Significance of "Avani Moolam"...............................
Aavani Moolam is a unique festival observed in Tamil culture on the Moolam Nakshatram day in Aavani month (August – September). Aavani Moolam festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The most important Aavani Moolam festival and rituals are held at the Madurai Meenakshi Temple. In 2009, the date of Aavani Moolam is August 30.
Special processions are held on the day in Madurai Meenakshi Temple. The festival is basically dedicated to the reenactment of a famous incident involving Lord Shiva. Also known as Puttu festival, Aavani Moolam is based on a local legend and is referred as the sport of carrying soil for the wages of rice pudding.
An important legend in which Lord Shiva sends his Ganas as horses to keep the promise of Saint Manikkavasagar is believed to have happened on Avani Moolam day.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Lose your Marbles.......................................
Lose your marbles
Meaning
Lose your wits.
Origin
To 'lose one's marbles' is to lose one's mind. In the 1954 film The
Caine Mutiny Humphrey Bogart linked insanity with marbles when he
showed his character, the demented Lt. Cmdr. Queeg, restlessly
jiggling a set of metal balls when under stress in court. Bogart's
performance was so affecting that many have supposed the film to be
the source of the phrase. It is American, but originated in the late
19th century, not the 1950s. The expression has now been shortened to
simply 'losing it'. The point is that the person in question has, as
in another earlier variant, 'a bit missing'. Perhaps 'marbles' meant
'mind' or 'wits' before 'lose one's marbles' was coined. That's worth
investigation at least, so let's have a go.
Marbles are, of course, the little glass or metal balls that children
use to play the eponymous game. From the mid 19th century 'marbles'
was also used to mean 'personal effects', 'goods', or more generally
'stuff'. This latter meaning derives from the French word 'meubles',
which means 'furniture'. From the 1920s onward two US expressions
became established - 'to pick up the marbles' and 'to pick up one's
marbles'. These mean 'to carry off the honours or prizes' and 'to
withdraw from activity or game and cause it to cease' (like the UK
variant 'take one's ball home'). 'Marbles' also meant testicles and
has been used that way since at least the mid 19th century.
It has been suggested that the 'losing one's mind' meaning derives
from the Elgin Marbles. These are the collection of sculptures, some
from the Parthenon Frieze, which were taken from Athens by Lord Elgin
in 1806. The supposition is that the expression derives from the loss
of the artworks by the Greeks, or their subsequent loss at sea when
the ship that was transporting them sank. An interesting theory, but
no more than that; there's no evidence to support the idea.
It's more likely that 'marbles' was coined as a slang term meaning
'wits/common sense', as a reference to the marbles that youngsters
play with. The notion of 'losing something that is important to you'
appears to have migrated from the image of a forlorn child having lost
his prized playthings. An early citation of this figurative usage is
found in an August 1886 copy of the St. Louis Globe-Democrat:
He has roamed the block all morning like a boy who had lost his marbles.
During the late 19th century, 'losing one's marbles' began to be used
to mean 'getting frustrated or angry'. This reference from New Zealand
was printed in The Tuapeka Times, in August 1889:
For I tell you that no boy ever lost his marbles more irrevocably than
you and I will lose our self-respect if we remain to take part in a
wordy discussion that ends in a broil. [a quarrel]
This transition to the 'losing one's mind' meaning began in the US
around the same time and the Ohio newspaper The Portsmouth Times,
reported a story in April 1898 that referred to marbles as a synonym
for mental capacity:
Prof. J. M. Davis, of Rio Grande college, was selected to present J. W
Jones as Gallia's candidate, but got his marbles mixed and did as much
for the institution of which he is the noted head as he did for his
candidate.
The expression took a little time to mature and was used in both
'anger' and 'sanity' senses for a few decades. What is common in all
the early citations is the sense of loss and the consequent reaction
to it. By 1927, the loss of sanity meaning had won out and an edition
of American Speech defined the term unambiguously:
"Marbles, doesn't have all his (verb phrase), mentally deficient.
'There goes a man who doesn't have all his marbles.'"
Meaning
Lose your wits.
Origin
To 'lose one's marbles' is to lose one's mind. In the 1954 film The
Caine Mutiny Humphrey Bogart linked insanity with marbles when he
showed his character, the demented Lt. Cmdr. Queeg, restlessly
jiggling a set of metal balls when under stress in court. Bogart's
performance was so affecting that many have supposed the film to be
the source of the phrase. It is American, but originated in the late
19th century, not the 1950s. The expression has now been shortened to
simply 'losing it'. The point is that the person in question has, as
in another earlier variant, 'a bit missing'. Perhaps 'marbles' meant
'mind' or 'wits' before 'lose one's marbles' was coined. That's worth
investigation at least, so let's have a go.
Marbles are, of course, the little glass or metal balls that children
use to play the eponymous game. From the mid 19th century 'marbles'
was also used to mean 'personal effects', 'goods', or more generally
'stuff'. This latter meaning derives from the French word 'meubles',
which means 'furniture'. From the 1920s onward two US expressions
became established - 'to pick up the marbles' and 'to pick up one's
marbles'. These mean 'to carry off the honours or prizes' and 'to
withdraw from activity or game and cause it to cease' (like the UK
variant 'take one's ball home'). 'Marbles' also meant testicles and
has been used that way since at least the mid 19th century.
It has been suggested that the 'losing one's mind' meaning derives
from the Elgin Marbles. These are the collection of sculptures, some
from the Parthenon Frieze, which were taken from Athens by Lord Elgin
in 1806. The supposition is that the expression derives from the loss
of the artworks by the Greeks, or their subsequent loss at sea when
the ship that was transporting them sank. An interesting theory, but
no more than that; there's no evidence to support the idea.
It's more likely that 'marbles' was coined as a slang term meaning
'wits/common sense', as a reference to the marbles that youngsters
play with. The notion of 'losing something that is important to you'
appears to have migrated from the image of a forlorn child having lost
his prized playthings. An early citation of this figurative usage is
found in an August 1886 copy of the St. Louis Globe-Democrat:
He has roamed the block all morning like a boy who had lost his marbles.
During the late 19th century, 'losing one's marbles' began to be used
to mean 'getting frustrated or angry'. This reference from New Zealand
was printed in The Tuapeka Times, in August 1889:
For I tell you that no boy ever lost his marbles more irrevocably than
you and I will lose our self-respect if we remain to take part in a
wordy discussion that ends in a broil. [a quarrel]
This transition to the 'losing one's mind' meaning began in the US
around the same time and the Ohio newspaper The Portsmouth Times,
reported a story in April 1898 that referred to marbles as a synonym
for mental capacity:
Prof. J. M. Davis, of Rio Grande college, was selected to present J. W
Jones as Gallia's candidate, but got his marbles mixed and did as much
for the institution of which he is the noted head as he did for his
candidate.
The expression took a little time to mature and was used in both
'anger' and 'sanity' senses for a few decades. What is common in all
the early citations is the sense of loss and the consequent reaction
to it. By 1927, the loss of sanity meaning had won out and an edition
of American Speech defined the term unambiguously:
"Marbles, doesn't have all his (verb phrase), mentally deficient.
'There goes a man who doesn't have all his marbles.'"
By hook or By Crook...................................
By hook or by crook
Meaning
By whatever means necessary - be they fair or foul.
Origin
It is sometimes suggested that 'by hook or by crook' derives from the
custom in mediaeval England of allowing peasants to take from royal
forests whatever deadwood they could pull down with a shepherd's crook
or cut with a reaper's billhook. This feudal custom was recorded in
the 1820s by the English rural campaigner William Cobbett, although
the custom itself long predates that reference. Another commonly
repeated suggestion is that the phrase comes from the names of the
villages of Hook Head and the nearby Crooke, in Waterford, Ireland.
Hook Head and Crooke are on opposite sides of the Waterford channel
and Cromwell (born 1599 - died 1658) is reputed to have said that
Waterford would fall 'by Hook or by Crooke', i.e. by a landing of his
army at one of those two places. A third suggestion is that the phrase
derives from two learned judges, called Hooke and Crooke, who
officiated during the reign of Charles I (born 1600 - died 1649) and
who were called on to solve difficult legal cases. Hence, the cases
would be resolved 'by Hooke or by Crooke'.
Only the first of the above suggestions stands up to scrutiny by
virtue of the age of the phrase. The earliest references to hooks and
crooks in this context date back to the 14th century - the first known
being from John Gower's Confessio Amantis, 1390:
What with hepe [hook] and what with croke [crook] they [by false
Witness and Perjury] make her maister ofte winne.
Gower didn't use the modern 'by hook or by crook' version of the
phrase, but it is clear that he was using the reference to hooks and
crooks in the same sense that we do now.
The earliest citation of the phrase that I can find is in Philip
Stubbes' The Anatomie of Abuses, 1583:
Either by hooke or crooke, by night or day.
There are several other theories as to the origin of 'by hook or by
crook', all of which are either implausible or arose too late. Taking
away those, we are left with two serious contenders: sheep farming and
wood gathering.
Crooks are the curved or hooked sticks that shepherds use to catch
sheep by hooking their hind legs. Hook is a synonym for crook. It is
quite possible that the two words were put together to mean 'one way
or another', for no better reason than the alliteration. Either that,
or the 'wood gathering' derivation is correct. We may never know
which.
Meaning
By whatever means necessary - be they fair or foul.
Origin
It is sometimes suggested that 'by hook or by crook' derives from the
custom in mediaeval England of allowing peasants to take from royal
forests whatever deadwood they could pull down with a shepherd's crook
or cut with a reaper's billhook. This feudal custom was recorded in
the 1820s by the English rural campaigner William Cobbett, although
the custom itself long predates that reference. Another commonly
repeated suggestion is that the phrase comes from the names of the
villages of Hook Head and the nearby Crooke, in Waterford, Ireland.
Hook Head and Crooke are on opposite sides of the Waterford channel
and Cromwell (born 1599 - died 1658) is reputed to have said that
Waterford would fall 'by Hook or by Crooke', i.e. by a landing of his
army at one of those two places. A third suggestion is that the phrase
derives from two learned judges, called Hooke and Crooke, who
officiated during the reign of Charles I (born 1600 - died 1649) and
who were called on to solve difficult legal cases. Hence, the cases
would be resolved 'by Hooke or by Crooke'.
Only the first of the above suggestions stands up to scrutiny by
virtue of the age of the phrase. The earliest references to hooks and
crooks in this context date back to the 14th century - the first known
being from John Gower's Confessio Amantis, 1390:
What with hepe [hook] and what with croke [crook] they [by false
Witness and Perjury] make her maister ofte winne.
Gower didn't use the modern 'by hook or by crook' version of the
phrase, but it is clear that he was using the reference to hooks and
crooks in the same sense that we do now.
The earliest citation of the phrase that I can find is in Philip
Stubbes' The Anatomie of Abuses, 1583:
Either by hooke or crooke, by night or day.
There are several other theories as to the origin of 'by hook or by
crook', all of which are either implausible or arose too late. Taking
away those, we are left with two serious contenders: sheep farming and
wood gathering.
Crooks are the curved or hooked sticks that shepherds use to catch
sheep by hooking their hind legs. Hook is a synonym for crook. It is
quite possible that the two words were put together to mean 'one way
or another', for no better reason than the alliteration. Either that,
or the 'wood gathering' derivation is correct. We may never know
which.
Ganesh Chathrthi its significance & History......................
"Aum Sri Mahaganapathaye Namaha."
"Ganesh Chathurthi.....................Its significance and
History.............................
Dear Purnumaji,
Thank you for inviting me to share your views on "Vinayaka Chathurthi-2009"
to be celebrated on 23 Aug 2009.
In fact I have send an article titled "Lord Ganesha" on 07 July,2009,keeping in mind the festival that falls on 23 August, 2009, some it was omitted and remains un-posted in our yahoo group. There is also an article on "Achamaniya" send on 4th Aug 2009, for posting in our yahoo group subject to approval by the beloved Moderator. The former one contains fairly some good input if not in greater details. For in depth info as sought by you, I need time to study the rel event scriptures and may be it will take some time.
In the mean time I feel its worthwhile reading this article complied and edited by me from various sources and at the end you will find the posting titled "Lord Ganesha" and hope the same will appear in our yahoo group before Vinayaka Chathurthi 2009.
Thank you once again for keeping in memory and with regards.
Yours in Divine Friendship.
J.K
Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Chathurthi...............
Vigneshwara, one of the popular deities worshipped by members of most Indian religions. It is India's more so Maharashtra's most important festival. Ganapathy is also the God of Knowledge and is invoked at the commencement of any function. He is the god that protects his devotees from any obstacles ( vighnam ). Hence the name Vighneswara. He is also described as the Supreme Leader ( Vinayaka). Ganapathy is said to have had two spouses. Buddhi(intellect) and Siddhi(achievement). Thus he is the master of knowledge and achievement.
Probably, a combination of Sidhhi and Vinayak have given the name of Siddhivinayaka. His parents were Siva and Parvati.Legend has it that Ganapathy himself wrote the Mahabharata, to the dictation of Guru Veda Vyasa. He is also considered the most intelligent. A challenge was thrown to brothers Ganapathy and Karthikeya by Sage Narada. The challenge was whoever went around the globe first would have the fruit first. Karthikeya went around the world which took quite some time while Ganapathy went round his parents thrice and claimed the fruit. The logic he gave was that since his parents represented the universe he had gone round them.
Now do not look at this story as a rational logical person but try and understand the thought behind it. It is to do with the use of the Intellect. Ganapathy used it to know what the Sage meant while his brother took the Sage's order at face value. Similarly in our lives we must learn to use our Intellect ( the ability to discriminate between right and wrong ) and look at the deeper meanings of things. Using our intellect will force us to make decisions, right or wrong, time will tell. If wrong, so what, we will learn by our mistakes. The key is to try.
Ganesh Puja was prevalent in India since the ancient times. We owe it to Bal Gangadhar Tilak for reviving it. He used to unite the people and arouse them against the misdeeds of foreign rule. Its popularity has only grown in recent times. The Ganesh Chathrthi ceremony gets lacs of people wanting to involve dedicately in the celebration and have a look at the Elephant faced God being immersed into the Sea.
Lord Ganesha is worshipped in different forms in India and abroad. At Jabbalpore the Lord appears in a female form. At Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh he appears as playing a flute.
He is worshipped as Mahabini in Borneo, Totkar in Mongolia, Tchoprak in Tibet, Brahganesh in Cambodia, Kwanshidiyik in China, Vinayaksha in Japan. Vaishnavites call him Vishwak Sena. There is a rock cut temple in King-Hsein in China for him. With five faces he is worshipped in Nepal. In a Yogic pose of meditation he attracts the people of Java. He can truly be said to be India's most beloved and worshipped God.
Taking his example let's urge ourselves to be outward looking. Lets shed our inhibitions and complexes and participated in the world as Equals, second to none.
As Ekadanta, the Lord has limitless powers.
As Heramba, he removes obstacles.
As Lambodara, He protects all worlds.
As Surpa Karna, He shows compassion by giving the highest knowledge.
All these names for Lord Vinayaka, who is the Lord of all.The Lord has four hands. In one hand he has a rope while in another he has an axe. With the axe he cuts off the attachment of his devotees to the world of plurality and thus end all the sorrows that go with it.
The rope is used to pull the devotee close and closer to the Truth. In a third hand he holds a rice ball that represents the joys of Sadhana. With the other hand he blesses his devotees and protects them from obstacles that they may encounter on their Spiritual path of seeking the Supreme.
Now, some of us might argue that what a God is doing with an axe. How can he be party to violence ? Again the key is to look at the deeper meaning. The axe signifies the cutting of our attachments with the objects of the world, on a materialistic and emotional plane.
History of Public Celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi........................
In 1894, Sri Bala Gangadhara Lokmanya Tilak himself placed an idol of Lord Ganesha in Vinchurkar Wada, Maharashtra, India and began this practice.
Lokmanya Tilak's aims behind starting the public celebration of the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi Prior to starting this public celebration, the social scenario of the Hindus was not stable. The Hindus were not very keen on practicing their religion. They were disunited. The Indians were cowed down by the supremacy of the Westerners. The natural prowess of the Indians was suppressed by this state of affairs
Observing all of this, Lokmanya Tilak took the initiative of starting a public celebration of the festival keeping in mind the following aims..........................
To create awareness about religion through the programs organised during the public celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi among the Hindus.
To make Hindus aware of their latent prowess.
To nullify the feelings of animosity in society.
To make people aware about their duties and responsibilities.
To rejuvenate the good religious customs, heritage and observance.
To commence crusades essential in those times.
To activate the energies present naturally in the society and those generated traditionally.
Science behind rituals performed for Ganesha Chaturthi......................
Some practical questions regarding Ganesh Chaturti celebrations.
What is the significance of celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi?
In the 120 days from the full moon (pournima) in Ashadh till that in Kartik of the Hindu lunar calendar, yama frequencies, which have the ability to destroy and are tama predominant reach the earth in greater quantities. During this period they are of a greater intensity. However since during the same period, that is from the fourth day (chaturthi) in the bright fortnight of Bhadrapad till Anant chaturdashi, Ganesh frequencies too reach the earth in greater quantities it helps in reducing the intensity of the yama frequencies. Thus celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi derives the benefits from Ganesh frequencies and helps in reducing the effects of yama frequencies.
What should be the duration of the celebration according to scriptures?
According to the scriptures, it should be worshipped ritualistically and immersed immediately thereafter. Since divinity in the sculpt made from mud remains only for one day one can immediately immerse them on second day. It is because man enjoys celebrating festivals and was not satisfied with celebrating for only one day, man began festivities by keeping the idol for one and a half, five, seven or ten days. According to the custom, Ganesha idol should be immersed on the first, second, third, sixth, seventh or tenth day.
Can we change the duration of the celebration to one and a half day or do we need to ask someone before doing so?
Even if according to the family tradition of spiritual practice, the Ganapati idol was to be kept for five days, one can worship the idol for one and a half or seven days. One need not ask an authority in Spirituality before doing so.
What is the need for a new idol?
In spite of having an idol of Ganapati, which is routinely worshipped, a new idol is brought for Ganesh Chaturthi. During the period of Ganesh Chatuthi, the Ganesh frequencies reach the earth in larger quantities. If these frequencies are invoked in the usual idol of worship, then that idol will acquire a tremendous amount of energy. To worship such an idol meticulously observing all the norms of ritualistic worship throughout the year would be a difficult task as one would have to follow the restrictions of ritualistic worship (karmakanda).Hence, a new idol is installed to invoke the Ganesh frequencies and is then immersed. The proportion of sattva, raja and tama components in Ganapati frequencies is 5:5:5 while that in an average person is 1:3:5. This makes it difficult for an average person to receive Ganesh frequencies for a long time.
Which family member should celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi?
The vowed religious observance followed for Ganesh chaturthi is referred to as 'Siddhivinayak vrat'. Actually it is beneficial if all family members observe it. If all the brothers live in a joint family, that is have a common treasury and kitchen, then jointly a common idol can be worshipped. However, if due to some reason the treasury and kitchen are separate then each one should observe the vowed religious observance of Ganesh (Ganeshvrat) in one's own home.
