doshas and to
identify what your predominant dosha is, we created the following quiz.
Try not to stress over every question, but simply
answer based off your intuition. After all, you know yourself better than
anyone else.
[Aimee, who
is a yogi and writer who's been practicing yoga daily for more than 21 years.
Since a journey to India when she was 20, the practice has been her constant
companion. She loves exploring the vast and seemingly endless worlds of yoga]
Enrealment:
A New 'Weastern’ Consciousness
[Writer
Jeff Brown talks about sustaining spirituality]
Throughout my tumultuous early life, I
found comfort in blissful and perfectionist imaginings. In an effort to escape
the chaos of my family environment, I focused my gaze on visions of a
self-actualized reality, one where the world I inhabited would be in a state of
perfect order. This vision served me for many years, until I made the mistake
of projecting it onto my spiritual life, manifest as a misguided quest for
enlightenment. I soon learned.
Although
enlightenment has been broadly defined in the spiritual literature, it is often
interpreted as a kind of pure
consciousness a 'heightened' and purified state of being that is detached
from our everyday concerns, influenced by David Frawley, Vamadeva Sastri. In its own way, this interpretation
can actually invite us away from the karmic field of expansion itself- our
daily life. It is only through a growing interface with our real-life
experiences and challenges- the School of Heart Knocks- that we can evolve
towards a deeper spiritual life.
With
this in mind, I invite you to consider a more grounded approach this week, one
that reflects what I have realized on my own Soul-shaping journey. Enrealment is the quest for a more
inclusive consciousness, one that makes no distinction between our spiritual and
earthly lives. Through the eyes of enrealment,
the more spiritual person lives in all aspects of reality simultaneously- the
emotional, the material, and the subtle realms- rather than only those realms
that feel the most comfortable. Our quest is not simply to live in the light,
as enlightenment implies, but is to be more genuinely here in all respects:
shadow and light, earth and sky, grocery list and unity consciousness. By
living in the real, our experience of the moment becomes more complete, our ascension
more true.
Enrealment
means that we recognize the chaotic magnificence of our daily life as intrinsic
to our spirituality. It means seeing the Godself in our connection to the world
around us- Everything is God, God is everything.
It means consciously seeking a "Weastern"
Consciousness, a consciousness that weaves the quest for unity that is
fundamental to the east with the quest for emotional health and a healthy
self-concept intrinsic to the west. It means honoring our physical form not
simply as a 'vessel' for the soul, but as the embodiment of the soul. It means
learning how to connect with our bodies as gardens of truth. It means calling
ourselves on our detachment from our shadow. It means honoring our personal
experiences as our own built in learning channel. It means shifting our
perspective: What is on one level a challenge, is also an opportunity for
expanding our consciousness.
Enrealment
also includes doing the often difficult work needed to clear our emotional
debris and work through our most pressing issues. Repressed emotions are un-actualized
spiritual lessons. We clear our emotional debris both because it creates space
inside for our authentic self to emerge and express itself, and because
inherent in those feelings and memories are the lessons we need to grow in our
spirituality. By bringing our repressed emotions to the surface and working
them through, we expand our "soulular"
consciousness. By growing down, we grow
up...
In "chakric" terms,
enrealment means we begin at the beginning. We begin with an honoring
of our root chakra -the quest for OM begins at home- and work our way up from
there, one chakra after another. It is not enough for our feet to merely skim
the ground. Our spiritual life begins with our feet planted firmly on Mother
Earth. With our soles firmly planted, our soul has a leg to stand on in its
efforts to go higher. Ascending with both feet on the ground.
As
we work through our chakras, we become organically present in our bodies and in
the moment. From this delightful presence emerges a natural and sustainable
movement toward God. Instead of settling for the occasional enlightenment
moment, we are now capable of a more heightened way of being. One we can
actually sustain. One we can actually ground into. From sole to soul.--Jeff Brown.
["Sou-lshaping"
is Brown's autobiography -- an inner travelogue of his journey from archetypal
male warrior to a more surrendered path. You can connect with his work at www.soulshaping.com]
“Our real life
movement
is a journey into consciousness, to higher levels of awareness and ultimate
Self-realization. This is an inner sacred
journey that cannot be limited to any outer activity. We should explore it
at every moment of our lives.
CONSCIOUSNESS IS NOT A MERE METAPHYSICAL
CONCERN of little practical relevance to us. It is the
source and ground of our every experience in life. India’s sages knew that each
day for us is a journey through consciousness, and they spoke of four
states (avastha chatushtaya): waking, dreaming, deep sleep
(technically called Non-REM sleep), and a fourth state beyond. We are
ordinarily concerned only with the waking state and its demands, but dream and
deep sleep also have their value, identity and experiences. These two subtle
states have a profound impact on us, from health to spirituality, and should
not be ignored.”--David Frawley
Karadaiyan
Nombu 2022
Karadaiyan
Nombu is a festival usually celebrated by the married women of the Tamil
community. Commemorated on the first day of Panguni month according to the
South Indian calendar or Tamil Calendar, Karadaiyan Nombu 2022 will be
celebrated on March 14. There are various rituals and traditions associated
with the commemoration of this festival. As we prepare to celebrate Karadaiyan
Nombu 2022, here’s everything you need to know about this celebration,
Karadaiyan Nombu 2022 Puja Timing, Karadaiyan Nombu Vratham rules etc.
When is Karadaiyan Nombu 2022
Karadaiyan
Nombu will be celebrated on March 14, 2022. This commemoration takes place on
the first day in the Tamil month of Panguni. It is celebrated at the moment
when Maasi month ends, and Panguni begins.
Karadaiyan
is the name of the unique dish which is prepared on this day. Meanwhile, Nombu
means Vratham or fast. The timing for Karadaiyan Nombu 2022 Tithi begins from 6:48 AM on March 14
and will go on till 12:30 PM on March 15, 2022.
The
auspicious event of tying the yellow thread or Manjal Saradu Muhurtam is 12:30 AM on March 15, according to Drik
Panchang.
