Touch The Purpose......................& Feel the result.
In this moment, life is unfolding in a new
and beautiful way.
Can you see it?
In this moment, there is a special goodness.
Can you feel It?
On this day, your dream is speaking to you.
Can you hear it?
Right now, you have something more precious than anything
You can imagine. Right now, you have life and you have the
Opportunity to live it in your own special way.
Let go of the needs you've surrounded yourself with.
And let life's richness fill your awareness.
Taste the beauty, feel the possibilities
and touch the Purpose that lives within.
Find new ways to experience sweet
Fulfillment simply by being you.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Mistakes are mistaken.........................
Mistakes.....are mistaken.....snd do not mis...take.....in (a)miss.
One of the smartest things you can do is to entertain the possibility that you may be mistaken.Because if you are mistaken, and you're able to see it, you have the opportunity for great progress.
There is no dishonor in being mistaken. Yet there is great folly indeed in being so stubborn that you refuse to admit your own mistakes.
Mistakes can be powerful teachers. By knowing first hand what does not work, you gain much greater understanding about what does work, and why.
If you're not willing to accept the possibility of mistakes, you're not going to make much headway. Though there's no need to purposely make mistakes, there's no reason to live in fear of them either.
Even if you are already effective, there likely are ways to be yet more effective. Even if your mistakes are not disastrous, there is still much that you can learn from them.
Embrace the fact that somehow, concerning something, you're probably mistaken. And in your mistakes, find the wisdom that will take your performance to an even higher level.
One of the smartest things you can do is to entertain the possibility that you may be mistaken.Because if you are mistaken, and you're able to see it, you have the opportunity for great progress.
There is no dishonor in being mistaken. Yet there is great folly indeed in being so stubborn that you refuse to admit your own mistakes.
Mistakes can be powerful teachers. By knowing first hand what does not work, you gain much greater understanding about what does work, and why.
If you're not willing to accept the possibility of mistakes, you're not going to make much headway. Though there's no need to purposely make mistakes, there's no reason to live in fear of them either.
Even if you are already effective, there likely are ways to be yet more effective. Even if your mistakes are not disastrous, there is still much that you can learn from them.
Embrace the fact that somehow, concerning something, you're probably mistaken. And in your mistakes, find the wisdom that will take your performance to an even higher level.
Effective cold prevention strategies..................
Effective cold prevention strategies.................
1. Wash your hands - The world we live in is filled with viruses and bacteria that can make us ill. Your hands are no exceptions. Wash your hands often to keep them clean. If you cannot wash them, at least use some hand sanitizer, such as Purel.
2. Drink hot fluids, especially in the morning - The rhinovirus incubates in the back of the throat and spreads in the upper respiratory area because it's cooler than the body temperature. Rhinovirus can't survive at 98.6 (hence it doesn't travel far down into the bronchi or the lungs). By drinking hot fluid (such as hot tea and lemon) you can prevent the virus from incubating.
3. Keep your hands out of your face - We have already discussed the germs and viruses on your hands. You cannot wash them continuously, so in between washings keep your hands out of your face. Your face is an open portal to your insides. Keep the germs away from your portal.
4. Drink water - Drinking more water is my answer to everything. Water will help clean out your body and keep it clean. It will also keep your body functioning at 100%. You should drink at least (eight) 8oz glasses of water everyday. This will also help you lose weight.
5. Eat your fruits and vegetables - There are phytochemicals and antioxidants in fruits and vegetables that can help strengthen your immune system and prevent diseases. You should eat at least four servings of vegetables and two servings of fruits every day.
6. Multivitamins - If you are not eating all of your fruit and vegetable servings, you should take a multivitamin to ensure you are getting all of the vitamins your body needs to function properly. Take a simple one-a-day multivitamin everyday.
7. Stay warm - Being cold weakens your immune system and makes your body more susceptible to illness. Look at the day's temperature at weather.com before leaving your home. Wear layers in and out of your home when it is cold.