Rituals and their significance........................................
Before commencing the ritualistic worship, rice (grain) is spread over the seat on which the idol is to be installed. Either a fistful or a mound of rice is used, depending on the local custom. On invocation of Ganapati and His ritualistic worship, energy is generated in the idol. This energy saturates the rice on which the idol is placed. If there are two strings of a musical instrument (a stringed musical instrument) of the same frequency, when sound is generated by one the same is generated by the other. Similarly, when frequencies of energy are generated in the rice below the idol, this energy is transmitted to the rice stored in the house. Thus one can eat rice saturated with energy as a sacrament of food (prasad) throughout the year.
When performing each of the following rituals a particular mantra is recited.
[Detailed information on ritualistic worship is given in 'Science of Spirituality: Chapter 7 - Path of Devotion (Bhaktiyoga)'. The actual ritualistic worship is based on 'Shri Ganesh Pujavidhan' compiled by Mr. S. K. Devdhar.]
1. Sipping water from the palm (achaman): This brings about internal purification.
2. The resolve (sankalpa): It may be difficult to obtain the benefit of a ritual without making a resolve.
3. Purification of the seat (asanshuddhi): This is brought about by touching one's seat and offering obeisance (namaskar).
4. Chanting the Purushsukta (Purushsukta nyas): Amidst chanting of the Purushsukta, the deity should be invoked in one's heart, head, small portion of hair on the head (shikha), face, eyes and between the eyebrows. This facilitates an increase in the sattvik (sattva predominant) temperament.
5. Worship of the pot (kalashpuja): All deities, seas, holy rivers, etc., should be invoked in the pot. Sandalwood paste (gandha), consecrated rice (akshata) and flowers should be offered to the pot. This sattvik water is then used in the ritualistic worship.
6. Worship of the conch (shankhapuja): The conch should be washed and filled with water. Then sandalwood paste and white flowers should be offered to it. One should not offer consecrated rice and tulsi leaves to it.
7. Worship of the bell (ghantapuja): One should create sound by ringing the bell to welcome the deities and drive off the demons (asurs). The bell should be placed to one's left and sandalwood paste, consecrated rice and flowers should be offered to it.
8. Worship of the lamp (dipapuja): Sandalwood paste and flowers are offered to the lamp.
9. Purification (pavitrikaran): The water from the conch should be poured onto one's right palm and then sprinkled over oneself and on the substances to be used in the ritualistic worship.
10. Worship of the entrance (dvarpuja): Flowers and consecrated rice should be scattered in all four directions. This itself is the worship of the guardian deities of the directions (dikpal).
11. Consecration of the idol (pranpratistha): One should place the right hand over the heart of the idol of the deity and chant a mantra. Consecration of an idol is done at Ganesh chaturthi or to activate any new idol. This is not included in the usual ritualistic worship, as due to the regular worship the God principle has already been attained by it.
12. Meditation (dhyan): One should chant.........................
"Vakratunda mahakaya suryakoti samaprabha Nirvighnam kurume deva sarva Karyeshu Sarvada ."
History of Ganesh Chathurthi.
Ganesh Chaturthi or "Vinayak Chaturthi" is one of the major traditional festivals celebrated by the Hindu community. It is observed in the Hindu calendar month of Bhadrapada, starting on the shukla chaturthi (fourth day of the waxing moon period). Typically the day falls sometime between August 20 and September 15. The festival lasts for 10 days, ending on Ananta Chaturdashi, and is traditionally celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha is the son of Shiva (The God of Destruction in the Hindu Holy Trinity of Creator-Preserver-Destroyer) and Parvati (Shiva’s consort). The cutest and most lovable Indian God, Ganesha or Ganpati has the head of an elephant on which rests an elegant tiara, four podgy hands joined to a sizeable belly with each hand holding its own symbolic object - a trishul or a trident in one, an ankush or goad (made from his very own broken tooth) in another, a lotus in the third and a rosary (which is sometimes replaced by modaks, his favourite sweet) in the fourth. Revered as the deity of auspiciousness and wisdom, Lord Ganesha is also famous for being a trickster and for his profound sense of humour.
It is believed that Lord Ganesh was born on a fourth day (chaturthi) of the bright fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Magh. Since then, an association between Ganesh and chaturthi has been established. Thus the festival dedicated to the worship of Lord Ganesha on this chaturthi day is named as Ganesh Chaturthi.
There is a curiously interesting tale about the birth of Ganesha. It is believed that once while Parvati was bathing, she created a human figure from some unguent and balm, gave him life and asked him to guard the door while she bathed. After a long period of meditation on Mountain Kailash (Lord Shiva’s abode), Shiva chose that very moment to drop by to see his better half, but was abruptly stopped by the man-god Parvati had posted at the door. Outraged by the cheek of this stranger, Shiva cut off his head only to discover moments later that he had killed Parvati’s son! For fear of enraging his wife, Shiva immediately dispatched his ganas (attendants) to get him the head of the first living creature they could find. Well, the first living creature happened to be an elephant. As instructed, the head was chopped off and brought back to Shiva, who placed it on Parvati’s son’s body, bringing him back to life. This elephant-headed god was welcomed
into the first family of the Hindu heavens and named Ganesha or Ganapati, which literally means the chief of the ganas, or the attendants of Shiva. Ganesha is the foremost god of the Hindu pantheon. This brave guardian of the door to Parvati’s bath is beheld today as the most auspicious God of new beginnings. He is worshipped during every festival and before people undertake a journey or embark upon a new venture. You will also see him carefully guarding entrances to temples and homes, peeping out of calendars and happily gracing marriages and other such occasions.
It is not known when and how Ganesh Chaturthi was first celebrated. But according to the historian Shri Rajwade, the earliest Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations can be traced back to the times of the reigns of dynasties as Satavahana, Rashtrakuta and Chalukya. Historical records reveal that Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations were initiated in Maharashtra by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaja, the great Maratha ruler, to promote culture and nationalism. And it had continued ever since. There are also references in history to similar celebrations during Peshwa times. It is believed that Lord Ganapati was the family deity of the Peshwas. After the end of Peshwa rule, Ganesh Chaturthi remained a family affair in Maharashtra from the period of 1818 to 1892.
1857 was a landmark year for India and more so in the context of Indian freedom. It was the year of Sepoy Mutiny, an armed rebellion against the ruling British Empire by the Indian soldiers. This was the first war that India waged to gain back her independence from her white rulers. Though unsuccessful, this battle marked the beginning of the Indian struggle for independence. Many orators, leaders and freedom fighters all over India teamed to put up a united resistance to the British domination. One of these eminent leaders was Sri Loka Manya Bala Gangadhar Tilak, an Indian nationalist, social reformer and freedom fighter. Greatly esteemed by the Indian people, especially of Maharashtra, Tilak was commonly referred to as "Lokmanya" or "he who is regarded by the people". It was Tilak, who brought back the tradition of Ganesh Chaturthi and reshaped the annual Ganesh festival from private family celebrations into a grand public event.
Lokamanya saw how Lord Ganesha was worshipped by the upper stratum as well as the rank and file of India. The visionary that he was, Tilak realised the cultural importance of this deity and popularised Ganesha Chaturthi as a National Festival "to bridge the gap between the Brahmins and the non-Brahmins and find an appropriate context in which to build a new grassroots unity between them" in his nationalistic strivings against the British in Maharashtra. He knew that India couldn't fight her rulers until she solved the differences within her own. Hence, to unite all social classes Tilak chose Ganesha as a rallying point for Indian protest against British rule because of his wide appeal as "the god for Everyman".
It was around 1893, during the nascent stages of Indian nationalism, that Tilak began to organise the Ganesh Utsav as a social and religious function. He was the first to put in large public images of Ganesha in pavilions and establish the tradition of their immersion on the tenth day. The festival facilitated community participation and involvement in the form of learned discourses, dance dramas, poetry recital, musical concerts, debates, etc. It served as a meeting place for common people of all castes and communities, at a time when all social and political gatherings were forbidden by the British Empire for fear of conspiracies to be hatched against them. An important festival during the Peshwa era, Ganesha Chaturthi acquired at this time a more organised form all over India largely due to Lokmanya's efforts.
Since then, Ganesh Chaturthi has been celebrated throughout Maharashtra as also in other states with great community enthusiasm and participation. With the independence of India in 1947, it was proclaimed to be a national festival.
Today, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in the states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and many other parts of India. The festival is so popular that the preparations begin months in advance. Days before the actual worship, homes are cleaned and marquees erected at street corners to house the idols of the Lord. Elaborate arrangements are made for lighting, decoration, mirrors and flowers. The artisans who make the idols of Ganesh vie with each other to make bigger and better sculptures. The sizes of the relatively larger ones range anywhere from 10 meters to 30 meters in height. These are installed in marquees and in homes prior to the Puja (worship). During the festival days, the Lord is worshipped with great devotion and prayer services are performed daily. The duration of the Lord's stay varies from place to place; once the worship is complete, the idols are carried on decorated floats to be immersed in the sea after one,
three, five, seven and ten days. Thousands of processions converge on the beaches to immerse the holy idols in the sea. This procession and immersion is accompanied with dancing and the sound of exciting drum-beats, devotional songs and exploding firecrackers. As the idol is immersed amidst loud chants of "Ganesh Maharaj Ki Jai!" (Hail Lord Ganesh), the festival comes to an end with pleas to the Lord to return the next year with chants of "Ganpati bappa morya, pudcha varshi laukar ya" (Hail Lord Ganesh, return again soon next year). Tourists from all over the world come to witness this wonderful event in the sun kissed beaches of Goa and Mumbai.
While celebrated all over India, Ganesh Chaturthi festivities are most elaborate in states like Maharashtra, Goa (It is the biggest festival for Konkani people all over the world), Gujarat, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, and other areas which were former states of the Maratha Empire. Outside India, it is celebrated in Nepal by the Newars.
In the 21st century, with the world turning fast into a global village, Ganesh Chaturthi is now celebrated all over the world, wherever there is a presence of a Hindu community.
"Aum Sri Mahaganapathaye Namha" Dt. 31 July, 2009
"Aum Sri Jai Maatha."
"Aum Sri Guru Deva."
This Year "Lorrd Ganesh Chathurthi Puja on 23 Aug 2009
Why Lord Ganesha is depicted in the form of Symbol AUM ?
Before the creation of the present Universe there was a great deluge, pralaya. It had destroyed the Universe as it existed then. According to Hinduism, creation has no beginning or end – the endless cycle continues. After a great deluge there is Shanti or peace. This peace is broken the sound AUM – the sound which emanates from the Supreme Soul.
The Ganapatya Cult, or the followers of Ganesha, believes that AUM or Pranava Mantra the symbol of Brahman is embodied in the form of Ganesha. It is believed that Ganesh is the first word or the first cause.
This is the reason why occasionally Ganesha is depicted in the form of symbol ‘AUM.’
Each deity in Hinduism has its own favourite flowers and leaves and they are used by Hindus during worship and while performing pukes on festivals. All festivals and rituals in Hindu religion begin with Ganesh Pooja. Red coloured flowers are the favourite of Lord Ganesha.Flowers and leaves used for Ganesh Puja.
Here is a list of flowers and leaves that are offered while praying to Lord Ganesha:
Red Flowers:
Any usual red colour flower used in Hindu rituals.
Durva Grass is an important offering to Ganesh. Especially in South India, you will find vendors selling garlands of Durva outside Ganesh Temples. It is known as arugam pul in Tamil, Dhub, Durva and Haritali in Hindi (North India). Bermuda or Bahama Grass is the English name.
Another important flower offered is the Milkweed flower. It is known as Arka in Hindi and Eruku or Erukkum Poo in South India. Jilledi is the name used in Eastern India.
How to perform Ganesh Chathurthi puja at home............................
Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi is one of the most colourful and widely celebrated festivals in India. Large number of people observe Ganesha Chaturthi poojas at home. Here is an explanation on how to perform Ganesha puja at home as mentioned in Hindu scriptures.
Ganesha puja on the Chaturthi day is usually performed at noon but nowadays people perform it when all the family members are present.
Requirements for Ganesh Puja:-
• A Clay image of Lord Ganesha.
• Red flowers
• Druva Grass blades
• Modak (jaggery filled sweet)
• Coconut
• Red chandan (Sandalwood paste)
• Incense and agarbathis
• First clean the house and take a bath.
• A Clay image of Lord Ganesha is installed in a raised platform.
• Pray to Lord Ganesh and you can recite mantras or bhajans dedicated
to Lord Ganesha.
• Next step is to invoke Ganesha into the image. This is known as pran-prathishta. The Pran Prathista mantra in Sanskrit to be invoked is found in the Rig Veda and is part of Ganesh Suktha.
"ganananh tva ganapatim havamahe kavim kavinam - upamashravastamam |
jyeshhtharajam brahmanan.h brahmanaspata A nah shrivnvannutibhih sida sadanam || (Rig Veda 2.23.1)"
"ni shhu sida ganapate ganeshhu tvamahurvipratamam kavinam |
na rite tvat.h kriyate kinchanare mahamarkam maghavan.h chitramarcha || (Rig Veda 10.112.9)"
We invoke You, O Ganapati of the ganas (Lord Shiva attendants), Who are Brahmana-spati of the brahmas (prayers), the wisest among the wise, Who abound in treasure beyond all measure, the most brilliant one. Do listen to our prayers, come with Your blessings and assurances of protection into our home, and be seated. (Rig Veda 2.23.1)
Sit down among the worshippers, O Ganapati, the best sage among the sages. Without You nothing can be done here or far. Accept with honor, O wealthy One, our great and variegated hymns of praise. (Rig Veda 10.112.9)
•Now Ganesha is installed in the idol and one can perform arati and light the lamps and perform the shhodashopachara, which are 16 forms of paying tribute to Ganesha. (This ritual is usually performed by the priests.)
• Offer 21 blades of Druva Grass.
• Offer 21 modakas
• Offer red flowers
• Apply a tilak using red Sandalwood paste.
• Break the coconut or just keep it along with the idol. You can also
keep fried grains. (The food of the rat – the vehicle of Ganesha).
• You can also recite the 108 salutations dedicated to Lord Ganesha or
read the Ganesha Upanishad or just simply pray.
The number 21 signifies - the five organs of perception, five organs of action, five vital airs (pranas), five elements, and the mind.
While performing Ganesha Puja at home, you can always be flexible. The strict rituals are meant for Vedic priests. All you need be careful is to perform the pujas clean body and clean mind.
Pomegranate leaves and flowers are also offered in many places.
Another important flower and leaf offered is the Sanku Pushpam or Conch flower.
Leaves and flowers of Screw Pine are also offered. It is known as Ketaki or Kedgi in Hindi and Kaita in South India.
There are also other local flowers and leaves that are used like the Naga leaves.
Tulsi leaves and flowers are not generally used in Ganesh Puja. But it is used during Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Puja.
Its also extremely good to chant the Ganapathi Seersha Upanishad verses during Ganesh Chathurthi puja and reproduced below for the benefit of the beloved readers......................
[Ganapathi Atharva Seersha is a part of Atharvana Veda. It is classified as an Upanishad and not as a chant. But this is considered universally as the greatest and most effective prayer addressed to Lord Sri. Ganesha.
This is also called Gana Upanishad or Ganapthi Seersha Upanishad,]
OM Namasthe Ganapathaye Thwameva prathyaksham thathwamasi
Thwameva kevalam karthasi.
Thwameva kevalam Dharthasi
Thwameva Kevalam Harthasi
Thwameva sarvam khalvidam brahmasi,
Thwam sakshath athmasi nithyam
Hritham Vachmi. Sathyam Vachmi
Sathyam Vachmi. . Ava vaktharam.
Ava srotharam. Ava datharam.
Ava dhatharam, Ava noochana mava sishyam.
Ava paschathath Ava purasthath
Ava utharotharath . Ava dakshinathath.
Ava chordhwathath. Ava adharathath.
SArvatho maam pahi, pahi samanthath.
Sarva Jagad idham thwatho jaayathe.
Sarva Jagad idham thwatha sthishtathi.
Sarva Jagad idham thwayee laya meshyathi.
Sarva jagad idham thwayee prathyethi,
Thwam bhoomir aapo analo anilo nabha.
Thwam chathwari vak padhani
Thwam gunathrayatheetha,
Thwam avastha thrayatheetha,
Thwam deha thrayatheetha,
Thwam kala thrayatheetha,
Thwam moola dhara sthitho aasi nithyam,
Thwam shakthi thrayathmaka,
Thwam yogino dhyayathi nithyam,
Thwam brahma thwam vishnu
thwam, Rudhra thwam, indra
thwam, agnis- thwam, Vayu
thwam soorya thwam chandrama
thwam, Brahma bhoorbhuva swarom
Aum Aum Aum
"Aum Sri Nimishambaye Namaha."
"Aum Sri Nimishanandaye Namaha."
I earnestly believe that this will be of use to my beloved readers on the occasion of Sri Ganesh Chathurthi also known as Sri Vinayaka Chathurthi..............And.........................
" Think of me at my best, if I have done, for ever."
Yours in Divine Friendship.
J.K
"Ganesh Chathurthi.....................Its significance and
History.............................
Dear Purnumaji,
Thank you for inviting me to share your views on "Vinayaka Chathurthi-2009"
to be celebrated on 23 Aug 2009.
In fact I have send an article titled "Lord Ganesha" on 07 July,2009,keeping in mind the festival that falls on 23 August, 2009, some it was omitted and remains un-posted in our yahoo group. There is also an article on "Achamaniya" send on 4th Aug 2009, for posting in our yahoo group subject to approval by the beloved Moderator. The former one contains fairly some good input if not in greater details. For in depth info as sought by you, I need time to study the rel event scriptures and may be it will take some time.
In the mean time I feel its worthwhile reading this article complied and edited by me from various sources and at the end you will find the posting titled "Lord Ganesha" and hope the same will appear in our yahoo group before Vinayaka Chathurthi 2009.
Thank you once again for keeping in memory and with regards.
Yours in Divine Friendship.
J.K
Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Chathurthi...............
Vigneshwara, one of the popular deities worshipped by members of most Indian religions. It is India's more so Maharashtra's most important festival. Ganapathy is also the God of Knowledge and is invoked at the commencement of any function. He is the god that protects his devotees from any obstacles ( vighnam ). Hence the name Vighneswara. He is also described as the Supreme Leader ( Vinayaka). Ganapathy is said to have had two spouses. Buddhi(intellect) and Siddhi(achievement). Thus he is the master of knowledge and achievement.
Probably, a combination of Sidhhi and Vinayak have given the name of Siddhivinayaka. His parents were Siva and Parvati.Legend has it that Ganapathy himself wrote the Mahabharata, to the dictation of Guru Veda Vyasa. He is also considered the most intelligent. A challenge was thrown to brothers Ganapathy and Karthikeya by Sage Narada. The challenge was whoever went around the globe first would have the fruit first. Karthikeya went around the world which took quite some time while Ganapathy went round his parents thrice and claimed the fruit. The logic he gave was that since his parents represented the universe he had gone round them.