Significance
of Karadaiyan Nombu
The
celebration of Karadaiyan Nombu is said to be similar to that of Vat Savithri
Vrat in the western and northern parts of India. The story of Karadaiyan Nombu
revolves around Savitri and her strength and resilience, which brought back her
husband from the grasp of the Lord of death - Yama.
Story of
Karadaiyan Nombu Vratham
According
to folklore, Savitri married Satyavan, knowing well that Lord Yama had decided
to take him away on a particular day. However, Savitri sat with Satyavan under
a tree and performed rigorous penance and meditation on this day. She observed
a stringent fast and prayed to Goddess Gowri for the long life of her husband.
This dedication from Savitri distracted Lord Yama, and he left without
Satyavan. This story of Savitri and Satyavan is retold on the location of Karadaiyan Nombu. This is also known by
the celebrations, also known as Savitri
Vratham.
It is
believed that if married women worship Goddess Gowri on this day and observe
the Karadaiyan Nombu Vratham, they
can help lengthen the lives of their partners. After the stringent fast of Karadaiyan Nombu is observed, women
perform Puja of Goddess Gowri, offer her the special preparation of Karadaiyan and tie a sacred yellow
thread known as Manjal Saradu around
their neck. Karadaiyan Nombu Vratham
begins at sunrise on the transition day, and the timing for breaking this fast
is dependent on the time of Meena
Sankramana. Here’s wishing everyone a Happy Karadaiyan Nombu 2022.
http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2012/03/kaaradaiyan-nonbu-vata-
saavitri-vrat.html
--March 13, 2022
SUDHA AT THE FEET OF HER GURU
Empowerment by woman has to be developed on her own.
"Empowerment is not to be given to women by
others but has to be developed on her own.
And I say it out of my own experiences. In my
life’s journey I have faced so many hurdles, challenges and roadblocks! There
were many times when intentionally people created difficult situations. But
with the support of family, friends and my control over my very own mind, I
have been able to overcome them all.
I would like to tell all you dear women out there
that each one can become an achiever if you identify the treasures within
yourself! Then work on them, build on them, nurture them and strengthen them.
Who else knows us better than we ourselves? Rise
up, equip yourself, unleash and out do your own self each time! And you will
wake up each morning to a beautiful world full of opportunities.
Happy Womens Day! More power to you and lots of
love and best wishes for newer beginnings!
#sudharagunathan#womensday2022#MorePowerToYou#womenachievers#superwomen#alltheworldismine
Sudha Ragunathan is an Indian Carnatic vocalist,
singer and composer. She was conferred the Kalaimamani award by the Government
of Tamil Nadu in 1994, Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan by the Government of India,
and Sangeetha Kalanidhi by Madras Music Academy in 2013. Sudha’s musical career began with her first accompanying
her Guru, Padmabhushan Dr. MLV, on stage, and then giving memorable
performances one after the other. Sudha Ragunathan has amassed numerous titles
and awards over the years, making her mother, her Gurus, her rasikas and her
country proud. These accolades have been given by Institutions and governing
bodies from across the world. And Sudha has just this to say of her glories…..”Shri
Gurubyo Namah”….all at the feet of her Guru…and moving on, with the
blessings of the Almighty.
This International Women’s Day, 8 March,
joined UN Women and the world in coming together under the theme “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”,
and called for climate action for women, by women.
Women and girls experience the
greatest impacts of the climate crisis as it amplifies existing gender
inequalities and puts women’s lives and livelihoods at risk. Across the
world, women depend more on, yet have less access to, natural resources, and
often bear a disproportionate responsibility for securing food, water, and
fuel.
As women and girls bear the
burden of climate impacts, they are also essential to leading and driving
change in climate adaption, mitigation and solutions. Without the
inclusion of half of the world's population, it is unlikely that solutions for
a sustainable planet and a gender equal world tomorrow will be realized.
Last year, at the Generation Equality Forum, the Action Coalition for Feminist
Action for Climate Justice was launched, bringing together
governments, private sector companies, the UN system and civil society in order
to make concrete commitments toward climate justice. This International Women’s
Day, the Action Coalition helped driving global action and
investment with a focus on financing for gender-just climate solutions, increasing
women’s leadership in the green economy, building women’s and girls’ resilience
to climate impacts and disasters and increasing the use of data on gender
equality and climate.
In her statement for
International Women's Day, UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous said: "Let us make this International Women’s Day
a moment to recall that we have the answers not just for SDG 5 but, through the
advancement of gender equality, for all 17 Sustainable Development Goals and
Agenda 2030. I look forward to working with every one of you to that
end."
Statement made by UN Secretary-General António Guterres on International
Women's Day
“On International Women’s Day,
we celebrate women and girls everywhere. We celebrate their contributions to
ending the COVID-19 pandemic. Their ideas, innovations and activism that are changing
our world for the better, and their leadership across all
walks of life.”
--March 11, 2022
MATA PITA GURUR DAIVAM
Importance of A
Guru in our lives--How important it is to have a master or a Guru in our lives?
First of all, you will have to accept
that in order to master any skill you require a teacher who is proficient in
that skill. Since he has gained mastery over the subject so his experiences and
skill can help us to achieve victory over that subject.
Now there are 2 kinds of people –One
who wants to try out a path on his own without the help of any master and the
result would not be very beneficial and productive. The other who wants to walk
on a path by following the steps of his Guru and he is guaranteed definite
success.
Since I have a Guru in my life I can
proudly state that my life has completely transformed because of my Guru. Over
here I’m talking about my Spiritual Guru.
Now, how has he influenced my life and
transformed it is a worthwhile journey.
My Guru has given me a secret key to
eternal happiness-happiness which will last forever. He has shown me a path of
endless joy and happiness which will never be gone. He has shown me a solution
to end all my sufferings.
When you drive a car and you want to go
to an unknown place a GPS is your best guide and it will help you reach your
destination smoothly without getting lost. If you are rigid and you do not wish
to use a GPS you probably might get lost in an unknown place and it might take
you a lot of time reaching your destination, maybe you never even reach it.