8. Relax and rest - Stress weakens your immune system. You can reduce your stress levels by relaxing and getting more sleep. Sleep is essential to maintaining a healthy immune system. Sleep will also boost your recovery time if you become ill.
Getting a cold can derail your nutrition and activity plans. However, if you follow the strategies I laid out for you, you can prevent this from happening.
1. Wash your hands - The world we live in is filled with viruses and bacteria that can make us ill. Your hands are no exceptions. Wash your hands often to keep them clean. If you cannot wash them, at least use some hand sanitizer, such as Purel.
2. Drink hot fluids, especially in the morning - The rhinovirus incubates in the back of the throat and spreads in the upper respiratory area because it's cooler than the body temperature. Rhinovirus can't survive at 98.6 (hence it doesn't travel far down into the bronchi or the lungs). By drinking hot fluid (such as hot tea and lemon) you can prevent the virus from incubating.
3. Keep your hands out of your face - We have already discussed the germs and viruses on your hands. You cannot wash them continuously, so in between washings keep your hands out of your face. Your face is an open portal to your insides. Keep the germs away from your portal.
4. Drink water - Drinking more water is my answer to everything. Water will help clean out your body and keep it clean. It will also keep your body functioning at 100%. You should drink at least (eight) 8oz glasses of water everyday. This will also help you lose weight.
5. Eat your fruits and vegetables - There are phytochemicals and antioxidants in fruits and vegetables that can help strengthen your immune system and prevent diseases. You should eat at least four servings of vegetables and two servings of fruits every day.
6. Multivitamins - If you are not eating all of your fruit and vegetable servings, you should take a multivitamin to ensure you are getting all of the vitamins your body needs to function properly. Take a simple one-a-day multivitamin everyday.
7. Stay warm - Being cold weakens your immune system and makes your body more susceptible to illness. Look at the day's temperature at weather.com before leaving your home. Wear layers in and out of your home when it is cold.
8. Relax and rest - Stress weakens your immune system. You can reduce your stress levels by relaxing and getting more sleep. Sleep is essential to maintaining a healthy immune system. Sleep will also boost your recovery time if you become ill.
Getting a cold can derail your nutrition and activity plans. However, if you follow the strategies I laid out for you, you can prevent this from happening.
Awareness finds a New Home............................
Awareness Finds A New Home...........................
Needless to say, the Self does not mean the realization of your personality. Some people think that this is what Self Realization means. "I want Self Realization," they say, thinking all the time it means, "I want to realize that I am an individual and not dependent upon my parents. I want Self Realization." Other people feel it means, "I want to realize my artistic abilities and be able to create." It does not mean that at all. All this is of external consciousness, the intellectual area of the mind. It is a lesser form of self realization. Self Realization is finding That which is beyond even superconsciousness itself, beyond the mind--timeless, causeless, spaceless.
After Self Realization, awareness has a new home. It does not relate to the external mind anymore in the same way. It relates to the Self God, as home base and flows out into the various layers of the mind, and in again. Before Self Realization, awareness was in the external mind trying to penetrate the inner depths. Then it would return to the external mind and again try to penetrate the within through the processes of meditation. After Self Realization, the whole process of the flow of awareness is reversed.
Mind and consciousness are synonymous. Awareness is man's individual spiritual being, the pure intelligence of his spiritual body, flowing through this vast universe of the mind. We want to be able to flow awareness through any area of the mind consciously, at will, as we go in and in and in toward our great realization of the Self God, which is beyond mind, beyond time, beyond consciousness, beyond all form. Yet, it is not an unconscious state. It is the essence of all being, the power which makes the electricity that flows through the wire that lights the light that illumines the room. When we sit, simply being aware of being aware, the currents of the body harmonized, the aura turns to streaks of light dashing out into the room, and we are sitting in our own perfect bliss, simply aware, intensely aware, of being aware. Awareness itself then turns in on itself enough to experience, to become, the Self God--That which everyone is seeking.