Now do not look at this story as a rational logical person but try and understand the thought behind it. It is to do with the use of the Intellect. Ganapathy used it to know what the Sage meant while his brother took the Sage's order at face value. Similarly in our lives we must learn to use our Intellect ( the ability to discriminate between right and wrong ) and look at the deeper meanings of things. Using our intellect will force us to make decisions, right or wrong, time will tell. If wrong, so what, we will learn by our mistakes. The key is to try.
Ganesh Puja was prevalent in India since the ancient times. We owe it to Bal Gangadhar Tilak for reviving it. He used to unite the people and arouse them against the misdeeds of foreign rule. Its popularity has only grown in recent times. The Ganesh Chathrthi ceremony gets lacs of people wanting to involve dedicately in the celebration and have a look at the Elephant faced God being immersed into the Sea.
Lord Ganesha is worshipped in different forms in India and abroad. At Jabbalpore the Lord appears in a female form. At Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh he appears as playing a flute.
He is worshipped as Mahabini in Borneo, Totkar in Mongolia, Tchoprak in Tibet, Brahganesh in Cambodia, Kwanshidiyik in China, Vinayaksha in Japan. Vaishnavites call him Vishwak Sena. There is a rock cut temple in King-Hsein in China for him. With five faces he is worshipped in Nepal. In a Yogic pose of meditation he attracts the people of Java. He can truly be said to be India's most beloved and worshipped God.
Taking his example let's urge ourselves to be outward looking. Lets shed our inhibitions and complexes and participated in the world as Equals, second to none.
As Ekadanta, the Lord has limitless powers.
As Heramba, he removes obstacles.
As Lambodara, He protects all worlds.
As Surpa Karna, He shows compassion by giving the highest knowledge.
All these names for Lord Vinayaka, who is the Lord of all.The Lord has four hands. In one hand he has a rope while in another he has an axe. With the axe he cuts off the attachment of his devotees to the world of plurality and thus end all the sorrows that go with it.
The rope is used to pull the devotee close and closer to the Truth. In a third hand he holds a rice ball that represents the joys of Sadhana. With the other hand he blesses his devotees and protects them from obstacles that they may encounter on their Spiritual path of seeking the Supreme.
Now, some of us might argue that what a God is doing with an axe. How can he be party to violence ? Again the key is to look at the deeper meaning. The axe signifies the cutting of our attachments with the objects of the world, on a materialistic and emotional plane.
History of Public Celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi........................
In 1894, Sri Bala Gangadhara Lokmanya Tilak himself placed an idol of Lord Ganesha in Vinchurkar Wada, Maharashtra, India and began this practice.
Lokmanya Tilak's aims behind starting the public celebration of the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi Prior to starting this public celebration, the social scenario of the Hindus was not stable. The Hindus were not very keen on practicing their religion. They were disunited. The Indians were cowed down by the supremacy of the Westerners. The natural prowess of the Indians was suppressed by this state of affairs
Observing all of this, Lokmanya Tilak took the initiative of starting a public celebration of the festival keeping in mind the following aims..........................
To create awareness about religion through the programs organised during the public celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi among the Hindus.
To make Hindus aware of their latent prowess.
To nullify the feelings of animosity in society.
To make people aware about their duties and responsibilities.
To rejuvenate the good religious customs, heritage and observance.
To commence crusades essential in those times.
To activate the energies present naturally in the society and those generated traditionally.
Science behind rituals performed for Ganesha Chaturthi......................
Some practical questions regarding Ganesh Chaturti celebrations.
What is the significance of celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi?
In the 120 days from the full moon (pournima) in Ashadh till that in Kartik of the Hindu lunar calendar, yama frequencies, which have the ability to destroy and are tama predominant reach the earth in greater quantities. During this period they are of a greater intensity. However since during the same period, that is from the fourth day (chaturthi) in the bright fortnight of Bhadrapad till Anant chaturdashi, Ganesh frequencies too reach the earth in greater quantities it helps in reducing the intensity of the yama frequencies. Thus celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi derives the benefits from Ganesh frequencies and helps in reducing the effects of yama frequencies.
What should be the duration of the celebration according to scriptures?
According to the scriptures, it should be worshipped ritualistically and immersed immediately thereafter. Since divinity in the sculpt made from mud remains only for one day one can immediately immerse them on second day. It is because man enjoys celebrating festivals and was not satisfied with celebrating for only one day, man began festivities by keeping the idol for one and a half, five, seven or ten days. According to the custom, Ganesha idol should be immersed on the first, second, third, sixth, seventh or tenth day.
Can we change the duration of the celebration to one and a half day or do we need to ask someone before doing so?
Even if according to the family tradition of spiritual practice, the Ganapati idol was to be kept for five days, one can worship the idol for one and a half or seven days. One need not ask an authority in Spirituality before doing so.
What is the need for a new idol?
In spite of having an idol of Ganapati, which is routinely worshipped, a new idol is brought for Ganesh Chaturthi. During the period of Ganesh Chatuthi, the Ganesh frequencies reach the earth in larger quantities. If these frequencies are invoked in the usual idol of worship, then that idol will acquire a tremendous amount of energy. To worship such an idol meticulously observing all the norms of ritualistic worship throughout the year would be a difficult task as one would have to follow the restrictions of ritualistic worship (karmakanda).Hence, a new idol is installed to invoke the Ganesh frequencies and is then immersed. The proportion of sattva, raja and tama components in Ganapati frequencies is 5:5:5 while that in an average person is 1:3:5. This makes it difficult for an average person to receive Ganesh frequencies for a long time.
Which family member should celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi?
The vowed religious observance followed for Ganesh chaturthi is referred to as 'Siddhivinayak vrat'. Actually it is beneficial if all family members observe it. If all the brothers live in a joint family, that is have a common treasury and kitchen, then jointly a common idol can be worshipped. However, if due to some reason the treasury and kitchen are separate then each one should observe the vowed religious observance of Ganesh (Ganeshvrat) in one's own home.
Rituals and their significance........................................
Before commencing the ritualistic worship, rice (grain) is spread over the seat on which the idol is to be installed. Either a fistful or a mound of rice is used, depending on the local custom. On invocation of Ganapati and His ritualistic worship, energy is generated in the idol. This energy saturates the rice on which the idol is placed. If there are two strings of a musical instrument (a stringed musical instrument) of the same frequency, when sound is generated by one the same is generated by the other. Similarly, when frequencies of energy are generated in the rice below the idol, this energy is transmitted to the rice stored in the house. Thus one can eat rice saturated with energy as a sacrament of food (prasad) throughout the year.
When performing each of the following rituals a particular mantra is recited.
[Detailed information on ritualistic worship is given in 'Science of Spirituality: Chapter 7 - Path of Devotion (Bhaktiyoga)'. The actual ritualistic worship is based on 'Shri Ganesh Pujavidhan' compiled by Mr. S. K. Devdhar.]
1. Sipping water from the palm (achaman): This brings about internal purification.
2. The resolve (sankalpa): It may be difficult to obtain the benefit of a ritual without making a resolve.
3. Purification of the seat (asanshuddhi): This is brought about by touching one's seat and offering obeisance (namaskar).
4. Chanting the Purushsukta (Purushsukta nyas): Amidst chanting of the Purushsukta, the deity should be invoked in one's heart, head, small portion of hair on the head (shikha), face, eyes and between the eyebrows. This facilitates an increase in the sattvik (sattva predominant) temperament.
5. Worship of the pot (kalashpuja): All deities, seas, holy rivers, etc., should be invoked in the pot. Sandalwood paste (gandha), consecrated rice (akshata) and flowers should be offered to the pot. This sattvik water is then used in the ritualistic worship.
6. Worship of the conch (shankhapuja): The conch should be washed and filled with water. Then sandalwood paste and white flowers should be offered to it. One should not offer consecrated rice and tulsi leaves to it.
7. Worship of the bell (ghantapuja): One should create sound by ringing the bell to welcome the deities and drive off the demons (asurs). The bell should be placed to one's left and sandalwood paste, consecrated rice and flowers should be offered to it.
8. Worship of the lamp (dipapuja): Sandalwood paste and flowers are offered to the lamp.
9. Purification (pavitrikaran): The water from the conch should be poured onto one's right palm and then sprinkled over oneself and on the substances to be used in the ritualistic worship.
10. Worship of the entrance (dvarpuja): Flowers and consecrated rice should be scattered in all four directions. This itself is the worship of the guardian deities of the directions (dikpal).
11. Consecration of the idol (pranpratistha): One should place the right hand over the heart of the idol of the deity and chant a mantra. Consecration of an idol is done at Ganesh chaturthi or to activate any new idol. This is not included in the usual ritualistic worship, as due to the regular worship the God principle has already been attained by it.
12. Meditation (dhyan): One should chant.........................
"Vakratunda mahakaya suryakoti samaprabha Nirvighnam kurume deva sarva Karyeshu Sarvada ."
History of Ganesh Chathurthi.
Ganesh Chaturthi or "Vinayak Chaturthi" is one of the major traditional festivals celebrated by the Hindu community. It is observed in the Hindu calendar month of Bhadrapada, starting on the shukla chaturthi (fourth day of the waxing moon period). Typically the day falls sometime between August 20 and September 15. The festival lasts for 10 days, ending on Ananta Chaturdashi, and is traditionally celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha is the son of Shiva (The God of Destruction in the Hindu Holy Trinity of Creator-Preserver-Destroyer) and Parvati (Shiva’s consort). The cutest and most lovable Indian God, Ganesha or Ganpati has the head of an elephant on which rests an elegant tiara, four podgy hands joined to a sizeable belly with each hand holding its own symbolic object - a trishul or a trident in one, an ankush or goad (made from his very own broken tooth) in another, a lotus in the third and a rosary (which is sometimes replaced by modaks, his favourite sweet) in the fourth. Revered as the deity of auspiciousness and wisdom, Lord Ganesha is also famous for being a trickster and for his profound sense of humour.
It is believed that Lord Ganesh was born on a fourth day (chaturthi) of the bright fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Magh. Since then, an association between Ganesh and chaturthi has been established. Thus the festival dedicated to the worship of Lord Ganesha on this chaturthi day is named as Ganesh Chaturthi.
There is a curiously interesting tale about the birth of Ganesha. It is believed that once while Parvati was bathing, she created a human figure from some unguent and balm, gave him life and asked him to guard the door while she bathed. After a long period of meditation on Mountain Kailash (Lord Shiva’s abode), Shiva chose that very moment to drop by to see his better half, but was abruptly stopped by the man-god Parvati had posted at the door. Outraged by the cheek of this stranger, Shiva cut off his head only to discover moments later that he had killed Parvati’s son! For fear of enraging his wife, Shiva immediately dispatched his ganas (attendants) to get him the head of the first living creature they could find. Well, the first living creature happened to be an elephant. As instructed, the head was chopped off and brought back to Shiva, who placed it on Parvati’s son’s body, bringing him back to life. This elephant-headed god was welcomed
into the first family of the Hindu heavens and named Ganesha or Ganapati, which literally means the chief of the ganas, or the attendants of Shiva. Ganesha is the foremost god of the Hindu pantheon. This brave guardian of the door to Parvati’s bath is beheld today as the most auspicious God of new beginnings. He is worshipped during every festival and before people undertake a journey or embark upon a new venture. You will also see him carefully guarding entrances to temples and homes, peeping out of calendars and happily gracing marriages and other such occasions.
It is not known when and how Ganesh Chaturthi was first celebrated. But according to the historian Shri Rajwade, the earliest Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations can be traced back to the times of the reigns of dynasties as Satavahana, Rashtrakuta and Chalukya. Historical records reveal that Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations were initiated in Maharashtra by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaja, the great Maratha ruler, to promote culture and nationalism. And it had continued ever since. There are also references in history to similar celebrations during Peshwa times. It is believed that Lord Ganapati was the family deity of the Peshwas. After the end of Peshwa rule, Ganesh Chaturthi remained a family affair in Maharashtra from the period of 1818 to 1892.
1857 was a landmark year for India and more so in the context of Indian freedom. It was the year of Sepoy Mutiny, an armed rebellion against the ruling British Empire by the Indian soldiers. This was the first war that India waged to gain back her independence from her white rulers. Though unsuccessful, this battle marked the beginning of the Indian struggle for independence. Many orators, leaders and freedom fighters all over India teamed to put up a united resistance to the British domination. One of these eminent leaders was Sri Loka Manya Bala Gangadhar Tilak, an Indian nationalist, social reformer and freedom fighter. Greatly esteemed by the Indian people, especially of Maharashtra, Tilak was commonly referred to as "Lokmanya" or "he who is regarded by the people". It was Tilak, who brought back the tradition of Ganesh Chaturthi and reshaped the annual Ganesh festival from private family celebrations into a grand public event.
Lokamanya saw how Lord Ganesha was worshipped by the upper stratum as well as the rank and file of India. The visionary that he was, Tilak realised the cultural importance of this deity and popularised Ganesha Chaturthi as a National Festival "to bridge the gap between the Brahmins and the non-Brahmins and find an appropriate context in which to build a new grassroots unity between them" in his nationalistic strivings against the British in Maharashtra. He knew that India couldn't fight her rulers until she solved the differences within her own. Hence, to unite all social classes Tilak chose Ganesha as a rallying point for Indian protest against British rule because of his wide appeal as "the god for Everyman".
It was around 1893, during the nascent stages of Indian nationalism, that Tilak began to organise the Ganesh Utsav as a social and religious function. He was the first to put in large public images of Ganesha in pavilions and establish the tradition of their immersion on the tenth day. The festival facilitated community participation and involvement in the form of learned discourses, dance dramas, poetry recital, musical concerts, debates, etc. It served as a meeting place for common people of all castes and communities, at a time when all social and political gatherings were forbidden by the British Empire for fear of conspiracies to be hatched against them. An important festival during the Peshwa era, Ganesha Chaturthi acquired at this time a more organised form all over India largely due to Lokmanya's efforts.
Since then, Ganesh Chaturthi has been celebrated throughout Maharashtra as also in other states with great community enthusiasm and participation. With the independence of India in 1947, it was proclaimed to be a national festival.
Today, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in the states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and many other parts of India. The festival is so popular that the preparations begin months in advance. Days before the actual worship, homes are cleaned and marquees erected at street corners to house the idols of the Lord. Elaborate arrangements are made for lighting, decoration, mirrors and flowers. The artisans who make the idols of Ganesh vie with each other to make bigger and better sculptures. The sizes of the relatively larger ones range anywhere from 10 meters to 30 meters in height. These are installed in marquees and in homes prior to the Puja (worship). During the festival days, the Lord is worshipped with great devotion and prayer services are performed daily. The duration of the Lord's stay varies from place to place; once the worship is complete, the idols are carried on decorated floats to be immersed in the sea after one,
three, five, seven and ten days. Thousands of processions converge on the beaches to immerse the holy idols in the sea. This procession and immersion is accompanied with dancing and the sound of exciting drum-beats, devotional songs and exploding firecrackers. As the idol is immersed amidst loud chants of "Ganesh Maharaj Ki Jai!" (Hail Lord Ganesh), the festival comes to an end with pleas to the Lord to return the next year with chants of "Ganpati bappa morya, pudcha varshi laukar ya" (Hail Lord Ganesh, return again soon next year). Tourists from all over the world come to witness this wonderful event in the sun kissed beaches of Goa and Mumbai.
While celebrated all over India, Ganesh Chaturthi festivities are most elaborate in states like Maharashtra, Goa (It is the biggest festival for Konkani people all over the world), Gujarat, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, and other areas which were former states of the Maratha Empire. Outside India, it is celebrated in Nepal by the Newars.
In the 21st century, with the world turning fast into a global village, Ganesh Chaturthi is now celebrated all over the world, wherever there is a presence of a Hindu community.
"Aum Sri Mahaganapathaye Namha" Dt. 31 July, 2009
"Aum Sri Jai Maatha."
"Aum Sri Guru Deva."
This Year "Lorrd Ganesh Chathurthi Puja on 23 Aug 2009
Why Lord Ganesha is depicted in the form of Symbol AUM ?
Before the creation of the present Universe there was a great deluge, pralaya. It had destroyed the Universe as it existed then. According to Hinduism, creation has no beginning or end – the endless cycle continues. After a great deluge there is Shanti or peace. This peace is broken the sound AUM – the sound which emanates from the Supreme Soul.
The Ganapatya Cult, or the followers of Ganesha, believes that AUM or Pranava Mantra the symbol of Brahman is embodied in the form of Ganesha. It is believed that Ganesh is the first word or the first cause.
This is the reason why occasionally Ganesha is depicted in the form of symbol ‘AUM.’
Each deity in Hinduism has its own favourite flowers and leaves and they are used by Hindus during worship and while performing pukes on festivals. All festivals and rituals in Hindu religion begin with Ganesh Pooja. Red coloured flowers are the favourite of Lord Ganesha.Flowers and leaves used for Ganesh Puja.
Here is a list of flowers and leaves that are offered while praying to Lord Ganesha:
Red Flowers:
Any usual red colour flower used in Hindu rituals.
Durva Grass is an important offering to Ganesh. Especially in South India, you will find vendors selling garlands of Durva outside Ganesh Temples. It is known as arugam pul in Tamil, Dhub, Durva and Haritali in Hindi (North India). Bermuda or Bahama Grass is the English name.
Another important flower offered is the Milkweed flower. It is known as Arka in Hindi and Eruku or Erukkum Poo in South India. Jilledi is the name used in Eastern India.
How to perform Ganesh Chathurthi puja at home............................
Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi is one of the most colourful and widely celebrated festivals in India. Large number of people observe Ganesha Chaturthi poojas at home. Here is an explanation on how to perform Ganesha puja at home as mentioned in Hindu scriptures.
Ganesha puja on the Chaturthi day is usually performed at noon but nowadays people perform it when all the family members are present.
Requirements for Ganesh Puja:-
• A Clay image of Lord Ganesha.
• Red flowers
• Druva Grass blades
• Modak (jaggery filled sweet)
• Coconut
• Red chandan (Sandalwood paste)
• Incense and agarbathis
• First clean the house and take a bath.
• A Clay image of Lord Ganesha is installed in a raised platform.
• Pray to Lord Ganesh and you can recite mantras or bhajans dedicated
to Lord Ganesha.
• Next step is to invoke Ganesha into the image. This is known as pran-prathishta. The Pran Prathista mantra in Sanskrit to be invoked is found in the Rig Veda and is part of Ganesh Suktha.