So in all spheres of life, you need a
guide to help you reach your destination.
Similarly, a guru is your GPS in your
spiritual journey, he will never allow you to get lost and he will help you
reach the destination safely and smoothly with wise instructions to follow the
path GPS and it is guaranteed success. But for that, you will first have to
surrender before him and believe in him leaving aside all your ego and myths.
When you drive the car you believe that
the GPS will take you to the right direction so when you can believe when a
machine that is programmed can help you reach your direction then why not
believe in a Guru who is a realized soul -he will definitely help your soul
reach the goal.
Similarly, you will have to believe
that your Guru will guide you into your spiritual journey. Remember, a Guru has
already walked the path on spirituality so he knows the secret to reach that
path and he also knows the mistakes to avoid on that path so he gives us a
secret code to reach our goal, now your role is to trust him.
If you have faith and follow his path
you definitely will attain success and will not have to go through various
troubles and mistakes to walk on that path. If you want to visit a new country
wouldn’t you ask someone who has already visited that country-you would get a
better idea and that person will show you the best places to visit and the
places to avoid which will help you make that trip productive and efficient? Similarly,
a guru who has already walked that path, on which you want to walk, will give
you all the secrets to walk successfully on that path and the techniques to use
and the mistakes to avoid in order to achieve success, right? So to make your
spiritual journey successful you must follow the one who has already achieved
success in that path.
Not only your Guru will help you in the
spiritual journey but will also guide you in your household life — he will give
you intuition powers to decide what is good and what is bad for your life, he
will give you powers to decide what path to take which will benefit your soul.
Mata, Pita, Guru, Daivam – What Does it
Mean?
From mother to father, from guru to
divine, what does this saying signify?
Sadhguru explains.
Our culture has always told us “mata, pita, guru, daivam”. What does this saying actually
mean?
When they say “mata
pitru gurur daivam” Mother, father, the guru are divine. I want you to
understand this in the right context. When you are just born, who is the most
important person in your life? Not God for sure, not the guru, not the father.
It is the mother. At that point, when you need to be breastfed, hugged, kissed
and nurtured, the mother is the thing. I do not think it needs to be said. The
life itself is making a statement that mother is the thing for an infant that
is just born.
When they say
“mata, pita, guru, daivam”, they are just making a statement about the
natural process of life.
Once the child begins to walk, the father becomes
important because the father has an exposure to the outside situations. Do not
look at it from today’s context. In those days, the father was crucial if a
child had to learn about the world, the skills of life and how to be in
society. Once these things have happened, then to seek a higher possibility, a
guru is a must. If you seek this higher possibility, if you are successful,
daivam or the divine is a natural reality.
When they say
“mata, pita, guru, daivam”, they are
just making a statement about the natural process of life. People may be making
all kinds of interpretations with a half-baked understanding of Sanskrit
language. The mother says, “The saying says first it is the mata. You must be
dedicated to me!” The father says, “I am number two. You must be dedicated to
me. Do not progress to the guru and the divine, it is not necessary.” If this
is the statement people are trying to make, it is unfortunate, because your
mother is not just a mother, your father is not just a father – they are as
much a being as you are. They need to grow too. They should have grown ahead of
you. If the parent forgot to grow and the children are showing the way, it is a
fortune. The parents should make use of it.
A Journey of
Homecoming
If you live a mundane life, the journey from birth
will go from womb to tomb. If you live a life of awareness and seeking, from
birth to divinity is a journey of homecoming. The saying is talking about this
journey. They are suggesting the order of life if your journey is a journey of
consciousness – mother first, then the father’s role, then the guru’s role and
then the Divine.
--March 12, 2022
*************************************************************
MINDFULNESS
AND MEDITATION
"Mananāt trāyatē iti mantrah” is the definition of the word mantra in
Sanskrit. Sustained repetition (Mananāt) of that which protects (trāyatē)
from all miseries arising from bondage or cycles from birth and death is
called mantra, Vedanta Vijnana--A hymn or
portion of text, esp. from the Veda, chanted or intoned as an incantation or
prayer.
Dhyāna meditation is a word referring to one of the eight
branches of yoga, also known as the eightfold-path. Dhyana is the inhibition of the modifications of the
mind.
Now, the word mantra is used in wide variety of contexts with different
meanings. Practice of all techniques that lead to meditation aim at
silencing and stilling the mind. With more practice sub-conscious mind can be
emptied which result into what is called no mind.
Mantra
meditation or mindfulness meditation, purpose, benefits and the end result is
the same. The real question is: not what are the benefits of these
two types of meditation techniques. In fact, the real question is how to choose
between these two techniques as both these techniques are equally
effective.
Please go through the full discourse posted in
Hindu Reflections Blogger Posting: http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2022/03/mantra-and-meditation.html
WHY WE
SHOULD JOIN SOIL SAVE MOVEMENT?
The Save
Soil movement is being initiated by Sadhguru, a yogi, mystic and visionary.
Save Soil
is a global movement launched by Sadhguru, to address the soil crisis by
bringing together people from around the world to stand up for Soil Health, and
supporting leaders of all nations to institute national policies and actions
toward increasing the organic content in cultivable Soil.
The Save Soil movement aims to engage
at least 3.5 billion people globally on the issue of Soil health, so they, in
turn, support their leaders in instituting policies and taking action to ensure
a minimum of 3% organic content in cultivable soils globally.
Your participation is essential for
this movement to reach the required scale, and have the necessary impact.
Save Soil - Conscious Planet is
a global movement launched by Sadhguru to save soil from extinction, and bring
the necessary policies to address the catastrophic issue facing humanity. This
movement has garnered support from global leaders including Marc Benioff, Jane
Goodall, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and institutions such as United Nations -
Convention to Combat Desertification, World Economic Forum, World Food Program,
and Food & Agriculture Organization
of United Nations.
Soil
Facts
How is soil degradation impacting our lives?