That is the sum total of the path. That is the path that you are on. That is the experience that if you keep striving you will have in this life, even if it is at the point of death. It is then you will reincarnate as a great teacher on the planet and help many others through to the same goal. For there is no death and there is no birth for the immortal body of the soul that you are, that pure intelligence that goes on and on and on and on and on and on. So go in and in and in and in and in and in. Arrive at the ultimate goal. Make it your journey, your quest. Want it more than life itself.
Generally our greatest fear is death. Why? Because it is the most dramatic experience we have ever had in any one lifetime. Therefore we fear it. We are in awe of death. It is so dramatic that we do not remember really what happened during part of the experience, though occasionally some people do. However, the body of the soul knows no birth, knows no death. It goes on and on and on, and its awareness goes in and in and in to its ultimate goal--awareness of itself turned so much in on itself that it dissolves in the very essence of Being, as it merges in Supreme. You cannot say anything more about the Self, because to describe the Self adequately there are no words. It is beyond time, form, cause, mind. And words only describe time, cause and mind consciousness, which is form. You have to experience It to know It. And by experiencing It, you do know It.
Needless to say, the Self does not mean the realization of your personality. Some people think that this is what Self Realization means. "I want Self Realization," they say, thinking all the time it means, "I want to realize that I am an individual and not dependent upon my parents. I want Self Realization." Other people feel it means, "I want to realize my artistic abilities and be able to create." It does not mean that at all. All this is of external consciousness, the intellectual area of the mind. It is a lesser form of self realization. Self Realization is finding That which is beyond even superconsciousness itself, beyond the mind--timeless, causeless, spaceless.
After Self Realization, awareness has a new home. It does not relate to the external mind anymore in the same way. It relates to the Self God, as home base and flows out into the various layers of the mind, and in again. Before Self Realization, awareness was in the external mind trying to penetrate the inner depths. Then it would return to the external mind and again try to penetrate the within through the processes of meditation. After Self Realization, the whole process of the flow of awareness is reversed.
Mind and consciousness are synonymous. Awareness is man's individual spiritual being, the pure intelligence of his spiritual body, flowing through this vast universe of the mind. We want to be able to flow awareness through any area of the mind consciously, at will, as we go in and in and in toward our great realization of the Self God, which is beyond mind, beyond time, beyond consciousness, beyond all form. Yet, it is not an unconscious state. It is the essence of all being, the power which makes the electricity that flows through the wire that lights the light that illumines the room. When we sit, simply being aware of being aware, the currents of the body harmonized, the aura turns to streaks of light dashing out into the room, and we are sitting in our own perfect bliss, simply aware, intensely aware, of being aware. Awareness itself then turns in on itself enough to experience, to become, the Self God--That which everyone is seeking.
That is the sum total of the path. That is the path that you are on. That is the experience that if you keep striving you will have in this life, even if it is at the point of death. It is then you will reincarnate as a great teacher on the planet and help many others through to the same goal. For there is no death and there is no birth for the immortal body of the soul that you are, that pure intelligence that goes on and on and on and on and on and on. So go in and in and in and in and in and in. Arrive at the ultimate goal. Make it your journey, your quest. Want it more than life itself.
Generally our greatest fear is death. Why? Because it is the most dramatic experience we have ever had in any one lifetime. Therefore we fear it. We are in awe of death. It is so dramatic that we do not remember really what happened during part of the experience, though occasionally some people do. However, the body of the soul knows no birth, knows no death. It goes on and on and on, and its awareness goes in and in and in to its ultimate goal--awareness of itself turned so much in on itself that it dissolves in the very essence of Being, as it merges in Supreme. You cannot say anything more about the Self, because to describe the Self adequately there are no words. It is beyond time, form, cause, mind. And words only describe time, cause and mind consciousness, which is form. You have to experience It to know It. And by experiencing It, you do know It.
Everything Happens for Good.....................
Everything happens for the good........................
There was once a King who had a wise advisor. The advisor followed the King everywhere, and his favorite advice was, "Everything happens for the good". One day the King went hunting and had a little accident. He shot an arrow at his own foot and was injured. He asked the advisor what he thought about the accident, to which the advisor replied, "Everything happens for the good". This time the King was really upset and ordered for his advisor to be put in prison. The King asked his advisor, "Now, what do you think?" The advisor again replied, "Everything happens for the good". So the advisor remained in prison.