"ganananh tva ganapatim havamahe kavim kavinam - upamashravastamam |
jyeshhtharajam brahmanan.h brahmanaspata A nah shrivnvannutibhih sida sadanam || (Rig Veda 2.23.1)"
"ni shhu sida ganapate ganeshhu tvamahurvipratamam kavinam |
na rite tvat.h kriyate kinchanare mahamarkam maghavan.h chitramarcha || (Rig Veda 10.112.9)"
We invoke You, O Ganapati of the ganas (Lord Shiva attendants), Who are Brahmana-spati of the brahmas (prayers), the wisest among the wise, Who abound in treasure beyond all measure, the most brilliant one. Do listen to our prayers, come with Your blessings and assurances of protection into our home, and be seated. (Rig Veda 2.23.1)
Sit down among the worshippers, O Ganapati, the best sage among the sages. Without You nothing can be done here or far. Accept with honor, O wealthy One, our great and variegated hymns of praise. (Rig Veda 10.112.9)
•Now Ganesha is installed in the idol and one can perform arati and light the lamps and perform the shhodashopachara, which are 16 forms of paying tribute to Ganesha. (This ritual is usually performed by the priests.)
• Offer 21 blades of Druva Grass.
• Offer 21 modakas
• Offer red flowers
• Apply a tilak using red Sandalwood paste.
• Break the coconut or just keep it along with the idol. You can also
keep fried grains. (The food of the rat – the vehicle of Ganesha).
• You can also recite the 108 salutations dedicated to Lord Ganesha or
read the Ganesha Upanishad or just simply pray.
The number 21 signifies - the five organs of perception, five organs of action, five vital airs (pranas), five elements, and the mind.
While performing Ganesha Puja at home, you can always be flexible. The strict rituals are meant for Vedic priests. All you need be careful is to perform the pujas clean body and clean mind.
Pomegranate leaves and flowers are also offered in many places.
Another important flower and leaf offered is the Sanku Pushpam or Conch flower.
Leaves and flowers of Screw Pine are also offered. It is known as Ketaki or Kedgi in Hindi and Kaita in South India.
There are also other local flowers and leaves that are used like the Naga leaves.
Tulsi leaves and flowers are not generally used in Ganesh Puja. But it is used during Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Puja.
Its also extremely good to chant the Ganapathi Seersha Upanishad verses during Ganesh Chathurthi puja and reproduced below for the benefit of the beloved readers......................
[Ganapathi Atharva Seersha is a part of Atharvana Veda. It is classified as an Upanishad and not as a chant. But this is considered universally as the greatest and most effective prayer addressed to Lord Sri. Ganesha.
This is also called Gana Upanishad or Ganapthi Seersha Upanishad,]
OM Namasthe Ganapathaye Thwameva prathyaksham thathwamasi
Thwameva kevalam karthasi.
Thwameva kevalam Dharthasi
Thwameva Kevalam Harthasi
Thwameva sarvam khalvidam brahmasi,
Thwam sakshath athmasi nithyam
Hritham Vachmi. Sathyam Vachmi
Sathyam Vachmi. . Ava vaktharam.
Ava srotharam. Ava datharam.
Ava dhatharam, Ava noochana mava sishyam.
Ava paschathath Ava purasthath
Ava utharotharath . Ava dakshinathath.
Ava chordhwathath. Ava adharathath.
SArvatho maam pahi, pahi samanthath.
Sarva Jagad idham thwatho jaayathe.
Sarva Jagad idham thwatha sthishtathi.
Sarva Jagad idham thwayee laya meshyathi.
Sarva jagad idham thwayee prathyethi,
Thwam bhoomir aapo analo anilo nabha.
Thwam chathwari vak padhani
Thwam gunathrayatheetha,
Thwam avastha thrayatheetha,
Thwam deha thrayatheetha,
Thwam kala thrayatheetha,
Thwam moola dhara sthitho aasi nithyam,
Thwam shakthi thrayathmaka,
Thwam yogino dhyayathi nithyam,
Thwam brahma thwam vishnu
thwam, Rudhra thwam, indra
thwam, agnis- thwam, Vayu
thwam soorya thwam chandrama
thwam, Brahma bhoorbhuva swarom
Aum Aum Aum
"Aum Sri Nimishambaye Namaha."
"Aum Sri Nimishanandaye Namaha."
I earnestly believe that this will be of use to my beloved readers on the occasion of Sri Ganesh Chathurthi also known as Sri Vinayaka Chathurthi..............And.........................
" Think of me at my best, if I have done, for ever."
Yours in Divine Friendship.
J.K
Beyond Past & Future......................................
Beyond Past And Future...................................
Whenever man comes to the point in his evolution where he has sufficient mastery in the mind to produce "things," he suffers for the lack of peace, for in his activity on the mental spheres in conceiving, planning, gathering the forces together and finally viewing the outcome as a physical manifestation, he has exercised an intricate control over the nerve fibers of his mind. Thus caught in this pattern, he must go on producing to insure his mental security, for should he stop for a moment, the whiplash upon his senses as the generative functions ceased to be active would cause paranoiac depressions, at times almost beyond repair.
The man looking into the "where and when" of the future, blending his energies with those who are also striving to evolve into a more ramified state of mind, can suffer well if he keeps going, producing, acquiring and believing that materiality is reality. Evolution of the species takes its toll, for as man's mind evolves, he is no longer content projecting into the "where and when" of the material consciousness, and as he seeks some reward of peace for his efforts, he begins to look into the past for solutions, the "there and then" of it all. Thus, finding himself born into a cross-section of awareness between past and future, having experienced both of these tendencies of the mind, causes him to reflect. Philosophy holds few answers for him. Its congested mass of "shoulds" and "don'ts" he knows has proved more to the philosopher who cleared his mind on paper than to the reader who has yet to complement with inner knowing its indicated depths.
Occultism is intriguing to him, for it shows that there are possibilities of expression beyond the senses he has become well accustomed to using. But again, evolution rounding his vision causes him to discard the occult symbolism, laws and practices as another look into the past or future of the mind's depths.
The idea of yoga, union through perceptive control of the flow of thought, and of the generative processes of a perceptive idea before thought is formed, is most satisfying. The cognition of the actinic process of life currents intrigues him, and he looks further into the practice of yoga techniques and finds that peace is gained through a conscious government first of the life currents through the body and second of the realm of ideas as they flow into thought. And while remaining the observer of it all in the eternity of the here and now, the seeker fully realises that time, space and causation are only indicated through holding an off-balanced consciousness of past and future...........................................
"Do things rightfully, gracefully, confidently & articulately- this will gratify many and astonish the rest."
Whenever man comes to the point in his evolution where he has sufficient mastery in the mind to produce "things," he suffers for the lack of peace, for in his activity on the mental spheres in conceiving, planning, gathering the forces together and finally viewing the outcome as a physical manifestation, he has exercised an intricate control over the nerve fibers of his mind. Thus caught in this pattern, he must go on producing to insure his mental security, for should he stop for a moment, the whiplash upon his senses as the generative functions ceased to be active would cause paranoiac depressions, at times almost beyond repair.
The man looking into the "where and when" of the future, blending his energies with those who are also striving to evolve into a more ramified state of mind, can suffer well if he keeps going, producing, acquiring and believing that materiality is reality. Evolution of the species takes its toll, for as man's mind evolves, he is no longer content projecting into the "where and when" of the material consciousness, and as he seeks some reward of peace for his efforts, he begins to look into the past for solutions, the "there and then" of it all. Thus, finding himself born into a cross-section of awareness between past and future, having experienced both of these tendencies of the mind, causes him to reflect. Philosophy holds few answers for him. Its congested mass of "shoulds" and "don'ts" he knows has proved more to the philosopher who cleared his mind on paper than to the reader who has yet to complement with inner knowing its indicated depths.
Occultism is intriguing to him, for it shows that there are possibilities of expression beyond the senses he has become well accustomed to using. But again, evolution rounding his vision causes him to discard the occult symbolism, laws and practices as another look into the past or future of the mind's depths.
The idea of yoga, union through perceptive control of the flow of thought, and of the generative processes of a perceptive idea before thought is formed, is most satisfying. The cognition of the actinic process of life currents intrigues him, and he looks further into the practice of yoga techniques and finds that peace is gained through a conscious government first of the life currents through the body and second of the realm of ideas as they flow into thought. And while remaining the observer of it all in the eternity of the here and now, the seeker fully realises that time, space and causation are only indicated through holding an off-balanced consciousness of past and future...........................................
"Do things rightfully, gracefully, confidently & articulately- this will gratify many and astonish the rest."
Basics of Life........................Sankya Yoga.
Basics of Life......Sankhya yoga.
Kapila explains the Sankhya Yoga to his mother Devhuthi. He speaks of 25 Tattavas. Kapila, an incarnation of Lord Narayana, says He created all the Tattvas and lists them. There is the Prakriti, the Universe. There are the Pancha Bhutas — Prithvi or earth, Apas or water, Tejas or fire, Vayu or air and Akasha or ether, all of which can be understood through our sense organs.
There are five Tanmatras :— .........................
Gandha (smell).
Sparsa (touch).
Rupa (colour, form, light).
Rasa (taste).
and
Sabdha (sound).
The sense organs are five:-...........................
Sense of........
Smell,
Taste,
Sight,
Touch
and
Sound.
They enable us to be receptive to the Pancha Bhutas and the Tanmatras. There are five organs that help us carry out various tasks:-..............
The hands that enable us to work,
Legs that help in locomotion,
The vocal organs that help us to talk,
The excretory organs that remove impurities from our body
and
The genital organs.
The next three to be considered are...... Manas, Ahankara and Mahat. Manas means mind, Ahankara is our ego and Mahat the intellect. Kapila says that having created these 24 Tattvas, he washed his hands and created the Atma. This Atma constitutes the 25th Tattva. The qualities of Satva, Rajas and Tamas are present in every one of us. The one with Rajasic qualities is prone to anger and haste. The one with Tamasic qualities is slow-witted and lazy. The one with Satvic qualities is free from anger, envy, haste, irreverence, and he has his mind under control.
The mind can be controlled through Ashtanga Yoga. The eight components of this yoga are:-
Yama (self-control) ,
Niyama (proper conduct),
Asana (proper posture),
Pranayama (breath control),
Pratyahara (not focusing on material objects),
Dharana (focusing on the Lord),
Dhyana (meditating on the Lord's beautiful form)
and
Samadhi (realising God).
If one practises this yoga, he begins to see God in everything. And once one sees God everywhere and in everything, one's mind has no other thoughts, but those of the Parabrahma — and that is the path to liberation.
..................................................And..................
"There is nothing you cannot be,There is nothing you cannot do,
And there is nothing you cannot achieve, All you have to have is “BELIEF IN YOU.”
J.K
Kapila explains the Sankhya Yoga to his mother Devhuthi. He speaks of 25 Tattavas. Kapila, an incarnation of Lord Narayana, says He created all the Tattvas and lists them. There is the Prakriti, the Universe. There are the Pancha Bhutas — Prithvi or earth, Apas or water, Tejas or fire, Vayu or air and Akasha or ether, all of which can be understood through our sense organs.
There are five Tanmatras :— .........................
Gandha (smell).
Sparsa (touch).
Rupa (colour, form, light).
Rasa (taste).
and
Sabdha (sound).
The sense organs are five:-...........................
Sense of........
Smell,
Taste,
Sight,
Touch
and
Sound.
They enable us to be receptive to the Pancha Bhutas and the Tanmatras. There are five organs that help us carry out various tasks:-..............
The hands that enable us to work,
Legs that help in locomotion,
The vocal organs that help us to talk,
The excretory organs that remove impurities from our body
and
The genital organs.
The next three to be considered are...... Manas, Ahankara and Mahat. Manas means mind, Ahankara is our ego and Mahat the intellect. Kapila says that having created these 24 Tattvas, he washed his hands and created the Atma. This Atma constitutes the 25th Tattva. The qualities of Satva, Rajas and Tamas are present in every one of us. The one with Rajasic qualities is prone to anger and haste. The one with Tamasic qualities is slow-witted and lazy. The one with Satvic qualities is free from anger, envy, haste, irreverence, and he has his mind under control.
The mind can be controlled through Ashtanga Yoga. The eight components of this yoga are:-
Yama (self-control) ,
Niyama (proper conduct),
Asana (proper posture),
Pranayama (breath control),
Pratyahara (not focusing on material objects),
Dharana (focusing on the Lord),
Dhyana (meditating on the Lord's beautiful form)
and
Samadhi (realising God).
If one practises this yoga, he begins to see God in everything. And once one sees God everywhere and in everything, one's mind has no other thoughts, but those of the Parabrahma — and that is the path to liberation.
..................................................And..................
"There is nothing you cannot be,There is nothing you cannot do,
And there is nothing you cannot achieve, All you have to have is “BELIEF IN YOU.”
J.K
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Meaning of Namah........................................
The meaning of Namah...............................
It is an ancient tradition that stemmed forth from the Vedic period that gave us the word ‘Namah’. In the passage of time, it came to be interpreted as prostrations or salutations, Namaskar.
In its virginal meaning, it was a term that came in vogue by the spoliation of a term that is repeated very often in the Vedic rituals, as the pundits chant the mantras and offer the oblations to the sacred fire:
‘Agne Idam Na Mama’ “O Lord Fire! (This what I am offering is not mine’).
This term ‘Na Mama’ (not mine) expresses the mental attitude of the devotees; everything belongs to Thee O God – I am only offering to Thee what is already owned by You. This spirit of total dedication, complete surrender, and supreme selflessness is that which is expressed by the term ‘Na Mama.’
When this term came to be often repeated by the mass of people the term got ‘defaced.’
This ‘Na Mama’ became ‘Nama’; the middle ma appears to have got lost in the stampede of centuries, in the cascade of general conversations.
Thus when we say ‘Krishnaya Tubhyam Nama’, we mean nothing is mine O Lord, everything is Thine and I thus totally surrender to Thee my beloved Sri Krishna.
It is an ancient tradition that stemmed forth from the Vedic period that gave us the word ‘Namah’. In the passage of time, it came to be interpreted as prostrations or salutations, Namaskar.
In its virginal meaning, it was a term that came in vogue by the spoliation of a term that is repeated very often in the Vedic rituals, as the pundits chant the mantras and offer the oblations to the sacred fire:
‘Agne Idam Na Mama’ “O Lord Fire! (This what I am offering is not mine’).
This term ‘Na Mama’ (not mine) expresses the mental attitude of the devotees; everything belongs to Thee O God – I am only offering to Thee what is already owned by You. This spirit of total dedication, complete surrender, and supreme selflessness is that which is expressed by the term ‘Na Mama.’
When this term came to be often repeated by the mass of people the term got ‘defaced.’
This ‘Na Mama’ became ‘Nama’; the middle ma appears to have got lost in the stampede of centuries, in the cascade of general conversations.
Thus when we say ‘Krishnaya Tubhyam Nama’, we mean nothing is mine O Lord, everything is Thine and I thus totally surrender to Thee my beloved Sri Krishna.
Hinduism & Its spiritual significance....................
Hinduism & Its spiritual significance.............
The ideal of Hinduism is to see all in the Self and the Self in all. A Hindu believes that each individual is a conscious manifestation of God. The spirit of selfless service is his supreme secret.
The breath of Hinduism is spirituality. Whatever a Hindu does, he does as a means to this end. It is true, as with any other individual, that he wants to accomplish all that he can here on earth. But the important thing is that he does not and cannot do anything at the expense of his spiritual life. To him, the spiritual life is the only life that can eventually garland him with the victory of perfect Perfection.
In the spiritual life, people very often use the word ‘sin.’ Here it may be noted that a Hindu has nothing to do with sin. He takes into consideration only two things: Ignorance and Light. With his soul's light, he wants to swim across the sea of ignorance and transform his lower self into his higher Self.
‘Enjoy through renunciation.’ This is the life-giving message of the Hindu seers. What is to be renounced is the train of our desires, nothing more and nothing less.
The vision of Hinduism is unity in diversity. First, Hinduism lovingly embraces all alien elements; second, it tries to assimilate them; third, it tries to expand itself as a whole, with a view to serving humanity and nature. Indeed, this is the sign of its life's meaningful, dynamic aspiration.
The ideal of Hinduism is to see all in the Self and the Self in all. A Hindu believes that each individual is a conscious manifestation of God. The spirit of selfless service is his supreme secret.
The breath of Hinduism is spirituality. Whatever a Hindu does, he does as a means to this end. It is true, as with any other individual, that he wants to accomplish all that he can here on earth. But the important thing is that he does not and cannot do anything at the expense of his spiritual life. To him, the spiritual life is the only life that can eventually garland him with the victory of perfect Perfection.
In the spiritual life, people very often use the word ‘sin.’ Here it may be noted that a Hindu has nothing to do with sin. He takes into consideration only two things: Ignorance and Light. With his soul's light, he wants to swim across the sea of ignorance and transform his lower self into his higher Self.
‘Enjoy through renunciation.’ This is the life-giving message of the Hindu seers. What is to be renounced is the train of our desires, nothing more and nothing less.
The vision of Hinduism is unity in diversity. First, Hinduism lovingly embraces all alien elements; second, it tries to assimilate them; third, it tries to expand itself as a whole, with a view to serving humanity and nature. Indeed, this is the sign of its life's meaningful, dynamic aspiration.
Differen e between Prayer & meditation..........
Difference between prayer & Meditation...............................
When we pray, we speak and God listens. When we meditate, we listen and God talks. When we pray, we feel that we are going up to God. When we meditate, we try to become calm and quiet and allow peace, light and bliss to descend.
When we pray, often there is a subtle desire for something. We may call it aspiration because we are praying to become good or to have something divine. But there is always a feeling of being a ‘divine beggar’.
In meditation we do not ask God for anything. We just enter into the sea of His Reality. At that time God gives us more than we could ever imagine.
In prayer we feel that we have nothing and God has everything. In meditation we know that whatever God has, either we also have or we will someday have. We feel that whatever God is, we also are, even though we have not yet brought our divinity forward.
When we pray, we ask God for what we want. But when we meditate, God showers on us everything that we need. We see and feel that the whole universe is at our disposal. Heaven and earth do not belong to someone else; they are our own reality.
When we pray, we speak and God listens. When we meditate, we listen and God talks. When we pray, we feel that we are going up to God. When we meditate, we try to become calm and quiet and allow peace, light and bliss to descend.
When we pray, often there is a subtle desire for something. We may call it aspiration because we are praying to become good or to have something divine. But there is always a feeling of being a ‘divine beggar’.
In meditation we do not ask God for anything. We just enter into the sea of His Reality. At that time God gives us more than we could ever imagine.
In prayer we feel that we have nothing and God has everything. In meditation we know that whatever God has, either we also have or we will someday have. We feel that whatever God is, we also are, even though we have not yet brought our divinity forward.
When we pray, we ask God for what we want. But when we meditate, God showers on us everything that we need. We see and feel that the whole universe is at our disposal. Heaven and earth do not belong to someone else; they are our own reality.
Friday, August 14, 2009
The Game Snake & Ladder.......Its origin.
The Game Snak & Ladder had its origin in India....................
The game had its origin in India and was called Moksha Patam or Parama Padam or Mokshapat. It was used to teach Hinduism and Hindu values to children. The British renamed it as Snakes and Ladders.
Now, when and who created this game? Most people believe it was created by the 13th century poet saint Gyandev. There are certain references which take the game back to 2nd century BC.
The ladders represented virtues and snakes vices. In the original game square 12 was faith, 51 was Reliability, 57 was Generosity, 76 was Knowledge, and 78 was Asceticism. These were the squares were the ladder was found.