A study on nutrients in food concluded that we
would have to eat 8 oranges to get the same amount of Vitamin A as our
grandparents did with one orange because soil depletion has caused massive
drops in nutrient levels in food. (Scientific American)
2 billion people suffer from nutritional
deficiencies (WHO)
Average mineral content of calcium, magnesium, and
iron in cabbage, lettuce, tomatoes, and spinach has dropped 80-90% between
1914 and 2018 in the US (NCBI)
·
Global economy will lose US $23 trillion by 2050
through land degradation (UNCCD)
·
Soil degradation causes a loss of $235 billion to
$577 billion in crop productivity every year (IPBES)
Save Soil
Movement aims to:
Increase organic matter in soil to a minimum of 3%
To effect this change we need to:
·
Advocate for policies across all nations towards
soil restoration
·
Raise awareness of this imminent crisis among 3.5
billion people to garner their support for these policies
Join the Movement to Create Awareness about Soil
Extinction
Towards this, on March 21st, Sadhguru
will start an arduous 30,000 km journey as a lone motorcyclist traversing 24
nations, from London to Southern India, meeting with global leaders,
influencers, citizens and their elected representatives to raise awareness of
the issue of Soil Health and activate people’s support for the Save Soil
movement.
--March 8,
2022
Teachings and Influence on Society and Vedanta Study Circle
Sri Ramakrishna was probably the most celebrated mystic of all
times. A simple man, sometimes with childlike enthusiasm, he explained the most
complex concepts of spiritual philosophies in most simple parables, stories and
anecdotes. His words flowed from a deep sense of belief in the Divinity and his
experience of embracing God in a very real form. He directed that the ultimate
goal of every living soul is God-realization. Having practiced different facets
of Hinduism as well of other religions like Islam and Christianity, he preached
that all of these religions were different paths that lead up to a single goal –
God. His conversations with his disciples were recorded by his devotee
Mahendranath Gupta and the collective work was titled as Sri Sri Ramakrishna
Kathamrita (The Nectar of Sri Ramakrishna’s Words). To get rid of the
thought that he belonged to a higher Brahmanical caste, he began to eat food
cooked by the shudras or lower-caste.
His influence reached all strata of the society; he did not
differentiate between devotees based on caste. He even embraced the sceptics,
won them over with his simplistic charm and unselfish love. He was a force of
revival to re-energise the decaying Hinduism in nineteenth century Bengal. His
teachings also had profound effect on other religions like the Brahmoism that
were forced to re-evaluate their beliefs.
Nochur talks about an incident. A lady complained to Thakur about
her husband’s drinking habbits. Thakur asked her to bring him to Thakur.
She said that he will not come. Thakur asked her to chant a mantra for some
time. After some time, the person agreed to visit Thakur. When the person came,
he saw Thakur singing and dancing. He felt this Thakur is an interesting guy.
The person asked Thakur what did he drink- Indian or Foreign liquor? Thakur
told it is village drink. This way that person got interested in Thakur and got
changed in course of time.
It is no wonder that it has greatly inspired
our Vedanta Study Circle. Please enjoy their monthly discourse and discussion.
https://archive.org/stream/GospelOfSriRamakrishnaTheMahendranathGupta/TheGospelOfSriRamakrishna_djvu.txt
Welcome to the next session of the Ramakrishna
Vedanta Study Circle. "The study circle meets every 2nd and
4th Wednesday of the month" This week
we will continue the 6th Chapter of The Gospel of Sri
Ramakrishna, "The Master with the Brahmo Devotees
(I)" page 145.
Mahashivaratri Celebrations 2022
May
I draw your attention to message on YouTube sent through courtesy Bipal Bhattatacharjee! Share the video regarding
Mahashivaratri Aarti at Sadhguru Ashram at Velliangiri foothills near
Coimbatore located at Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The bust sculpture of Lord
Shiva is the largest in the world.
https://youtu.be/fxi7pIZxSm:Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
What is Mahashivratri and why it is celebrated?
Sadhguru: "In
the Indian culture, at one time, there used to be 365 festivals in a year. In
other words, they just needed an excuse to celebrate every day of the year.
These 365 festivals were ascribed to different reasons, and for different
purposes of life. They were to celebrate various historical events, victories,
or certain situations in life like sowing, planting, and harvesting. For every
situation there was a festival. But Mahashivratri is of a different
significance. Mahashivratri, “The Great Night of Shiva” is the most
significant event in India’s spiritual calendar.
The
fourteenth day of every lunar month or the day before the new moon is known as
Shivratri. Among all the twelve Shivratris that occur in a calendar year, Mahashivratri,
the one that occurs in February-March is of the most spiritual significance. On
this night, the northern hemisphere of the planet is positioned in such a way
that there is a natural upsurge of energy in a human being. This is a day when nature
is pushing one towards one’s spiritual peak. It is to make use of this, that in
this tradition, we established a certain festival which is nightlong. To allow
this natural upsurge of energies to find their way, one of the fundamentals of
this nightlong festival is to ensure that you remain awake with your spine
vertical throughout the night.
Importance
of Mahashivratri
Mahashivratri
is very significant for people who are on the spiritual path. It is also very
significant for people who are in family situations, and also for the ambitious
in the world. People who live in family situations observe Mahashivratri as
Shiva’s wedding anniversary. Those with worldly ambitions see that day as the
day Shiva conquered all his enemies.
But,
for the ascetics, it is the day he became one with Mount Kailash. He became
like a mountain – absolutely still. In the yogic tradition, Shiva is not
worshipped as a God, but considered as the Adi Guru, the first Guru from whom
the science of Yoga originated. After many millennia in meditation, one day he
became absolutely still. That day is Mahashivratri. All movement in him stopped
and he became utterly still, so ascetics see Mahashivratri as the night of
stillness.
Spiritual
Significance of Mahashivratri
Legends
apart, why this day and night are held with such importance in the yogic
traditions is because of the possibilities it presents to a spiritual seeker.
Modern science has gone through many phases and arrived at a point today where
they are out to prove to you that everything that you know as life, everything
that you know as matter and existence, everything that you know as the cosmos
and galaxies, is just one energy which manifests itself in millions of
ways.
This
scientific fact is an experiential reality in every yogi. The word “yogi” means
one who has realized the oneness of the existence. When I say “yoga,” I am not
referring to any one particular practice or system. All longing to know the
unbounded, all longing to know the oneness in the existence is yoga. The night
of Mahashivratri offers a person an opportunity to experience this.
Shivratri
– The Darkest Night of the Month
Shivratri,
is the darkest day of the month. Celebrating Shivratri on a monthly basis, and
the particular day, Mahashivratri, almost seems like celebration of darkness.
Any logical mind would resist darkness and naturally opt for light. But the
word “Shiva” literally means “that which is not.” “That which
is,” is existence and creation. “That which is not” is Shiva. “That which is not”
means, if you open your eyes and look around, if your vision is for small
things, you will see lots of creation. If your vision is really looking for big
things, you will see the biggest presence in the existence is a vast
emptiness.
A
few spots which we call galaxies are generally much noticed, but the vast
emptiness that holds them does not come into everybody’s notice. This vastness,
this unbounded emptiness, is what is referred to as Shiva. Today, modern science also proves
that everything comes from nothing and goes back to nothing. It is in
this context that Shiva, the vast emptiness or nothingness, is referred to as
the great lord, or Mahadeva.
Every
religion, every culture on this planet has always been talking about the
omnipresent, all-pervading nature of the divine. If we look at it, the only
thing that can be truly all-pervading, the only thing that can be everywhere is
darkness, nothingness, or emptiness.
Generally,
when people are seeking well-being, we talk of the divine as light. When people
are no longer seeking well-being, when they are looking beyond their life in
terms of dissolving, if the object of their worship and their sadhana is
dissolution, then we always refer to the divine as darkness.
Significance
of Shivratri
Light
is a brief happening in your mind. Light is not eternal, it is always a limited
possibility because it happens and it ends. The greatest source of light that
we know on this planet is the sun. Even the sun’s light, you could stop it with
your hand and leave a shadow of darkness behind. But darkness is
all-enveloping, everywhere. The immature minds in the world have always
described darkness as the devil. But when you describe the divine as
all-pervading, you are obviously referring to the divine as darkness, because
only darkness is all-pervading. It is everywhere. It does not need any support
from anything.
Light
always comes from a source that is burning itself out. It has a beginning and
an end. It is always from a limited source. Darkness has no source. It is a
source unto itself. It is all-pervading, everywhere, omnipresent. So, when we
say Shiva, it is this vast emptiness of existence. It is in the lap of this
vast emptiness that all creation has happened. It is that lap of emptiness that
we refer to as the Shiva.
In
Indian culture, all the ancient prayers were not about saving yourself,
protecting yourself or doing better in life. All the ancient prayers have
always been “Oh lord, destroy me so that I can become like yourself.” So, when
we say Shivratri, which is the darkest night of the month, it is an opportunity
for one to dissolve their limitedness, to experience the unboundedness of the
source of creation which is the seed in every human being.
Mahashivratri
– A Night of Awakening
Mahashivratri
is an opportunity and a possibility to bring yourself to that experience of the
vast emptiness within every human being, which is the source of all creation.
On the one hand, Shiva is known as the destroyer. On the other, he is known as
the most compassionate. He is also known to be the greatest of the givers. The
yogic lore is rife with many stories about Shiva’s compassion. The ways of
expression of his compassion have been incredible and astonishing at the same
time. So Mahashivratri is a special night for receiving too. It is our wish and
blessing that you must not pass this night without knowing at least a moment of
the vastness of this emptiness that we call as Shiva. Let this night
not just be a night of wakefulness, let this night be a night of awakening for
you--Sadguru
SHIVA
LINGASHTAKAM
Ashtakam is a poetic composition in Sanskrit of eight stanzas or
verses. They were one of the favorite poetic instruments of the rishis (sage)
of the past. This is evident from the dozens of ashtakam found
in the annals of the Indian culture. One such ashtakam that
is beamed from temples across India is the Shiva Lingashtakam. A
countless number of people wake up every day to the holy sounds of this
composition set to a melodious tune that reflects the cultural ethos of that
particular region.
Penned by Adi Shankaracharya, himself considered to be an avatar
of Lord Shiva, Shiva Lingashtakam is a prayer offered to Lord
Shiva in the form of linga (meaning symbol in Sanskrit).
The prayer is a declaration of faith, obedience, loyalty, and devotion towards
Lord Shiva. Shivalinga is a symbolic representation of the
creation of the Universe from the eternal play of Shiva and Shakti. Shiva
Lingashtakam lists Lord Shiva’s glories and the benefits of
worshipping the Shivalinga.
The holy month of Shravan (fifth month of
the Hindu calendar) is considered to be an auspicious time to offer prayers to
Lord Shiva. Shiva Lingashtakam is chanted during the Shiva
Puja that is performed on every day during this month. Devotees chant this hymn
early in the morning or in the evening, preferably during sunrise and sunset,
while performing Shiva Puja in front of a Shivalinga or
while remembering Lord Shiva
Brahma Muraari Suraarchita Lingam
Nirmala Bhashita Shobhita Lingam
Janmaja Dukha Vinaashaka Lingam
Tat pranamami Sada sivalingam
1.1: (I salute that eternal Shiva
Lingam) Which is adored by Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and the Gods, which
is pure, shining, and well-adorned,
1.2: And which destroys the sorrows associated with birth (and
human life). I salute that eternal Shiva
Lingam.
Devamuni Pravaraarchita Lingam
Kaamadaham Karunaakara Lingam
Raavana Darpa Vinaashaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sada Shiva Lingam
2.1: (I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam) Which is
worshipped by the Gods and the best of Sages, which burns all desires, which is
compassionate,
2.2: And which destroyed the pride of even Ravana. I salute that
eternal Shiva Lingam.