Square 41 was for Disobedience, 44 for Arrogance, 49 for Vulgarity, 52 for Theft, 58 for Lying, 62 for Drunkenness, 69 for Debt, 84 for Anger, 92 for Greed, 95 for Pride, 73 for Murder and 99 for Lust. These were the squares were the snake was found.
The Square 100 represented Nirvana or Moksha.
The British took the game to England in 1892 and named it Snakes and Ladders and changed it according to Victorian values.
The game had its origin in India and was called Moksha Patam or Parama Padam or Mokshapat. It was used to teach Hinduism and Hindu values to children. The British renamed it as Snakes and Ladders.
Now, when and who created this game? Most people believe it was created by the 13th century poet saint Gyandev. There are certain references which take the game back to 2nd century BC.
The ladders represented virtues and snakes vices. In the original game square 12 was faith, 51 was Reliability, 57 was Generosity, 76 was Knowledge, and 78 was Asceticism. These were the squares were the ladder was found.
Square 41 was for Disobedience, 44 for Arrogance, 49 for Vulgarity, 52 for Theft, 58 for Lying, 62 for Drunkenness, 69 for Debt, 84 for Anger, 92 for Greed, 95 for Pride, 73 for Murder and 99 for Lust. These were the squares were the snake was found.
The Square 100 represented Nirvana or Moksha.
The British took the game to England in 1892 and named it Snakes and Ladders and changed it according to Victorian values.
Swarna Gauri Vritham.........................................
Swarna gauri Vritham.................Its origin......and how to observe.
Swarna Gowri Vritam or Gauri Vrat as the name indicates is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. This Vrat is known as Hartalika Vrat in North India. Gowri Habba and its rituals are of South Indian origin and is observed mainly in Karnataka. Swarna means ‘gold’ and in the ritual a golden image of Goddess Parvati is worshipped along with Shivlinga. In 2009, the date of Swarna Gowri Vratam is August 22. In many places a clay idols of Goddess Gowri and Lord Ganesha is worshipped on this day. It is later immersed in a pond.
There is an interesting legend involving Swarna Gowri Vratam and Ganesh Chaturthi. It is believed that Goddess Parvati comes to earth to answer the prayers of married and unmarried women during Swarna Gauri Vratam. Gowri Vrat day is followed by the Ganesh Chaturthi day. Hindus believe that Lord Shiva sends Ganesha to fetch his mother from earth.
Origin of Swarna Gowri Vratam.....................
The important legend associated with Gowri Habba is that of the birth of Ganesha. It is believed that Ganesha was created by Goddess Parvati from her own body. She asked her son to guard the doors of the house and went to take bath. Shiva appeared there and was stopped by the boy. Shiva did not recognize the boy and after few heated arugements and Shiva in a fit of anger chopped off the head of the boy. Soon Goddess Parvati arrived at the scene and demanded that her son be brought back to life. Shiva brought Ganesha back to life by placing the head of an elephant instead of the human head. Gowri Habba celeberates the power of Goddess Gouri.
In another legend, importance of Swarna Gowri Vratam was narrated to Lord Muruga by Lord Shiva. Parvati wanted to marry Lord Shiva but Shiva was in no mood to reciprocate her love as he was mourning the death of Sati. Parvati was determined to win the love of Lord Shiva. So, she started intense austerities in a forest, surviving on grass and fruits. Parvati continued this intense ‘tapas’ for long sixteen years. Finally, Lord Shiva was moved by Parvati’s intense devotion and love and married her.
According to Puranas, Gowri Vratam will bestow wealth and worldly well being to the people who observe it. Legend has it that the ‘Vrata’ is so powerful that even a dry tree will turn green after its observance.
It is believed that unmarried women performing Swarna Gauri Vratam will get good husbands and married women will have a peaceful and happy married life.
How to observe Gowri Habba or Swarna Gauri Vratam?........................
Gowri Habba or Swarna Gauri Vratam is a Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Paravati, also known as Gaowri. The ‘Vrat’ is mainly observed by married and unmarried women and is mainly performed in Karnataka and other places in South India. An answer to How to do the Gowri Habba or Swarna Gauri Vratam is bit complex as there are numerous regional and community variations in performing the ritual. Gowri Habba 2009 is on August 22. The festival is also known as Ganesh Gowri or Ganesh Habba as Ganesh Chaturthi is on the next day.
Performing Gowri Habba..........................................
On the Swarna Gauri Vratam day, the house is cleaned thoroughly. After bathing married women and young girls in the family dress up neatly. Some people perform the puja at home; others at the houses of relatives or friends and some opt for the nearby temples.
A small temporary shrine is erected using banana leaves and banana stem. This is decorated with mango leaves, turmeric, tulsi and sandalwood paste. Those who already have a puja cabinet perform the ritual in it or in a separate temporary area.
Next is the installation of the idol of Goddess Parvati or Gowri. There are several methods for this. The indigenous method is to make an idol of Gowri with turmeric. Nowadays, people opt for the readymade idols of Goddess Gowri which is available in market. Some people opt for the family owned Swarna or gold idol of Gowri.
The idol of Gowri, which is decorated neatly with clothes, is placed on a bed of rice or wheat or other cereals. Some people place a Shivlinga and Ganesha idol along with the idol of Parvati. Flowers and green leaves are mainly used to decorate the idols. Some people also opt for a Purna Kumbh. A mirror is placed along with the idol.
A 16-knotted thread is prepared for the puja and some people tie it on their hands. (Perhaps indicating the 16 long years of intense austerities performed by Goddess Parvati to obtain Lord Shiva as husband).
Next is the preparation of special puja plates or thalas with various puja items also known as ‘bagina.’ The pooja thala or plate consists of turmeric, kum kum, a mirror, bangles, comb, various cereals, coconut, fresh cloth, rice, jaggery, the 16 knot thread, 16 different leaves and fruits. Some people prepare just one pooja thala for Goddess Parvati. Some prepare several ‘bagina’ and distribute among married women. (Please note that the number of items and those used varies from region to region.)
The main puja ceremony involves bathing the idol in milk, ghee, curd, honey and water. Some people only perform the simple Aarti and sing bhajans.
Then the prepared bagina is offered to Gowri and people recite the prayers dedicated to Parvati or the special phrases used during the occasion like ‘Savitri, Savitri, Bagina Tagoo.’ While taking away the bagina repeat the same prayers or say ‘muthiyadae, mutiyadae bagina kodu’
Various dishes are prepared on the day especially rice dishes.
Another important custom on the day is the sending of gifts by married women’s parents. Newly married girls also present ‘bagina’ to married elderly women.
It is believed that by performing this puja unmarried girls will get good husbands and married women will have a healthy and peaceful family life.
In some areas, people immerse the Turmeric idol along with Ganesha. (Gowri Habba is followed by Ganesh Chaturthi).
It must be remembered here that all these rituals are man made. It is easy to observe these rituals when you live along with relatives and friends. Today, most people live alone that too in countries alien to such rituals. A simple prayer to Goddess Parvati will be more than enough. Always remember the core concept of Santana Dharma is Brahman – the supreme soul present in all living and non-living - and realization of it is the ultimate aim.
Swarna Gowri Vritam or Gauri Vrat as the name indicates is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. This Vrat is known as Hartalika Vrat in North India. Gowri Habba and its rituals are of South Indian origin and is observed mainly in Karnataka. Swarna means ‘gold’ and in the ritual a golden image of Goddess Parvati is worshipped along with Shivlinga. In 2009, the date of Swarna Gowri Vratam is August 22. In many places a clay idols of Goddess Gowri and Lord Ganesha is worshipped on this day. It is later immersed in a pond.
There is an interesting legend involving Swarna Gowri Vratam and Ganesh Chaturthi. It is believed that Goddess Parvati comes to earth to answer the prayers of married and unmarried women during Swarna Gauri Vratam. Gowri Vrat day is followed by the Ganesh Chaturthi day. Hindus believe that Lord Shiva sends Ganesha to fetch his mother from earth.
Origin of Swarna Gowri Vratam.....................
The important legend associated with Gowri Habba is that of the birth of Ganesha. It is believed that Ganesha was created by Goddess Parvati from her own body. She asked her son to guard the doors of the house and went to take bath. Shiva appeared there and was stopped by the boy. Shiva did not recognize the boy and after few heated arugements and Shiva in a fit of anger chopped off the head of the boy. Soon Goddess Parvati arrived at the scene and demanded that her son be brought back to life. Shiva brought Ganesha back to life by placing the head of an elephant instead of the human head. Gowri Habba celeberates the power of Goddess Gouri.
In another legend, importance of Swarna Gowri Vratam was narrated to Lord Muruga by Lord Shiva. Parvati wanted to marry Lord Shiva but Shiva was in no mood to reciprocate her love as he was mourning the death of Sati. Parvati was determined to win the love of Lord Shiva. So, she started intense austerities in a forest, surviving on grass and fruits. Parvati continued this intense ‘tapas’ for long sixteen years. Finally, Lord Shiva was moved by Parvati’s intense devotion and love and married her.
According to Puranas, Gowri Vratam will bestow wealth and worldly well being to the people who observe it. Legend has it that the ‘Vrata’ is so powerful that even a dry tree will turn green after its observance.
It is believed that unmarried women performing Swarna Gauri Vratam will get good husbands and married women will have a peaceful and happy married life.
How to observe Gowri Habba or Swarna Gauri Vratam?........................
Gowri Habba or Swarna Gauri Vratam is a Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Paravati, also known as Gaowri. The ‘Vrat’ is mainly observed by married and unmarried women and is mainly performed in Karnataka and other places in South India. An answer to How to do the Gowri Habba or Swarna Gauri Vratam is bit complex as there are numerous regional and community variations in performing the ritual. Gowri Habba 2009 is on August 22. The festival is also known as Ganesh Gowri or Ganesh Habba as Ganesh Chaturthi is on the next day.
Performing Gowri Habba..........................................
On the Swarna Gauri Vratam day, the house is cleaned thoroughly. After bathing married women and young girls in the family dress up neatly. Some people perform the puja at home; others at the houses of relatives or friends and some opt for the nearby temples.
A small temporary shrine is erected using banana leaves and banana stem. This is decorated with mango leaves, turmeric, tulsi and sandalwood paste. Those who already have a puja cabinet perform the ritual in it or in a separate temporary area.
Next is the installation of the idol of Goddess Parvati or Gowri. There are several methods for this. The indigenous method is to make an idol of Gowri with turmeric. Nowadays, people opt for the readymade idols of Goddess Gowri which is available in market. Some people opt for the family owned Swarna or gold idol of Gowri.
The idol of Gowri, which is decorated neatly with clothes, is placed on a bed of rice or wheat or other cereals. Some people place a Shivlinga and Ganesha idol along with the idol of Parvati. Flowers and green leaves are mainly used to decorate the idols. Some people also opt for a Purna Kumbh. A mirror is placed along with the idol.
A 16-knotted thread is prepared for the puja and some people tie it on their hands. (Perhaps indicating the 16 long years of intense austerities performed by Goddess Parvati to obtain Lord Shiva as husband).
Next is the preparation of special puja plates or thalas with various puja items also known as ‘bagina.’ The pooja thala or plate consists of turmeric, kum kum, a mirror, bangles, comb, various cereals, coconut, fresh cloth, rice, jaggery, the 16 knot thread, 16 different leaves and fruits. Some people prepare just one pooja thala for Goddess Parvati. Some prepare several ‘bagina’ and distribute among married women. (Please note that the number of items and those used varies from region to region.)
The main puja ceremony involves bathing the idol in milk, ghee, curd, honey and water. Some people only perform the simple Aarti and sing bhajans.
Then the prepared bagina is offered to Gowri and people recite the prayers dedicated to Parvati or the special phrases used during the occasion like ‘Savitri, Savitri, Bagina Tagoo.’ While taking away the bagina repeat the same prayers or say ‘muthiyadae, mutiyadae bagina kodu’
Various dishes are prepared on the day especially rice dishes.
Another important custom on the day is the sending of gifts by married women’s parents. Newly married girls also present ‘bagina’ to married elderly women.
It is believed that by performing this puja unmarried girls will get good husbands and married women will have a healthy and peaceful family life.
In some areas, people immerse the Turmeric idol along with Ganesha. (Gowri Habba is followed by Ganesh Chaturthi).
It must be remembered here that all these rituals are man made. It is easy to observe these rituals when you live along with relatives and friends. Today, most people live alone that too in countries alien to such rituals. A simple prayer to Goddess Parvati will be more than enough. Always remember the core concept of Santana Dharma is Brahman – the supreme soul present in all living and non-living - and realization of it is the ultimate aim.
Many ways of Giving.....................................
Many Ways Of Giving.........................
There are so many ways of giving. Arising before the Sun comes up, greeting and giving namaskara to the Sun is a part of hindu culture. Giving is built into all aspects of Hindu life.Giving to the holy man, giving to the astrologer, giving to the teacher, giving dakshina to a swami or a Guru for his support, over and above all giving to his institution, over and above dashamamsha, over and above giving to the temple. If the Guru has satisfied you with the fullness of his presence, you must satisfy yourself in equal fullness in giving back. You can be happy as these two fullnesses merge within you. By giving to the Guru, you give him the satisfaction of giving to another, for he has no needs except the need to practice giving.
Great souls have always taught that, among all the forms of giving, imparting the spiritual teachings is the highest. You can give money or food and provide for the physical aspects of the being, but if you can find a way to give the righteousness, the illumined wisdom of the traditions of the Sanatana Dharma, then you are giving to the spirit of the person, to the soul. Many Hindus buy religious literature to give away, because jnana dana, giving wisdom, is the highest giving and giving of religious literature changed the lives of individuals and brought them into a great fullness of soul satisfaction. Giving through education is a glorious fulfillment for the giver, as well as for the receiver.
Along with the gift comes a portion of the karma of the giver. There was an astrologer who when given more than his due for a jyotisha consultation would always give the excess to a nearby temple, as he did not want to assume any additional karma by receiving more than the worth of his predictions.Giving is also a way of balancing karma, of expressing gratitude for blessings received.
A devotee explained, "I cannot leave the temple without giving to the hundi, offering box, according to the fullness I have received as fullness from the temple."
Children should be taught giving at a very young age. They don't yet have the ten restraints, to worry about. They have not been corrupted by the impact of their own prarabdha karmas. Little children, even babies, can be taught giving to the temple, to holy ones, to one another, to their parents. They can be taught worship, recitation and, of course, contentment-told how beautiful they are when they are quiet and experiencing the joy of serenity. Institutions should also give, according to their means, to other institutions...................................
And think rightly and righteously to GIVE as we don't think to breathe, we breathe to think.
There are so many ways of giving. Arising before the Sun comes up, greeting and giving namaskara to the Sun is a part of hindu culture. Giving is built into all aspects of Hindu life.Giving to the holy man, giving to the astrologer, giving to the teacher, giving dakshina to a swami or a Guru for his support, over and above all giving to his institution, over and above dashamamsha, over and above giving to the temple. If the Guru has satisfied you with the fullness of his presence, you must satisfy yourself in equal fullness in giving back. You can be happy as these two fullnesses merge within you. By giving to the Guru, you give him the satisfaction of giving to another, for he has no needs except the need to practice giving.
Great souls have always taught that, among all the forms of giving, imparting the spiritual teachings is the highest. You can give money or food and provide for the physical aspects of the being, but if you can find a way to give the righteousness, the illumined wisdom of the traditions of the Sanatana Dharma, then you are giving to the spirit of the person, to the soul. Many Hindus buy religious literature to give away, because jnana dana, giving wisdom, is the highest giving and giving of religious literature changed the lives of individuals and brought them into a great fullness of soul satisfaction. Giving through education is a glorious fulfillment for the giver, as well as for the receiver.
Along with the gift comes a portion of the karma of the giver. There was an astrologer who when given more than his due for a jyotisha consultation would always give the excess to a nearby temple, as he did not want to assume any additional karma by receiving more than the worth of his predictions.Giving is also a way of balancing karma, of expressing gratitude for blessings received.
A devotee explained, "I cannot leave the temple without giving to the hundi, offering box, according to the fullness I have received as fullness from the temple."
Children should be taught giving at a very young age. They don't yet have the ten restraints, to worry about. They have not been corrupted by the impact of their own prarabdha karmas. Little children, even babies, can be taught giving to the temple, to holy ones, to one another, to their parents. They can be taught worship, recitation and, of course, contentment-told how beautiful they are when they are quiet and experiencing the joy of serenity. Institutions should also give, according to their means, to other institutions...................................
And think rightly and righteously to GIVE as we don't think to breathe, we breathe to think.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
The journey that begns from..................................
The journey that begins from "I" and ends in "We"................
This, then, is the final state of our journey: to recognise everything belongs to Him, and not to our little ego. The disillusion of possessiveness and pride will disappear, and we will discover that this search for pleasure, fame and recognition, and all the struggles born of it are just a case of ‘searching for the right thing at the wrong place.’
The search has been right but the method to obtain it was wrong. We search for the infinite in the finite, for the unlimited in the limited and for the eternal peace and joy in the momentary objects and person. After all trials and tribulations we discover that infinite can be found only in the infinite.
Having reached that stage, one arrives at the end of the journey which begins from ‘I’ and ends in ‘we’. The seeming I indeed becomes seeming and the journey reaches its culmination in ‘we’. Such a person is spontaneously selfless, strong and compassionate – and what else makes one spiritual?
Source –Vedanta Kari.........................................and
"What's right isn't always popular, and what's popular isn't always right."
This, then, is the final state of our journey: to recognise everything belongs to Him, and not to our little ego. The disillusion of possessiveness and pride will disappear, and we will discover that this search for pleasure, fame and recognition, and all the struggles born of it are just a case of ‘searching for the right thing at the wrong place.’
The search has been right but the method to obtain it was wrong. We search for the infinite in the finite, for the unlimited in the limited and for the eternal peace and joy in the momentary objects and person. After all trials and tribulations we discover that infinite can be found only in the infinite.
Having reached that stage, one arrives at the end of the journey which begins from ‘I’ and ends in ‘we’. The seeming I indeed becomes seeming and the journey reaches its culmination in ‘we’. Such a person is spontaneously selfless, strong and compassionate – and what else makes one spiritual?
Source –Vedanta Kari.........................................and
"What's right isn't always popular, and what's popular isn't always right."
The Art of Prayer.......................................
The Art of Prayer..................................
Prayer is a form of communication with the Divine.
One may pray to any form of the Divine one chooses and relates to best.
There is an ancient verse in the Vedas which says:
"Aakashath Pathitham Thoyam
Yatha Gachathi Sagaram
Sarvadeva Namaskaram
Keshavam Prathi Gachathi"
"As the water that falls down in rain from anywhere in the sky finally reaches the Ocean, the worship of any divine aspect ultimately reaches the Supreme Being."
1.Invoke the Presence.............................
Invoke the Presence of the Divine before you start the prayer. One way to invoke the Presence is chanting the Moola Mantra.