Sarva Sugandha Sulepitha Lingam
Buddhi Vivardhana Kaarana Lingam
Siddha Suraasura Vanditha Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
3.1: (I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam) which is
beautifully smeared with various fragrant pastes, which is the cause behind the
elevation of a person's (spiritual) intelligence and discernment,
3.2: And which is praised by the Siddhas, Devas and the Asuras. I
salute that eternal Shiva Lingam.
Kanaka Mahaamani Bhushitha Lingam
Phanipathi Veshtitha Shobhitha Lingam
Daksha Suyajna Vinaashaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
4.1: (I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam) which is
decorated with Gold and other precious gems, which is adorned with the best of
the serpents wrapped around it,
4.2: And which destroyed the grand yajna (sacrifice)
of Daksha. I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam.
umkuma Chandana Lepitha Lingam
Pankaja Haara Sushobhitha Lingam
Sanchitha Paapa Vinaashaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
5.1: (I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam) which is
anointed with Kumkuma (Saffron) and Chandana (Sandal paste), which is
beautifully decorated with garlands of Lotuses,
5.2: And which destroys the accumulated sins (of several lives). I
salute that eternal Shiva Lingam.
Devaganaarchitha Sevitha Lingam
Bhaavair Bhakti Bhirevacha Lingam
Dinakara Koti Prabhakara Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
6.1: (I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam) which is
worshipped and served by the group of Devas (Gods) with true Bhava (emotion or
contemplation) and Bhakti (devotion),
6.2: And which has the splendor of a million suns. I salute that
eternal Shiva Lingam.
Ashta Dalopari Veshtitha Lingam
Sarva Samudbhava Kaarana Lingam
Ashta Daridra Vinaashaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
7.1: (I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam) which is
surrounded by eight-petal flowers, which is the cause behind all creation,
7.2: And which destroys the eight poverties. I salute that
eternal Shiva Lingam.
Suraguru Suravara Pujitha Lingam
Suravana Pushpa Sadaarchitha Lingam
Paraatparam Paramatmaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
8.1: (I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam) which is
worshipped by the Preceptor of Gods (Lord Brihaspati) and the Best of the Gods,
which is always worshipped by the flowers from the celestial garden,
8.2: Which is superior to even the best and which is the greatest.
I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam.
Lingashtakam Idam Punyam Padeth Shiva Sannidhow
Shivalokam Avapnothi Shive Na Sahamodathe
9.1: Whoever recites this Lingasthakam near Shivalingam,
9.2: Will, in the end, attain the abode of Lord Shiva and enjoy
his bliss.
Benefits of Chanting Shiva Lingashtakam
The last stanza is an appendix that summarizes the benefits of
chanting Shiva Lingashtakam. Regular recitation of this hymn
gives:
- Peace of mind and helps in keeping negative energy, evils,
and negative thoughts away.
- Good health, prosperity, and wisdom dawns.
- Induces positivity,
confidence, and willpower as well as the removal of obstacles in
endeavors.
--Based on wisdom talks by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi
Shankar and Vaidic Dharma Sansthan)
Karma – Reward or Punish
The only way out of karma is self-discovery. What is this karma thin--Is it destiny? Is it
a punishment for past transgressions? Is it a reward for past merits? Who is
doling out the reward or the punishment? It is none of the above actually but
it can be a bit difficult to understand. In the west, because of our religious
heritage, we see karma in the same way we see God, doling out punishment and
reward, as Hindu Americans. In other words, it is seen as an ethical or moral
enforcement, carrot and stick. For that reason people are busy trying to avoid
bad karma and trying to accumulate good karma. The mission of spirituality is
not getting all the good karma and avoiding the bad but stepping out of karma
altogether. The Smoke & Mirrors of Materialistic Desires. There is no karma
for the true self… that is, the true you! Karma belongs to the realm of the
unconscious, conditioned mind. If is a mindless energy, grinding along. It is
like a spaceship moving through space. It will remain forever on that same
trajectory unless and until something bumps it off into a new direction. That
bump can come from some unexpected event or it can come from a conscious
awakening. Join Lisa Berry and Master Spiritual Teacher GP Walsh when they
explore this profound but little understood phenomenon controversial on this
week’s Flow of Enlightenment.
“As you sow, so
shall you reap” is a common phrase in life which concisely sums up the law of
karma. Karma is the universal Hindu law of cause and effect which holds a
person responsible for his or her actions and effects. According to one’s good
or bad actions, Bhagwan rewards or punishes. The word ‘karma’ means human
action or deed; we are constantly performing karmas whether physically,
mentally, or emotionally. A person’s karma is responsible for good or bad
consequences in his or her life. Nothing in this world happens accidentally or
coincidentally; there is a reason behind everything though it may not be clear
to us at that time. Good actions produce happiness and bad actions lead to
suffering and misery in the present or next life. A person’s past actions
govern his present, and his present actions have an effect on his future. This
means that every person is, to a certain degree, the creator of his own
destiny.
All of our karmas are
performed in one of two ways. The first way is called nishkãma karma, when
actions are performed without any expectation of material gain, ego, or
material desires. Nishkãma karmas are only performed to fulfill one’s duties
and please God. The second way is called sakãma karma, when actions are
performed with an expectation of material desire or purpose. Bhagwan
Swaminarayan taught the ideal of performing one’s karmas without the
expectation of material gain. He stressed the need for an aspirant to have one
desire – to please God even while performing nishkãma karma.
In Hindu Dharma there are 3 types of
karmas:
·
Kriyamãn
karma are karmas being acquired every moment. The fruits of these karmas
can be attained in this life, the next, or after many births.
·
Sanchit
karma is an accumulation of karmas containing the sum total of all a
person’s karmas from one or many past lives. The fruits of these karmas are
being experienced or have yet to be experienced.
·
Prãrabdha
karma is a part of one’s sanchita karma that is being experienced in this
birth. For example, the attributes and conditions of one’s physical body and
mental capacities are due to one’s prãrabdha karmas.