You may chant the Moola Mantra 3, 21 or 41 times and invite the Presence to fill you or take over you completely and request the Divine to fulfil your prayer even if there are flaws in your prayer or possible errors in your belief system.
2 Emotional Bond......................................
The first and most important thing in a prayer is the personal bond or relation you establish with God. Consider the Divine as your child, father, mother, friend or Guru. God is happiest if the relation you choose is that of a friend. But then, look at yourself and ascertain that you too are a true friend who responds to the request of your friends immediately. The response of the Divine will be similar to your response to the request of your friends.
3.Surrender and Helplessness....................................
The prayer should always be prompted by a feeling of surrender and helplessness. If you feel that you can manage even without Divine Grace and that you are just trying one more way, then, that is not the way of a genuine prayer. Surrender to the Divine will that you are prepared to accept whatever the outcome may be and that you are absolutely helpless. Whatever effort you put in is just as an instrument of the Divine and not as per your own volition.
4.Pray from the Heart not from the Head...............................
Prayer should come from the heart, not from the head. It is the feeling that is important, not the thought. When the feeling is intense, it creates waves of a higher frequency that get connected with the cosmic energy easily and make the fulfilment easily possible. The passion that you feel for God is very significant in raising the emotional intensity.
5.Clarity and Completeness....................................
Next, your request should be clear and complete in all respects. It is like a sort of communication with cosmic energy, and so, what you communicate is very important. If you communicate something different or incomplete, the response too may be what you do not expect. Hence before you pray, consider all aspects of your request and make it a perfect one.
6.Speak Internally................................................
As already mentioned, prayer is a communication. You have to speak internally to God. You can say it aloud also. But it is better to speak internally as it will not distract others. The involvement increases as you go on talking to God and there will come a time when you shall feel God with you everywhere, as an inseparable PRESENCE.
7.One Request at a Time....................................
You should see that you request for only one thing at a time. It is much similar to cooking a delicious dish. You should not mix two recipes at the same time. Because what we finally get will not be either of the two, but a third distortion of both. Hence stick to the principle of "one at a time".
8.Visualization...................................................
As you pray to God visualise the expected result of your prayer, that is, what you want to achieve in great detail. That means, visualise yourself in a state of having fulfilled your prayer, and then enjoy the happiness and joy. Accept that the situation has changed as you have been blessed.
9.Pray with absolute Faith.......................................
Such an acceptance comes from full faith in God. As you know, it is very important to have faith without which nothing can ever happen. Have full confidence in the efficacy of prayer and the benevolence of the Divine.
10.Enjoy the Feeling of Grace......................................
Enjoy the blessing and flow of Grace into you. And request the Divine to fulfil your prayer even if there are flaws in your prayer or possible errors in your belief system.
11.Thank the Divine for the Blessing Received.........................
Naturally, you shall be filled with immense gratitude for the Divine. Express it freely and sincerely to the Divine from the depth of your heart. Prostrate at the feet of the Divine in deep gratitude and total surrender.
And......................................
"If only you know yourselves! You are souls, you are Gods, if ever I feel like blaspheming, it is what I call you man."
Prayer is a form of communication with the Divine.
One may pray to any form of the Divine one chooses and relates to best.
There is an ancient verse in the Vedas which says:
"Aakashath Pathitham Thoyam
Yatha Gachathi Sagaram
Sarvadeva Namaskaram
Keshavam Prathi Gachathi"
"As the water that falls down in rain from anywhere in the sky finally reaches the Ocean, the worship of any divine aspect ultimately reaches the Supreme Being."
1.Invoke the Presence.............................
Invoke the Presence of the Divine before you start the prayer. One way to invoke the Presence is chanting the Moola Mantra.
You may chant the Moola Mantra 3, 21 or 41 times and invite the Presence to fill you or take over you completely and request the Divine to fulfil your prayer even if there are flaws in your prayer or possible errors in your belief system.
2 Emotional Bond......................................
The first and most important thing in a prayer is the personal bond or relation you establish with God. Consider the Divine as your child, father, mother, friend or Guru. God is happiest if the relation you choose is that of a friend. But then, look at yourself and ascertain that you too are a true friend who responds to the request of your friends immediately. The response of the Divine will be similar to your response to the request of your friends.
3.Surrender and Helplessness....................................
The prayer should always be prompted by a feeling of surrender and helplessness. If you feel that you can manage even without Divine Grace and that you are just trying one more way, then, that is not the way of a genuine prayer. Surrender to the Divine will that you are prepared to accept whatever the outcome may be and that you are absolutely helpless. Whatever effort you put in is just as an instrument of the Divine and not as per your own volition.
4.Pray from the Heart not from the Head...............................
Prayer should come from the heart, not from the head. It is the feeling that is important, not the thought. When the feeling is intense, it creates waves of a higher frequency that get connected with the cosmic energy easily and make the fulfilment easily possible. The passion that you feel for God is very significant in raising the emotional intensity.
5.Clarity and Completeness....................................
Next, your request should be clear and complete in all respects. It is like a sort of communication with cosmic energy, and so, what you communicate is very important. If you communicate something different or incomplete, the response too may be what you do not expect. Hence before you pray, consider all aspects of your request and make it a perfect one.
6.Speak Internally................................................
As already mentioned, prayer is a communication. You have to speak internally to God. You can say it aloud also. But it is better to speak internally as it will not distract others. The involvement increases as you go on talking to God and there will come a time when you shall feel God with you everywhere, as an inseparable PRESENCE.
7.One Request at a Time....................................
You should see that you request for only one thing at a time. It is much similar to cooking a delicious dish. You should not mix two recipes at the same time. Because what we finally get will not be either of the two, but a third distortion of both. Hence stick to the principle of "one at a time".
8.Visualization...................................................
As you pray to God visualise the expected result of your prayer, that is, what you want to achieve in great detail. That means, visualise yourself in a state of having fulfilled your prayer, and then enjoy the happiness and joy. Accept that the situation has changed as you have been blessed.
9.Pray with absolute Faith.......................................
Such an acceptance comes from full faith in God. As you know, it is very important to have faith without which nothing can ever happen. Have full confidence in the efficacy of prayer and the benevolence of the Divine.
10.Enjoy the Feeling of Grace......................................
Enjoy the blessing and flow of Grace into you. And request the Divine to fulfil your prayer even if there are flaws in your prayer or possible errors in your belief system.
11.Thank the Divine for the Blessing Received.........................
Naturally, you shall be filled with immense gratitude for the Divine. Express it freely and sincerely to the Divine from the depth of your heart. Prostrate at the feet of the Divine in deep gratitude and total surrender.
And......................................
"If only you know yourselves! You are souls, you are Gods, if ever I feel like blaspheming, it is what I call you man."
Mahavakyas can be applied in Management............
MAHAVAKYAS CAN BE APPLIED IN MANAGEMENT............................
It is interesting to see how the Mahavakyas can be applied for management purposes.
1. PRAJNAANAM BRAHMA................................
Consciousness is God. You do not necessarily have to go to temples and churches to find God. As a leader, think beyond your share holding, authority, personal pleasure, family, friends and cronies. Broaden your awareness to include all the multiple stake holders- the city, state, nation continent, world and cosmos.
2. AYAMAATMAA BRAHMA.............................
This soul, which is energising the otherwise dead and useless body, is God. My soul is part of the universal soul and I am an individual part of the Para Brahman.
3.AHAM BRAHMAASMI....................................
Iam God. NOT IN AN EGOISTIC SENSE. But in a profound, empowering sense. No sovereign government, investor, regulator, boss or any human can ever give me the power that god consciousness does. This power is not for any selfish ends. Then, it will come into conflict with the selfish powers of many other humans and get partly or wholly canceled out.
4.TAT TWAM ASI....................................
You are also that God. See divinity in all beings. Only such leaders can truly respect their colleagues, customers, business partners and society. Without this knowledge and belief, the ego will manifest itself in hypocrisy, condescension, contempt and exploitation...............And......
"The test of a man is how much he can bear , how much he can share , how much he can care and how soon he confesses a mistake and mends it."
It is interesting to see how the Mahavakyas can be applied for management purposes.
1. PRAJNAANAM BRAHMA................................
Consciousness is God. You do not necessarily have to go to temples and churches to find God. As a leader, think beyond your share holding, authority, personal pleasure, family, friends and cronies. Broaden your awareness to include all the multiple stake holders- the city, state, nation continent, world and cosmos.
2. AYAMAATMAA BRAHMA.............................
This soul, which is energising the otherwise dead and useless body, is God. My soul is part of the universal soul and I am an individual part of the Para Brahman.
3.AHAM BRAHMAASMI....................................
Iam God. NOT IN AN EGOISTIC SENSE. But in a profound, empowering sense. No sovereign government, investor, regulator, boss or any human can ever give me the power that god consciousness does. This power is not for any selfish ends. Then, it will come into conflict with the selfish powers of many other humans and get partly or wholly canceled out.
4.TAT TWAM ASI....................................
You are also that God. See divinity in all beings. Only such leaders can truly respect their colleagues, customers, business partners and society. Without this knowledge and belief, the ego will manifest itself in hypocrisy, condescension, contempt and exploitation...............And......
"The test of a man is how much he can bear , how much he can share , how much he can care and how soon he confesses a mistake and mends it."
How to attain serenity of the Mind.........................
.How to attain serenity of the Mind...............Bhagavad Gita says.............
Serenity of mind, good heartedness, silence, self-control, purity of nature – these together are called ‘mental austerity.’
Serenity of mind can be gained only when our relationship with the world at large is put on a healthy basis of understanding, tolerance and love. Further, one who is an uncontrolled sensualist can have little serenity or composure.
The mind runs out through the sense organs into the sensual fields to eke out its satisfaction. The driving force that sets the mind on its endless errands is an intellect ever seething with desires.
Quietude of the mind can be gained only when it is protected from both the inflow of stimuli from the tempting sense objects of the outer world and the whipping desires that march out from the intellect to drive the mind out into the fields of enjoyment.
One who has discovered for himself a divine ideal – in the contemplation of which his mind forgets to run about, or his intellect overlooks to send out new desires – alone can hope to win serenity of the mind.
Verse 16 chapter 17 of the Bhagavad Gita says about austerity and serenity of mind. (Chapter 17, Verse 16)........................................And
"We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give."
Serenity of mind, good heartedness, silence, self-control, purity of nature – these together are called ‘mental austerity.’
Serenity of mind can be gained only when our relationship with the world at large is put on a healthy basis of understanding, tolerance and love. Further, one who is an uncontrolled sensualist can have little serenity or composure.
The mind runs out through the sense organs into the sensual fields to eke out its satisfaction. The driving force that sets the mind on its endless errands is an intellect ever seething with desires.
Quietude of the mind can be gained only when it is protected from both the inflow of stimuli from the tempting sense objects of the outer world and the whipping desires that march out from the intellect to drive the mind out into the fields of enjoyment.
One who has discovered for himself a divine ideal – in the contemplation of which his mind forgets to run about, or his intellect overlooks to send out new desires – alone can hope to win serenity of the mind.
Verse 16 chapter 17 of the Bhagavad Gita says about austerity and serenity of mind. (Chapter 17, Verse 16)........................................And
"We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give."
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Finish what you begin...............................
Finish What You Begin.....................
We are not always sitting down concentrating on a flower in the search for the Self. Having decided that Self Realisation is the ultimate goal for us, go on living our normal life. Everything that we do in life can collectively be channeled toward the ultimate goal, for what we need is a dynamic will and strong willpower.
Will power is the channelling of all energies toward one given point for a given length of time. This will can be brought out from within in everything that we do through the day. It's a powerful will. It's available to everyone. It is channelling the rarefied energies of the body, of awareness itself, into attention and concentration upon everything that we do through the day.
How do we cultivate the willpower? What do we mean by will? Will means that if you're going to complete something, you complete it. Finish that which you begin. Finish it well, beyond your expectations, no matter how long it takes. If you are going to do something, do it well, no matter if it is a simple task or a complicated one. If you're going to read a book and intend to finish the book, then read the book, finish the reading of the book, and understand what it had to offer you, for that was the purpose for reading it.
It is not developing a strong will by having a lot of half-finished jobs. It is not developing a strong will by starting out with a bang on a project and then fizzling out- like............. "soda bottle enthusiasm". These only attach awareness to that which it is aware of and lead us into the distraction of thinking the external mind is real. Then we forget our inner goal of Self Realisation because the subconscious becomes too ramified with, basically, our being disappointed in ourselves, or the willpower being so diversified, or awareness being so divided in many different ways that whatever we want to do never works out because there is not enough will, or shove, or centralisation of energy, or awareness is not at attention over the project enough, to make it come into completion.
A tremendous will is needed on the path of Self Realisation, of drawing the forces of energy together, of drawing awareness away from that which it is aware of constantly, of finishing each job that we begin in the material world, and doing it well, so that we are content within ourselves. Make everything that you do satisfy the inner scrutiny of your inner being. Do a little more than you think that you are able to do. That brings forth just a little more will......................and when you feel you are being slow down or loosing interest seek advice and guidance from Guruji..........and this will just set right things..................and
"Do what you want and not what you know."
We are not always sitting down concentrating on a flower in the search for the Self. Having decided that Self Realisation is the ultimate goal for us, go on living our normal life. Everything that we do in life can collectively be channeled toward the ultimate goal, for what we need is a dynamic will and strong willpower.
Will power is the channelling of all energies toward one given point for a given length of time. This will can be brought out from within in everything that we do through the day. It's a powerful will. It's available to everyone. It is channelling the rarefied energies of the body, of awareness itself, into attention and concentration upon everything that we do through the day.
How do we cultivate the willpower? What do we mean by will? Will means that if you're going to complete something, you complete it. Finish that which you begin. Finish it well, beyond your expectations, no matter how long it takes. If you are going to do something, do it well, no matter if it is a simple task or a complicated one. If you're going to read a book and intend to finish the book, then read the book, finish the reading of the book, and understand what it had to offer you, for that was the purpose for reading it.
It is not developing a strong will by having a lot of half-finished jobs. It is not developing a strong will by starting out with a bang on a project and then fizzling out- like............. "soda bottle enthusiasm". These only attach awareness to that which it is aware of and lead us into the distraction of thinking the external mind is real. Then we forget our inner goal of Self Realisation because the subconscious becomes too ramified with, basically, our being disappointed in ourselves, or the willpower being so diversified, or awareness being so divided in many different ways that whatever we want to do never works out because there is not enough will, or shove, or centralisation of energy, or awareness is not at attention over the project enough, to make it come into completion.
A tremendous will is needed on the path of Self Realisation, of drawing the forces of energy together, of drawing awareness away from that which it is aware of constantly, of finishing each job that we begin in the material world, and doing it well, so that we are content within ourselves. Make everything that you do satisfy the inner scrutiny of your inner being. Do a little more than you think that you are able to do. That brings forth just a little more will......................and when you feel you are being slow down or loosing interest seek advice and guidance from Guruji..........and this will just set right things..................and
"Do what you want and not what you know."
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Teachings of Swami Vivekananda.................
Teachings of Swami Vivekananda........................
The Vedanta recognizes no sin, it only recognizes error. And the greatest error, says the Vedanta, is to say that you are weak, that you are a sinner, a miserable creature, and that you have no power and you cannot do this and that.
Every time you think in that way, you, as it were, rivet one more link in the chain that binds you down; you add one more layer of hypnotism on to your own soul. Therefore, whosoever thinks he is weak is wrong, whosoever thinks he is impure is wrong, and is throwing a bad thought into the world.
This we must always bear in mind that in the Vedanta there is no attempt at reconciling the present life with the ideal; but this false life must go, and the real life which always exists must manifest itself, must shine out.
No man becomes purer and purer; it is a matter of greater manifestation. The veil drops away, and the native purity of the soul begins to manifest itself. Everything is ours already – infinite purity, freedom, love, and power.
Swami Vivekananda....................................and
"There is never a wrong time to do a right thing."
J.K
The Vedanta recognizes no sin, it only recognizes error. And the greatest error, says the Vedanta, is to say that you are weak, that you are a sinner, a miserable creature, and that you have no power and you cannot do this and that.
Every time you think in that way, you, as it were, rivet one more link in the chain that binds you down; you add one more layer of hypnotism on to your own soul. Therefore, whosoever thinks he is weak is wrong, whosoever thinks he is impure is wrong, and is throwing a bad thought into the world.
This we must always bear in mind that in the Vedanta there is no attempt at reconciling the present life with the ideal; but this false life must go, and the real life which always exists must manifest itself, must shine out.
No man becomes purer and purer; it is a matter of greater manifestation. The veil drops away, and the native purity of the soul begins to manifest itself. Everything is ours already – infinite purity, freedom, love, and power.
Swami Vivekananda....................................and
"There is never a wrong time to do a right thing."
J.K
What do Upanishads teach us?????
What do the Upanishads teach us???? – By Edmond Holmes.................
The authors of the Upanishads did not all think alike; but, taking their meditations as a whole, we may say that they are dominated by one paramount conception’ that of the ideal of oneness of the soul of man with the soul of the universe.
The Sanskrit word for the soul of man is Atman and the word for the soul of the universe is Brahman.
‘God’s dwelling place’, says Professor Radhakrishnan in this exposition of the philosophy of the Upanishads, ‘is the heart of man. The inner immortal self and the great cosmic power are one and the same.’
Brahman is the Atman, and the Atman is the Brahman. The one supreme power through which all things have been brought into being is one with the inmost self in each man’s heart.’
What is real in each of us is his self or soul. What is real in universe is its self or soul, in virtue of which its All is One, and the name for which in our language is God.
In other words of one of the Upanishads: ‘He who is the Brahman in man and who is that in the sun, these are one.’
Source: An Introduction by Edmond Holmes to the Philosophy of the Upanishads.
Random Teachings from the Upanishads.....................................
Here are a collection of teachings from various Upanishads.
No one can understand the sound of a drum without understanding both the drum and the drummer.
Let one therefore keep the mind pure for what a man thinks, that he becomes.
The only way to know it is to become it.
Self-knowledge is the best of all forms of knowledge; through it, one attains immortality.
Know yourself, so what you’ve done won’t burn you. Nor will what you’ve left undone.
As is the human body, so is the cosmic body; as is the human mind, so is the cosmic mind; as is the atom, so is the Universe.
The spirit down here in man and the spirit up there in the sun, in reality are only one spirit, and there is no other one.
Out of abundance he took abundance and still abundance remained.
In a world where everything changes the divine is everywhere present.
Source:- Upanishads....................................and
"Being challenged in life is inevitable, being defeated is optional."
J.K
The authors of the Upanishads did not all think alike; but, taking their meditations as a whole, we may say that they are dominated by one paramount conception’ that of the ideal of oneness of the soul of man with the soul of the universe.
The Sanskrit word for the soul of man is Atman and the word for the soul of the universe is Brahman.
‘God’s dwelling place’, says Professor Radhakrishnan in this exposition of the philosophy of the Upanishads, ‘is the heart of man. The inner immortal self and the great cosmic power are one and the same.’
Brahman is the Atman, and the Atman is the Brahman. The one supreme power through which all things have been brought into being is one with the inmost self in each man’s heart.’
What is real in each of us is his self or soul. What is real in universe is its self or soul, in virtue of which its All is One, and the name for which in our language is God.
In other words of one of the Upanishads: ‘He who is the Brahman in man and who is that in the sun, these are one.’
Source: An Introduction by Edmond Holmes to the Philosophy of the Upanishads.
Random Teachings from the Upanishads.....................................
Here are a collection of teachings from various Upanishads.
No one can understand the sound of a drum without understanding both the drum and the drummer.
Let one therefore keep the mind pure for what a man thinks, that he becomes.
The only way to know it is to become it.
Self-knowledge is the best of all forms of knowledge; through it, one attains immortality.
Know yourself, so what you’ve done won’t burn you. Nor will what you’ve left undone.
As is the human body, so is the cosmic body; as is the human mind, so is the cosmic mind; as is the atom, so is the Universe.
The spirit down here in man and the spirit up there in the sun, in reality are only one spirit, and there is no other one.
Out of abundance he took abundance and still abundance remained.
In a world where everything changes the divine is everywhere present.
Source:- Upanishads....................................and
"Being challenged in life is inevitable, being defeated is optional."
J.K
Don't be God Fearing...............Be God Loving.
Don’t be God fearing..........Be God Loving........................
In English we have a word, ‘god-fearing,’ for religious people. A god-fearing person can never be religious, because if you fear God you cannot love him. Love and fear cannot exist together.
With fear, hate can exist, love cannot exist with fear, anger can exist, love cannot; with fear you can bow down, but you cannot surrender; with fear you can be in a relationship between a slave and a master, but there cannot be a love relationship.
Hindus and Buddhists have a totally different attitude, and that attitude is different because they think the whole existence is a cosmic play; you can be playful.
Source: Vedanta – The Supreme Knowledge
And if you can:-
"Be a good listener. Your ears will never get you in trouble."
Yours in Divine Friendship.
J.K
In English we have a word, ‘god-fearing,’ for religious people. A god-fearing person can never be religious, because if you fear God you cannot love him. Love and fear cannot exist together.
With fear, hate can exist, love cannot exist with fear, anger can exist, love cannot; with fear you can bow down, but you cannot surrender; with fear you can be in a relationship between a slave and a master, but there cannot be a love relationship.
Hindus and Buddhists have a totally different attitude, and that attitude is different because they think the whole existence is a cosmic play; you can be playful.
Source: Vedanta – The Supreme Knowledge
And if you can:-
"Be a good listener. Your ears will never get you in trouble."
Yours in Divine Friendship.
J.K
Thoughts on Happiness...........................
Thoughts on Happiness........................
On a careful analysis we find that man’s happiness is entirely a subjective phenomenon, for there seems to be a distinct and clear relationship between the state of his mind and the joy or sorrow that is experienced by him.
When the mind is agitated, sorrow is experienced and when it is tranquil, there is joy. Happiness, therefore, is measured by the tranquillity of one’s mind.
Man, the roof and crown of creation, has the unique capacity of quieting his mind without helplessly depending upon the objects around him. But this capacity now lies dormant in him and he, unaware of it, foolishly tries to procure happiness through the objects of the world, which have only a false glitter of joy. They can give, indeed, no enduring and everlasting satisfaction.
Our great religious books help to awaken and promote this dormant faculty in man. He need not run after the sense objects to attain some fleeting experiences of joy. He can get engaged in a more permanent and a fuller happiness, which is wholly independent of the availability of agreeable objects and environment.
(Source: Kindle Life By SwamiChinmayananda)............and remember.....
” You don’t think to breathe, you breathe to think.’
On a careful analysis we find that man’s happiness is entirely a subjective phenomenon, for there seems to be a distinct and clear relationship between the state of his mind and the joy or sorrow that is experienced by him.
When the mind is agitated, sorrow is experienced and when it is tranquil, there is joy. Happiness, therefore, is measured by the tranquillity of one’s mind.
Man, the roof and crown of creation, has the unique capacity of quieting his mind without helplessly depending upon the objects around him. But this capacity now lies dormant in him and he, unaware of it, foolishly tries to procure happiness through the objects of the world, which have only a false glitter of joy. They can give, indeed, no enduring and everlasting satisfaction.
Our great religious books help to awaken and promote this dormant faculty in man. He need not run after the sense objects to attain some fleeting experiences of joy. He can get engaged in a more permanent and a fuller happiness, which is wholly independent of the availability of agreeable objects and environment.
(Source: Kindle Life By SwamiChinmayananda)............and remember.....
” You don’t think to breathe, you breathe to think.’
Repitetion of Holy Name of God........................
Repetition of Holy Name of God.................& Guru.
Repetition of the Holy name of the Lord is very good. The mind will become pure through it. While repeating the name of the God you should keep remembrance of the God in your mind. Such repetition and remembrance will do much good. Mere repetition without the remembrance of the God will not be of much use, and its not that easy without concentration and dedication.
As we proceed with meditation we will see that we are, getting more and more realisation. There is no use in merely reading the Shastras (Sacred Scriptures) and discussing about them.
By meditation the mind will become pure, and when the mind becomes pure, realisation of God follows as a matter of course. Ordinarily, we hold our mind on worldly matters. No result worth the name comes out of this. But if we fix our mind in the pure thought of God, we will feel a taste of real bliss.
Swami Nirmalananda (1863 - 1938) A great disciple of Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.
And Remember...................................
"You have to see the INVISIBLE to do the IMPOSSIBLE."
Repetition of the Holy name of the Lord is very good. The mind will become pure through it. While repeating the name of the God you should keep remembrance of the God in your mind. Such repetition and remembrance will do much good. Mere repetition without the remembrance of the God will not be of much use, and its not that easy without concentration and dedication.
As we proceed with meditation we will see that we are, getting more and more realisation. There is no use in merely reading the Shastras (Sacred Scriptures) and discussing about them.
By meditation the mind will become pure, and when the mind becomes pure, realisation of God follows as a matter of course. Ordinarily, we hold our mind on worldly matters. No result worth the name comes out of this. But if we fix our mind in the pure thought of God, we will feel a taste of real bliss.
Swami Nirmalananda (1863 - 1938) A great disciple of Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.
And Remember...................................
"You have to see the INVISIBLE to do the IMPOSSIBLE."
No Gratitude..........No grace...............
No Gratitude, No Grace.........................
Once Mother Parvati and Easwara (Lord Shiva) saw a person sitting on the branch of a tree, which was about to break. Watching this, Mother Parvati pleaded with Easwara to save the man. Easwara teasingly remarked, “why should I protect him? Since You saw him first, it is Your duty to save him”.
But the Mother said, “How can I protect him without Your grace. I am the negative and you are the positive. Unless you shower Your grace on him, he cannot be saved. Please do not delay any further”.
Then Easwara replied, “Is it not his duty to call Me for help? How can I go to his rescue without being called? As the proverb goes, one should not attend a function without being invited”.
Mother Parvati, out of her motherly compassion, wanted to protect that person at any cost. So, she said to Easwara, “If that person, when he falls down, cries out amma (mother), I will go to his rescue; and if he cries out appa (father), you should protect him”.
Easwara agreed to her proposal. Both of them eagerly waited for the call. But the person fell down crying Ayyo (alas)!
The words amma or appa did not come to his lips, as he had never respected and revered his parents in his lifetime. Such was his fate!
How can God come to the rescue of a person who has totally forgotten his parents? Both our Mother and Father are verily God. And when with such feelings, we offer our gratitude to our parents, even God cannot refrain from helping us. Ane remember...........................................
"You only live once-but if you work and make it to LIVE right, once is enough.".......................Therefore live with Gratitude, Compassion, Love & Affection.
Once Mother Parvati and Easwara (Lord Shiva) saw a person sitting on the branch of a tree, which was about to break. Watching this, Mother Parvati pleaded with Easwara to save the man. Easwara teasingly remarked, “why should I protect him? Since You saw him first, it is Your duty to save him”.
But the Mother said, “How can I protect him without Your grace. I am the negative and you are the positive. Unless you shower Your grace on him, he cannot be saved. Please do not delay any further”.
Then Easwara replied, “Is it not his duty to call Me for help? How can I go to his rescue without being called? As the proverb goes, one should not attend a function without being invited”.
Mother Parvati, out of her motherly compassion, wanted to protect that person at any cost. So, she said to Easwara, “If that person, when he falls down, cries out amma (mother), I will go to his rescue; and if he cries out appa (father), you should protect him”.
Easwara agreed to her proposal. Both of them eagerly waited for the call. But the person fell down crying Ayyo (alas)!
The words amma or appa did not come to his lips, as he had never respected and revered his parents in his lifetime. Such was his fate!
How can God come to the rescue of a person who has totally forgotten his parents? Both our Mother and Father are verily God. And when with such feelings, we offer our gratitude to our parents, even God cannot refrain from helping us. Ane remember...........................................
"You only live once-but if you work and make it to LIVE right, once is enough.".......................Therefore live with Gratitude, Compassion, Love & Affection.
What's that hard to break??????
WHAT is it that's hard to break???.............. A Nice one to read.
Diamonds are hard to find but not hard to Break.
What is the hardest thing to break then?...........................
The answer is:...................... HABIT!
If you break the H, you still have A BIT. If you break the A, you still
have BIT. If you break the B, you still have IT!
Hey, after you break the T in IT, there is still the 'I'.
And that "I" is the root cause of all the problems. Isn’t it right?!..............................
Now you know why HABIT is so hard to break............................….
We have to respect each other's opinion and view; as We just need to wait and listen actively to others' point of view!.................and
"If you don't control your habit, habit will control you."
Diamonds are hard to find but not hard to Break.
What is the hardest thing to break then?...........................
The answer is:...................... HABIT!
If you break the H, you still have A BIT. If you break the A, you still
have BIT. If you break the B, you still have IT!
Hey, after you break the T in IT, there is still the 'I'.
And that "I" is the root cause of all the problems. Isn’t it right?!..............................
Now you know why HABIT is so hard to break............................….
We have to respect each other's opinion and view; as We just need to wait and listen actively to others' point of view!.................and
"If you don't control your habit, habit will control you."
Friday, August 07, 2009
Hospitality & Fullness............in dealing with Guest....................
Hospitality And Fullness........in dealing with Guest........as guest is = to God (Adhithi Devo bhava)
Hospitality is a vital part of fulfilling obligatory giving. When guests come, they must be given hospitality, at least a mat to sit on and a glass of water to drink. These are obligatory gives. You must never leave your guest standing, and you must never leave your guest thirsty. If a guest were to smell even one whiff from the kitchen of the scented curries of a meal being prepared, he must be asked four times to stay for the meal. He will politely refuse three times and accept on the fourth invitation. This is also an obligatory giving, for the guest is treated as God. God's veiling Grace hides, as we should know, He will come as a guest to your home, unrecognisable. You might think it is your dear friend from a far off place. That, too, is God in another costume, and you must treat that guest as God. Giving to God, God's own creation in your mind brings the highest rewards through the law of karma.
Even if you think you are giving creatively, generously, looking for no rewards, but you are giving for a purpose, that karma will still pay you back with full dividends. This is a positive use of the law of karma. This is not a selfish form of giving. It is the giving of the wise, because you know the law of karma, because you know the Sanatana Dharma,the divine, eternal laws. If you see a need that you can fill and have the impulse to give but recoil from giving, later, when you are in need, there will be someone who has the impulse to give to you but will recoil from giving. The wheels of karma grind slowly but exceedingly well the grains of actions, be they in thought, emotion or those of a physical nature. So, one can be quite selfish and greedy about wanting to practice obligatory giving, to accumulate the punya for the balance of this life, the life in-between lives, in the astral world, and for a good birth in the next incarnation.
The practice of obligatory giving is an investment in a better life, an investment that pays great dividends.
We are not limited by our poverty or wealth in practicing giving. No matter how poor you are, you can still practice it. You can give according to your means, your inspiration, your ability. When the fullness has reached its peak within you while preparing the gift, be it arranging a bouquet of freshly picked flowers, a tray of fruit, counting out coins, sorting a pile of bills or putting zeros on a check that you're writing, then you know that the gift is within your means. Gifts within your means and from your heart are the right and proper gifts...........................And bear in mind....................
"Always be the reason for some one's happiness,never be just a part of it. Always be a part of some one's sadness, But never be the reason for it."
Hospitality is a vital part of fulfilling obligatory giving. When guests come, they must be given hospitality, at least a mat to sit on and a glass of water to drink. These are obligatory gives. You must never leave your guest standing, and you must never leave your guest thirsty. If a guest were to smell even one whiff from the kitchen of the scented curries of a meal being prepared, he must be asked four times to stay for the meal. He will politely refuse three times and accept on the fourth invitation. This is also an obligatory giving, for the guest is treated as God. God's veiling Grace hides, as we should know, He will come as a guest to your home, unrecognisable. You might think it is your dear friend from a far off place. That, too, is God in another costume, and you must treat that guest as God. Giving to God, God's own creation in your mind brings the highest rewards through the law of karma.
Even if you think you are giving creatively, generously, looking for no rewards, but you are giving for a purpose, that karma will still pay you back with full dividends. This is a positive use of the law of karma. This is not a selfish form of giving. It is the giving of the wise, because you know the law of karma, because you know the Sanatana Dharma,the divine, eternal laws. If you see a need that you can fill and have the impulse to give but recoil from giving, later, when you are in need, there will be someone who has the impulse to give to you but will recoil from giving. The wheels of karma grind slowly but exceedingly well the grains of actions, be they in thought, emotion or those of a physical nature. So, one can be quite selfish and greedy about wanting to practice obligatory giving, to accumulate the punya for the balance of this life, the life in-between lives, in the astral world, and for a good birth in the next incarnation.
The practice of obligatory giving is an investment in a better life, an investment that pays great dividends.
We are not limited by our poverty or wealth in practicing giving. No matter how poor you are, you can still practice it. You can give according to your means, your inspiration, your ability. When the fullness has reached its peak within you while preparing the gift, be it arranging a bouquet of freshly picked flowers, a tray of fruit, counting out coins, sorting a pile of bills or putting zeros on a check that you're writing, then you know that the gift is within your means. Gifts within your means and from your heart are the right and proper gifts...........................And bear in mind....................
"Always be the reason for some one's happiness,never be just a part of it. Always be a part of some one's sadness, But never be the reason for it."
Thursday, August 06, 2009
The Power of Obesrvation.........
The Power of Observation..............the most vital power.
Observation is the first faculty to appear in the awakening of the super conscious regions. Observation, when perceptively performed, is cultivated by abstinence from excessive talk. Talk dissipates the energies of the aura and of the vital body of man. A mystic generally does not talk very much, for his intuition works through reason, but does not use the processes of reason. Any intuitive breakthrough will be quite reasonable, but it does not use the processes of reason. Reason takes time.
Super consciousness acts in the now. All super conscious knowing comes in a flash out of the nowhere. Intuition is more direct than reason, and far more accurate. Therefore, the mystic does not ask many questions or enter into lengthy conversations.
Let's Ponder over this and apply it to ourselves. Take this into ourselves and feel it is for us. Do not feel it is being shared with to simply know more about the mind and its processes. Apply it to ourselves, for us are on the spiritual path toward merger with Divine with the guidance and Grace of Guruji. Begin to feel that observation is one of our finest faculties, one that we most cherish. It is the first faculty of the awakening of our super conscious. Let's mentally say to ourselves many times, "I have good observation. Therefore, I am super conscious." This will help us to program our subconscious to accept the fact that, yes, we are a super conscious being, not a temporal being that is only on this planet a short span of years and then disappears forever.
Remember, our powers of observation are cultivated by abstinence from excessive talk. That is all we have to do to begin with and remain more silent and observing, not wasting or dissipating this most vital power.
Some people on the spiritual path cannot wait to talk about their meditations even before they come out of them. They really should stop doing this. It lessens their vital energies and proves to perceptive people that they are not super conscious beings.....................And remember to:-
"Make excellence a habit and not an act."
Observation is the first faculty to appear in the awakening of the super conscious regions. Observation, when perceptively performed, is cultivated by abstinence from excessive talk. Talk dissipates the energies of the aura and of the vital body of man. A mystic generally does not talk very much, for his intuition works through reason, but does not use the processes of reason. Any intuitive breakthrough will be quite reasonable, but it does not use the processes of reason. Reason takes time.
Super consciousness acts in the now. All super conscious knowing comes in a flash out of the nowhere. Intuition is more direct than reason, and far more accurate. Therefore, the mystic does not ask many questions or enter into lengthy conversations.
Let's Ponder over this and apply it to ourselves. Take this into ourselves and feel it is for us. Do not feel it is being shared with to simply know more about the mind and its processes. Apply it to ourselves, for us are on the spiritual path toward merger with Divine with the guidance and Grace of Guruji. Begin to feel that observation is one of our finest faculties, one that we most cherish. It is the first faculty of the awakening of our super conscious. Let's mentally say to ourselves many times, "I have good observation. Therefore, I am super conscious." This will help us to program our subconscious to accept the fact that, yes, we are a super conscious being, not a temporal being that is only on this planet a short span of years and then disappears forever.
Remember, our powers of observation are cultivated by abstinence from excessive talk. That is all we have to do to begin with and remain more silent and observing, not wasting or dissipating this most vital power.
Some people on the spiritual path cannot wait to talk about their meditations even before they come out of them. They really should stop doing this. It lessens their vital energies and proves to perceptive people that they are not super conscious beings.....................And remember to:-
"Make excellence a habit and not an act."
Swan Song................................
Swan song
Meaning
A final gesture or performance, given before dying.
Origin
This term derived from the legend that, while they are mute during the
rest of their lives, swans sing beautifully and mournfully just before
they die. This isn't actually the case - swans, even the inaccurately
named Mute Swans, have a variety of vocal sounds and they don't sing
before they die. The legend was known to be false as early as the days
of ancient Greece, when Pliny the Elder refuted it in Natural History,
AD 77:
"Observation shows that the story that the dying swan sings is false."
Nevertheless, poetic imagery proved to be more attractive than
scientific method and many poets and playwrights made use of the fable
long after Pliny's observations. Chaucer included this line in the
poem Parliament of Fowles:
The Ialous swan, ayens his deth that singeth. [The jealous swan, sings
before his death]
Shakespeare, the Swan of Avon no less, used the image in The Merchant
of Venice, 1596:
Portia: Let music sound while he doth make his choice; then, if he
lose, he makes a swan-like end, fading in music.
The actual term 'swan song', with its current figurative meaning,
doesn't crop up in print until the 18th century. The Scottish cleric
Jon Willison used the expression in one of his Scripture Songs, 1767,
where he refers to "King David's swan-song".
The poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834) turned the phrase on its
head in the poem On a Volunteer Singer:
Swans sing before they die; ’twere no bad thing
Did certain persons die before they sing.