Bhagwan Swãminãrãyan
has explained in His discourses that God has given every person the freedom of
action, and therefore, he or she is responsible for performing karmas that
either result in punya (merits) or pãpa (sins). Furthermore, Bhagwan is the
giver of the fruits of one’s good and bad karmas when He determines the
consequences of one’s karmas. No karma by itself can produce or give results,
but when Bhagwan so decides, only then can one experience its good or bad
effects. The karma principle is not a self-operating system in which karmas
automatically bring or give one results. This is because karmas by themselves
are inanimate.
Dharma is the very
foundation of life. It is moral law combined with spiritual discipline that
guides one's life. Dharma means ‘that which holds,’ i.e., the people of this
world and the whole of creation cannot exist without dharma to hold them in
place. Dharma is an all-inclusive term used to mean righteousness, morality,
religion, responsibility, and duty. Dharma includes the practice of religious
disciplines and duties, such as honesty, Brahmacharya, and non-violence. The
purpose of dharma is not only to help one’s jiva come closer with Bhagwan, but
it also suggests a code of conduct that is intended to secure both worldly joys
and eternal bliss. The practice of dharma gives an experience of happiness,
strength, and tranquility within one's self and makes life disciplined.
“Karma is misunderstood, Good
Karma does not give you material rewards but association with Gurus, and
Shastras that lead you to Moksha. Bad Karma destroys your inner peace, darkens
the mind and makes you more attached to the mortal body and material world”-David Frawley
A THRILLING DIVINE COINCIDENCE
While observing Mahasivaratri
worship and enjoying this as usual, I wish to share this exciting news with you
all:
“Shankar Mahadevan is a singer and a composer
especially for Indian films. He belongs to Tamil speaking family in India. He
has received numerous awards including Padma Shri award for Film Music in 2019
and Lata Mangeshkar award in 2011.
We also have a namesake amongst us in
Nashville, T. N. Dr. Sankaran Mahadevan (though the first name is spelt
slightly different) is a Professor of Engineering at Vanderbilt University. He
is also an accomplished musician, musicologist and a spiritual teacher. He
facilitates our Sunday Bhagavad Gita study group (now over Zoom due to COVID19
pandemic). Dr. Mahadevan hails from the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, the land of
famous temples, Carnatic music, Bharatanatyam classical dance, famous resorts
like Ooty, Kodaikanal etc.
Coincidentally the names Sankaran/Shankar and
Mahadevan are the other names of Lord Shiva.
Note: The song was composed by Sri Thyagaraja
(1767-1847) regarded as guardian saint of Carnatic music.
Wish you a Blessed Mahashivratri !
Comments:
So nice to hear Mahadevan’s song, thank u!
-Radha Kirtane
Music is Divine and Spiritual
In God’s creation, perhaps, the first musical sounds were the
chirping of the birds like Bulbuls’ whistles, cooing of the cuckoos in
crescendo, the peacock crying and dancing rhythmically spreading out its
glorious multi-colored feathers like a fan. Again, animals too like the herd of elephants with their majestic
gait trumpeting add to the birds’ chorus to make a grand symphony. Music
is higher than this and is in close touch with mind or spirit. In the words of
Lin u Tang it is a pure sentiment without words with which alone the intellect
can operate.
Our mythology attributes the origin of Indian Music to the Divine Brahma.
Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva the Eternal Trinity were said to be the first
musicians: Brahma kept the time beat with the clanging cymbals and Vishnu
sounded the holy mridangam or the drum. Lord Shiva displayed his infinite modes of
rhythm in his cosmic dance of Universal creation and preservation.
Origin of Music is traced to the Vedic hymns too that were chanted in ancient
India during ceremonies and other religious occasions.
Music can be found in the Vedas, which are the oldest scriptures in the Hindu
tradition. The Sama Veda, one of the four Vedas, describes music at
length.
The Sama Veda was derived from the Rig Veda so that its hymns could be sung as
Samagana. The hymns were sung by Udgater priests at sacrifices in which the
Soma the ritual drink was offered to various deities. The chanting style
evolved into jatis and eventually into ragas… Bharat’s Natyashastra was the
first treatise laying down fundamental principles of dance, music and
drama.
Music has its own language, the language of emotions such as joy, fear,
depression, despair which are universal and so music which uses such emotions
as its language is universal.
From time immemorial extraordinary powers have been ascribed to music. It is
said Muthuswami Dikshitar brought rain by singing the raga Amritvarshani. It is
said the late Nagaswaram Vidvan Sivakozhundu could draw out cobras from their
holes and make them swing their hoods to his tunes.
Tansen, the peerless musician who was one of the nine gems in the court of Emperor
Akbar with his rich expositions of Dhrupads in Deepak, Megh Malhar and other
raagas illuminated the unlit lamps, brought unseasonal rains, gave life to
unattended musical instruments and even said to have tamed wild beasts.
Congreve has very well said:”Music hath charms to soothe a savage beast, to
soften rocks or bend a knotted oak.” There is one story about raaga Deepak.
Once Emperor Akbar asked Gopal Naik an expert musician in his court whether
raag Deepak could kindle fire. Gopal Naik affirmed. Akbar wanted him to sing
and prove. Gopal was reluctant and though with all precautions standing in
water he sang his body burst into flames and was reduced to ashes.
It is Music through saints have touched the heart of God. Music
was the easiest path to reach God. We have heard many stories where God has run to the rescue of
innumerable singer- saints like Mirabai, Kabir, Surdas, Ramprasad, Tulsidas and
many others His heart rent by their appealing Music.
Music has the power to heal our ailments too. After many experiments it has
been established that Musical therapy can cure diseases. Even simple ailment
like headaches can be cured by Music.
I have heard of a violent patient who would cool down the moment was played.
Gandhiji in his ‘Influence of Music’ writes how Music has given him peace and
helped to overcome anger. Again he tells us that in Transvaal when he was badly
wounded, the pain of his wound were relieved when Olive Doke sang to him ‘Lead
Kindly Light’. Music has great magical powers.
It seems audiences sat enthralled as the delicate small hands of the young
prodigy Mozart wove an enchanted spell. Again when Hadyn gave a performance of
his 'Oratorio’s Creation’ in Vienna a burst of sunlight accompanied the
phrase “ Let there be light” the audiences looked up awe- struck to Hadyn’s box
With tears in his eyes Hadyn pointed towards heaven “ It came from there” he
whispered.
It seems once the famous violinist Mehudi Menuhin forgot his passport while
travelling and the authorities would not allow him to pass despite his
requests. At last as a proof he was asked to play the violin. And lo! No sooner
had Menhumin’s bow touched the strings, the crowd stood bewitched.
Once Menuhin had started he could not stop and the audience stood motionless. Finally
the music slowed down and ended not before tears rolled down the cheeks of the
spell- bound listeners. They permitted him to go but not before confessing
that they had done this purposely to hear his heavenly music which otherwise
was impracticable for them.
Fortunately I had the privilege to attend to various concerts of
famous musicians like Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, Allaudin Khan, Ustad
Amir Khan and a lot more.
Many of the programs would last the whole night and we would return at dawn
with the milkman with the heavenly music in us. Bismillah Khan especially would
get into top mood and regale us when nearing dawn only a few handful eager
lovers of music still sat to hear him more.
I remember it was at Swami Haridas Sangit Sammelan organised by Shri
Brijnarayan where Pdt. Jasraj when only seventeen years old gave his first
performance singing raag Madhuvanti. It is unforgettable.
Needless to say that these great musicians have been messengers of God to
transport us to the realm of ecstasy. Great music never dies; it vibrates in
the memory forever as it is intimately connected with Divinity.
Origin of Music is traced to the Vedic hymns too that were chanted in ancient
India during ceremonies and other religious occasions, writes MEERA S. SASHITAL
KARMA COHEN.
http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2022/03/music-is-divine.html
--March 5, 2022
*************************************************************
TIME AND BREATH
“Clock time is artificial and
mechanical, and removes us from the depletion. Your breath is your natural biological natural
rhythms of life, creating stress, agitation and clock that can attune you to the forces of nature within
and around you. Everything is breathing, drawing in and out the forces of life
and consciousness. Deepening and concentrating your breath with an inner
awareness, you can learn how to control time, your emotions and all the
movements of the mind. Observing the breath from the witnessing Self and
Seer, you can go beyond birth and death, time and space. Learn how to
breathe with the whole of existence, the breath of Brahman, ever into its own
Self-being.”--David Frawley
Difference between Pranayama
and Breathing
Everybody knows how to
breathe, even a newborn child. Still, these days most of us need a breathing
the program that can help us in dealing with our day-to-day desk work, driving,
tension, anxiety and even depression. It is well known that deep breathing exercises
can help overcome these stresses in life, so it is necessary for all of us to
understand the science of breathing i.e. Pranayama.
“When the breath wanders, the
mind is unsteady, ut when the breath is still, so is the mind still.” Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Pranayama
is a part of yoga system that teaches us the art of extending and controlling
our breath in many ways. It teaches us to change the depth, rate, and pattern
of breathing.
Pranayama is the conscious
awareness of breath. The term is derived from Sanskrit, Prana means breath, respiration, vitality or energy. Ayama means expansion or stretching.
Thus, Pranayama connotes extension and control of breath. Proper rhythmic, slow
and deep breathing, strengthens the respiratory system, soothes the nervous
system and increases concentration. According to Yoga, the breath connects the
Body, Mind, and Spirit.
The rate of breathing changes
with circumstances such as it increases due to emotional or physical
disturbances whereas, it automatically slows down when one is calm and
peaceful. Like, when we get tired while climbing stairs, we get breathless. Try
the following to regulate your breathing and feel less exhausted. Climb keeping
shoulders straight and take a deep breathe in for two stairs (inhale), and
exhale for two steps, with a rhythm of two in and two out. Like this, we expel
more carbon dioxide and take in great supply of oxygen, thus we feel less
fatigue.
Mostly we use only a fraction
of our lung capacity as we do shallow breathing. We barely expand the ribcage,
shoulders are often hunched and have painful tension in the upper part of back
and neck due to which we suffer lack of oxygen which makes us breathless and
tired. So, keep both shoulder blades as close as possible without strain and
exhale gently and fully pause, then inhale with a deep, slow, gentle breath
until the lungs are comfortably filled. Then breath out slowly
through the nose, without changing the position of shoulder blades. Repeat this
cycle many times. By doing this, the brain gets stimulated and ease nerve
tension by providing the fuller supply of oxygen.
Types of Breathing
Clavicular
Breathing (Sectional Breathing): It is shallow breathing in which the abdomen is
completely controlled, and breathing is performed by forcing the air into the
uppermost region of the lungs. The shoulders and collar bones are raised while
the abdomen is contracted during inhalation.
Thoracic
(Chest Breathing): Breathing takes place by expanding and contracting the chest only,
while the abdomen is kept under control. The middle lobes of the lungs are
fully activated through this breathing.
Abdominal
Breathing: Deep
abdominal breathing brings air to the lowest and largest part of lungs.
Breathing is slow and deep such that diaphragm is used properly.
A full yogic breath combines
all three, beginning with abdomen and continuing the inhalation through the
thoracic and clavicular area. The abdomen should expand outward on inhalation
and contract on exhalation. To get the feeling of this motion, while sitting in
any meditative posture preferably Vajrasana,
place the hands on the abdomen close to each other. Exhale slowly inhale
through the nostrils taking the hands away from each other so that the
abdomen bulges. Hold the breath for a second. Then slowly exhale so that the
abdomen retracts bringing the hands closer. Hold the breath for a second.
Repeat the breathing cycle five times, preferably in the ratio 4:2:8:2. Breathing
should be deep, slow and rhythmic.
The lower sections of the
lungs increase with air flow. Rhythmic movement of the diaphragm massages the
abdomen gently and enables the organs to function effectively.
--March 6, 2022