If people ever did believe in the 'singing before death' story, few
would now claim to do so. 'Swan-song' is now used figuratively and
most commonly to refer to celebrated performers embarking on 'farewell
tours' or 'final performances'. Those ironic quote marks were never
more appropriate than in the case of Nellie Melba, whose swan song
consisted of an eight year long string of 'final concerts' between
1920 and 1928. This led to the popular Australian phrase - 'more
farewells than Nellie Melba'.
Meaning
A final gesture or performance, given before dying.
Origin
This term derived from the legend that, while they are mute during the
rest of their lives, swans sing beautifully and mournfully just before
they die. This isn't actually the case - swans, even the inaccurately
named Mute Swans, have a variety of vocal sounds and they don't sing
before they die. The legend was known to be false as early as the days
of ancient Greece, when Pliny the Elder refuted it in Natural History,
AD 77:
"Observation shows that the story that the dying swan sings is false."
Nevertheless, poetic imagery proved to be more attractive than
scientific method and many poets and playwrights made use of the fable
long after Pliny's observations. Chaucer included this line in the
poem Parliament of Fowles:
The Ialous swan, ayens his deth that singeth. [The jealous swan, sings
before his death]
Shakespeare, the Swan of Avon no less, used the image in The Merchant
of Venice, 1596:
Portia: Let music sound while he doth make his choice; then, if he
lose, he makes a swan-like end, fading in music.
The actual term 'swan song', with its current figurative meaning,
doesn't crop up in print until the 18th century. The Scottish cleric
Jon Willison used the expression in one of his Scripture Songs, 1767,
where he refers to "King David's swan-song".
The poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834) turned the phrase on its
head in the poem On a Volunteer Singer:
Swans sing before they die; ’twere no bad thing
Did certain persons die before they sing.
If people ever did believe in the 'singing before death' story, few
would now claim to do so. 'Swan-song' is now used figuratively and
most commonly to refer to celebrated performers embarking on 'farewell
tours' or 'final performances'. Those ironic quote marks were never
more appropriate than in the case of Nellie Melba, whose swan song
consisted of an eight year long string of 'final concerts' between
1920 and 1928. This led to the popular Australian phrase - 'more
farewells than Nellie Melba'.
Hearing.................................
Hearing........................? A Good one to read.
A man feared his wife wasn't hearing as well as she used to and he thought she might need a hearing aid. Not quiet sure how to approach her, he called the family doctor to discuss the problem. The doctor told him there is a simple informal test the husband could perform to give the doctor a better idea about her hearing loss.
'Here's what you do,' said the doctor, 'stand about 40 feet away from her, and in a normal conversational speaking tone see if she hears you. If not go to 30 feet, then 20 feet, and so on until you get a response.'
That evening when the wife was in the kitchen, cooking dinner, he says to himself, 'I'm about 40 feet away, let us see what happens.' Then in a normal tone he asks, 'Honey, what's for dinner?' No response. So the husband moves closer to the kitchen, about 30 feet from his wife and repeats, 'Honey, what's for dinners?' Still, no response. Next he moves into the dining room where he is about 20 feet from his wife and asks, 'Honey, what's for dinner?' Again he gets no response. He walks up to the kitchen door about 10 feet away. 'Honey, what's for dinner?' Again there is no response. So he walks right up behind her..
'Honey, what's for dinner?' 'James, for the FIFTH time I repeat, it's PIZZA!'
Moral: The problem may not be with the other person as we think, it could be very much with us..!
A man feared his wife wasn't hearing as well as she used to and he thought she might need a hearing aid. Not quiet sure how to approach her, he called the family doctor to discuss the problem. The doctor told him there is a simple informal test the husband could perform to give the doctor a better idea about her hearing loss.
'Here's what you do,' said the doctor, 'stand about 40 feet away from her, and in a normal conversational speaking tone see if she hears you. If not go to 30 feet, then 20 feet, and so on until you get a response.'
That evening when the wife was in the kitchen, cooking dinner, he says to himself, 'I'm about 40 feet away, let us see what happens.' Then in a normal tone he asks, 'Honey, what's for dinner?' No response. So the husband moves closer to the kitchen, about 30 feet from his wife and repeats, 'Honey, what's for dinners?' Still, no response. Next he moves into the dining room where he is about 20 feet from his wife and asks, 'Honey, what's for dinner?' Again he gets no response. He walks up to the kitchen door about 10 feet away. 'Honey, what's for dinner?' Again there is no response. So he walks right up behind her..
'Honey, what's for dinner?' 'James, for the FIFTH time I repeat, it's PIZZA!'
Moral: The problem may not be with the other person as we think, it could be very much with us..!
Different perspective..................................
A Different Perspective...................
A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign which said: ' I am blind, please help.' There were only a few coins in the hat.
A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words.
Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy. That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were.
The boy recognised his footsteps and asked, 'Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?
The man said, 'I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a different way.'What he had written was: ' Today is a beautiful day and I cannot see it.'
Do you think the first sign and the second sign were saying the same thing?
Of course both signs told people the boy was blind. But the first sign simply said the boy was blind. The second sign told people they were so lucky that they were not blind. Should we be surprised that the second sign was much more effective?
Moral of the Story: Be thankful for what you have. Be creative. Be innovative. Think differently and positively.
The most beautiful thing is to see a person smiling And even more beautiful is, knowing that you are the reason behind it.............................
&
"You only live once-but if you work and make it to LIVE right, once is enough."
Happy Reading. Keep Smiling.
A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign which said: ' I am blind, please help.' There were only a few coins in the hat.
A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words.
Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy. That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were.
The boy recognised his footsteps and asked, 'Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?
The man said, 'I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a different way.'What he had written was: ' Today is a beautiful day and I cannot see it.'
Do you think the first sign and the second sign were saying the same thing?
Of course both signs told people the boy was blind. But the first sign simply said the boy was blind. The second sign told people they were so lucky that they were not blind. Should we be surprised that the second sign was much more effective?
Moral of the Story: Be thankful for what you have. Be creative. Be innovative. Think differently and positively.
The most beautiful thing is to see a person smiling And even more beautiful is, knowing that you are the reason behind it.............................
&
"You only live once-but if you work and make it to LIVE right, once is enough."
Happy Reading. Keep Smiling.
The mind is complete in the light of awareness................
The Mind Is Complete.................in the light of awareness........if not mend your mind through sadhna.
Should we acquire the ability to identify as the experience instead of the experience, the true and valid nature of awareness and its patterns of movement in the mind become evident. We see the mind as a total manifestation, containing all of the past and future evolutions in the eternal now.
The mind is vast in its combinations of time, space and form. It contains every vibration from subtle to gross. Awareness is free to travel in the mind according to our knowledge, our discipline and our ability to detach from the objects of awareness and see ourselves as the experience of awareness itself. This explains many of the so-called mysteries of life.
There are people with the ability to look back into the past and ahead to the future accurately and in detail. That feat is understood clearly in the light of awareness travelling through the mind. The entire mind exists right now, past and future included. These psychically talented individuals have trained their awareness to flow into areas of the mind that are unavailable to the average person. They go into the mind itself to view these phenomena. Similarly, mind-reading and other mystical wonders are illumined by the knowledge that there is only one mind, and all phases of it are open to the spiritually awakened person.
What we term states of mind are, therefore, areas of distinct vibration. On the Earth we have continents, nations, regions, states and cities. Each is distinct and unique. We have five states of mind:-
1.conscious.
2. subconscious.
3. sub of the subconscious.
4. sub super conscious
and
5. super conscious.
and within each are hundreds and thousands of cities. In the subconscious area, the traveller can encounter fear, hatred, love and good memories. In the conscious mind area he can experience business, human relationships and intellectual, social vibrations. In the super conscious area, there are even more regions, and he comes into visions, light, sound, overwhelming joy and peace.
Should we acquire the ability to identify as the experience instead of the experience, the true and valid nature of awareness and its patterns of movement in the mind become evident. We see the mind as a total manifestation, containing all of the past and future evolutions in the eternal now.
The mind is vast in its combinations of time, space and form. It contains every vibration from subtle to gross. Awareness is free to travel in the mind according to our knowledge, our discipline and our ability to detach from the objects of awareness and see ourselves as the experience of awareness itself. This explains many of the so-called mysteries of life.
There are people with the ability to look back into the past and ahead to the future accurately and in detail. That feat is understood clearly in the light of awareness travelling through the mind. The entire mind exists right now, past and future included. These psychically talented individuals have trained their awareness to flow into areas of the mind that are unavailable to the average person. They go into the mind itself to view these phenomena. Similarly, mind-reading and other mystical wonders are illumined by the knowledge that there is only one mind, and all phases of it are open to the spiritually awakened person.
What we term states of mind are, therefore, areas of distinct vibration. On the Earth we have continents, nations, regions, states and cities. Each is distinct and unique. We have five states of mind:-
1.conscious.
2. subconscious.
3. sub of the subconscious.
4. sub super conscious
and
5. super conscious.
and within each are hundreds and thousands of cities. In the subconscious area, the traveller can encounter fear, hatred, love and good memories. In the conscious mind area he can experience business, human relationships and intellectual, social vibrations. In the super conscious area, there are even more regions, and he comes into visions, light, sound, overwhelming joy and peace.
The purity of Awareness.....................................
The Purity of Awareness....................
To the awakened mystic, there is only one mind. There is no "your mind" and "my mind," just one mind, finished, complete in all stages of manifestation. Man's individual awareness flows through the mind as the traveller treds the globe. Just as the free citizen moves from city to city and country to country, awareness moves through the multitude of forms in the mind.
Before we meditate, we view the cycles of our life and erroneously conclude that the mind changes, that it evolves. We view joy one moment, and despair the next and, because we feel so different in these states, assume we have changed. We grow up and look back on our childhood and again see the appearance of change. Through meditation, however, we observe that we have not changed at all. Awareness becomes our real identity, and it is pure and changeless. It was the same at seven years of age as it is today. It is the same in happiness as it is in sadness. Pure awareness cannot change. It is simply aware.
Therefore, you are right now the totality of yourself. You never were different, and you never will be. You are perfect at this very moment. Change is only a seeming concept created through false identification with the experiences we have in various areas of the one mind.
Everything in the world and everything in the mind is as it should be in a perfect state of evolution. Super consciously, we can clearly see this through the eyes of our soul. When looking at it through the instinctive-intellectual mind, we don't see this perfection. It is as if we have blinders on both sides of our eyes, like a donkey. The carrot of desire dangles right in front of our nose when we are in the instinctive-intellectual mind, and we are going after it, step at a time, step at a time, with our blinders on. We have to go in and in and in and reach an expanded state of awareness and gain that mountaintop consciousness where we perceive that there is no injustice in the world. There is not one wrong thing. All is in perfect order and rhythm in God's cosmic world................................And..................
"If only you learn the art of' INVOLVE', you will learn the science of 'EVOLVE'
To the awakened mystic, there is only one mind. There is no "your mind" and "my mind," just one mind, finished, complete in all stages of manifestation. Man's individual awareness flows through the mind as the traveller treds the globe. Just as the free citizen moves from city to city and country to country, awareness moves through the multitude of forms in the mind.
Before we meditate, we view the cycles of our life and erroneously conclude that the mind changes, that it evolves. We view joy one moment, and despair the next and, because we feel so different in these states, assume we have changed. We grow up and look back on our childhood and again see the appearance of change. Through meditation, however, we observe that we have not changed at all. Awareness becomes our real identity, and it is pure and changeless. It was the same at seven years of age as it is today. It is the same in happiness as it is in sadness. Pure awareness cannot change. It is simply aware.
Therefore, you are right now the totality of yourself. You never were different, and you never will be. You are perfect at this very moment. Change is only a seeming concept created through false identification with the experiences we have in various areas of the one mind.
Everything in the world and everything in the mind is as it should be in a perfect state of evolution. Super consciously, we can clearly see this through the eyes of our soul. When looking at it through the instinctive-intellectual mind, we don't see this perfection. It is as if we have blinders on both sides of our eyes, like a donkey. The carrot of desire dangles right in front of our nose when we are in the instinctive-intellectual mind, and we are going after it, step at a time, step at a time, with our blinders on. We have to go in and in and in and reach an expanded state of awareness and gain that mountaintop consciousness where we perceive that there is no injustice in the world. There is not one wrong thing. All is in perfect order and rhythm in God's cosmic world................................And..................
"If only you learn the art of' INVOLVE', you will learn the science of 'EVOLVE'
Contentment..................................................
Contentment..............The stronger you are in contentment, the greater will be your peace and happiness.
A very Good one to read.
How do we practice contentment? Simply do not harm others by thought, word or deed. As a practitioner of non injury, you can sleep contentedly at night and experience happiness throughout the day. Contentment is a quality that everyone wants, and buys things to obtain-"Oh, if only I had my house redecorated, I would be content." "A new wardrobe would content me, give me joy and serenity." "To be content, I must have a vacation and get away from it all. There I can live the serene life and have joyous experiences."
The righteous way is to look within and bring out the latent contentment that is already there by doing nothing to inhibit its natural expression, as happiness, the mood of the soul, permeates out through every cell of the physical body. Contentment is one of the most difficult qualities to obtain, and is well summed up within our food blessing mantra, from the Shukla Yajur Veda, Isa Upanishad invocation:-
"That is fullness. Creation is fullness. From that fullness flows this world's fullness. This fullness issues from that fullness, yet that fullness remains full."
This joy we seek is the joy of fullness, lacking nothing.
Life is meant to be lived joyously. There is in much of the world the belief that life is a burden, a feeling of penitence, that it is good to suffer, good for the soul. In fact, spiritual life is not that way at all. The existentialist would have you believe that depression, rage, fear and anguish are the foremost qualities of the human temper and expression.
The communists used to have us believe that joy and serenity as the outgrowth of religion are just an opiate of the people, a narcotic of unreality. The Semitic religions of the Near East would have us believe that suffering is good for the soul, and there is not much you can do about it. The Hindu perspective is that contentment is a reflection of centeredness, and discontentment is a reflection of externalised consciousness and ramified desire.
Maintaining joy and serenity in life means being content with your surroundings, be they meagre or lavish. Be content with your money, be it a small amount or a large amount. Be content with your health. Bear up under ailments and be thankful that they are not worse than they are. Protect your health if it is good. It is a valuable treasure. Be content with your friends. Be loyal to those who are your long-time, trusted companions. Basically, contentment, happiness, is freedom from desire gained by redirecting the forces of desire and making a beautiful life within what one already has in life.
The rich seeking more riches are not content. The famous seeking more fame are not content. The learned seeking more knowledge are not content. Being content with what you have does not mean you cannot discriminate and seek to progress in life. It doesn't mean you should not use your willpower and fulfil your plans.
It does mean you should not become upset while you are striving toward your goals, frustrated or unhappy if you do not get what you want. The best striving is to keep pushing along the natural unfoldment of positive trends and events in your life, your family life and your business. Contentment is working within your means with what is available to you, living within your income, being grateful for what you have, and not unhappy over what you lack.
There are many frustrated souls on the path who torment themselves no end and walk around with long faces because they estimate they are not unfolding spiritually fast enough. They have set goals of Self Realisation for themselves far beyond their abilities to immediately obtain. If people say, "I am not going to do anything that will not make me peaceful or that will threaten my peace of mind," how will they get anywhere? That is not the idea of contentment. True contentment is seeing all-pervasiveness of the one divine power everywhere. The light within the eyes of each person is that divine power. With this in mind, you can go anywhere and do anything. Contentment is there, inside you, and needs to be brought out. It is a spiritual power. So, yes, do what makes you content. But know that contentment really transcends worrying about the challenges that face you. contentment is being peaceful in any situation. The stronger you are in contentment, the
greater the challenges you can face and still remain quiet on the inside, peaceful and content, poised like a hummingbird hovering over a flower.
And
"Do things rightfully, gracefully, confidently & articulately- this will gratify many and astonish the rest."
A very Good one to read.
How do we practice contentment? Simply do not harm others by thought, word or deed. As a practitioner of non injury, you can sleep contentedly at night and experience happiness throughout the day. Contentment is a quality that everyone wants, and buys things to obtain-"Oh, if only I had my house redecorated, I would be content." "A new wardrobe would content me, give me joy and serenity." "To be content, I must have a vacation and get away from it all. There I can live the serene life and have joyous experiences."
The righteous way is to look within and bring out the latent contentment that is already there by doing nothing to inhibit its natural expression, as happiness, the mood of the soul, permeates out through every cell of the physical body. Contentment is one of the most difficult qualities to obtain, and is well summed up within our food blessing mantra, from the Shukla Yajur Veda, Isa Upanishad invocation:-
"That is fullness. Creation is fullness. From that fullness flows this world's fullness. This fullness issues from that fullness, yet that fullness remains full."
This joy we seek is the joy of fullness, lacking nothing.
Life is meant to be lived joyously. There is in much of the world the belief that life is a burden, a feeling of penitence, that it is good to suffer, good for the soul. In fact, spiritual life is not that way at all. The existentialist would have you believe that depression, rage, fear and anguish are the foremost qualities of the human temper and expression.
The communists used to have us believe that joy and serenity as the outgrowth of religion are just an opiate of the people, a narcotic of unreality. The Semitic religions of the Near East would have us believe that suffering is good for the soul, and there is not much you can do about it. The Hindu perspective is that contentment is a reflection of centeredness, and discontentment is a reflection of externalised consciousness and ramified desire.
Maintaining joy and serenity in life means being content with your surroundings, be they meagre or lavish. Be content with your money, be it a small amount or a large amount. Be content with your health. Bear up under ailments and be thankful that they are not worse than they are. Protect your health if it is good. It is a valuable treasure. Be content with your friends. Be loyal to those who are your long-time, trusted companions. Basically, contentment, happiness, is freedom from desire gained by redirecting the forces of desire and making a beautiful life within what one already has in life.
The rich seeking more riches are not content. The famous seeking more fame are not content. The learned seeking more knowledge are not content. Being content with what you have does not mean you cannot discriminate and seek to progress in life. It doesn't mean you should not use your willpower and fulfil your plans.
It does mean you should not become upset while you are striving toward your goals, frustrated or unhappy if you do not get what you want. The best striving is to keep pushing along the natural unfoldment of positive trends and events in your life, your family life and your business. Contentment is working within your means with what is available to you, living within your income, being grateful for what you have, and not unhappy over what you lack.
There are many frustrated souls on the path who torment themselves no end and walk around with long faces because they estimate they are not unfolding spiritually fast enough. They have set goals of Self Realisation for themselves far beyond their abilities to immediately obtain. If people say, "I am not going to do anything that will not make me peaceful or that will threaten my peace of mind," how will they get anywhere? That is not the idea of contentment. True contentment is seeing all-pervasiveness of the one divine power everywhere. The light within the eyes of each person is that divine power. With this in mind, you can go anywhere and do anything. Contentment is there, inside you, and needs to be brought out. It is a spiritual power. So, yes, do what makes you content. But know that contentment really transcends worrying about the challenges that face you. contentment is being peaceful in any situation. The stronger you are in contentment, the
greater the challenges you can face and still remain quiet on the inside, peaceful and content, poised like a hummingbird hovering over a flower.
And
"Do things rightfully, gracefully, confidently & articulately- this will gratify many and astonish the rest."
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