The King later went on a hunting trip, this time without the advisor. The King was then captured by some cannibals. He was taken to the cannibals' camp where he was to be the evening meal for the cannibals. Before putting him into the cooking pot he was thoroughly inspected. The cannibals saw the wound on the King's foot and decided to throw him back into the jungle. According to the cannibals' tradition, they would not eat anything that was imperfect. As a result the King was spared. The King suddenly realized what his advisor said was true. The advisor also escaped death because had he not been in prison, he would have followed the King on the hunting trip, and would have ended up in the cooking pot.
Success Principles
It is true that everything in life happens for a purpose, and always for our own good. If you think about it, all our past experiences actually happened to bring us to where we are today, and it is always for the good. All the past experiences makes us a better person. So, whatever challenges that we may face today, consider it happening to bring us to the next level.......................And always remember...........................
EXPERIENCE IS THE BEST TEACHER.
There was once a King who had a wise advisor. The advisor followed the King everywhere, and his favorite advice was, "Everything happens for the good". One day the King went hunting and had a little accident. He shot an arrow at his own foot and was injured. He asked the advisor what he thought about the accident, to which the advisor replied, "Everything happens for the good". This time the King was really upset and ordered for his advisor to be put in prison. The King asked his advisor, "Now, what do you think?" The advisor again replied, "Everything happens for the good". So the advisor remained in prison.
The King later went on a hunting trip, this time without the advisor. The King was then captured by some cannibals. He was taken to the cannibals' camp where he was to be the evening meal for the cannibals. Before putting him into the cooking pot he was thoroughly inspected. The cannibals saw the wound on the King's foot and decided to throw him back into the jungle. According to the cannibals' tradition, they would not eat anything that was imperfect. As a result the King was spared. The King suddenly realized what his advisor said was true. The advisor also escaped death because had he not been in prison, he would have followed the King on the hunting trip, and would have ended up in the cooking pot.
Success Principles
It is true that everything in life happens for a purpose, and always for our own good. If you think about it, all our past experiences actually happened to bring us to where we are today, and it is always for the good. All the past experiences makes us a better person. So, whatever challenges that we may face today, consider it happening to bring us to the next level.......................And always remember...........................
EXPERIENCE IS THE BEST TEACHER.
India CA..............Simply Superb..............Read
Subject: INDIAN CA (Chartered Accountant)...............Simply Superb
THIS IS NOT A STORY BUT A TRUE INCIDENT...............................
An Indian CA walks into a bank in New York City and asks for the loan officer.
He tells the loan officer that he is going to India on business for two weeks and needs to borrow $5,000.
The bank officer tells him that the bank will need some form of security for the loan, so the Indian CA hands over the keys and documents of the new Ferrari parked on the street in front of the bank. He produces the title and everything checks out. The loan officer agrees to accept the car as collateral for the loan.
The bank's president and its officers all enjoy a good laugh at the Indian for using a $250,000 Ferrari as collateral against a $5,000 loan. An employee of the bank then drives the Ferrari into the bank's underground garage and parks it there. Two weeks later, the Indian returns, repays the $5,000 and the interest, which comes to $15.41.
The loan officer says, "Sir, we are very happy to have had your business, and this transaction has worked out very nicely, but we are a little puzzled. While you were away, we checked you out and found that you are a multi millionaire. What puzzles us is, why would you bother to borrow "$5,000" ?
The Indian replies:........................
"Where else in New York City can I park my car for two weeks for only $15.41 and expect it to be there when I return'"
India is shining with Brilliant Indians.
THIS IS NOT A STORY BUT A TRUE INCIDENT...............................
An Indian CA walks into a bank in New York City and asks for the loan officer.
He tells the loan officer that he is going to India on business for two weeks and needs to borrow $5,000.
The bank officer tells him that the bank will need some form of security for the loan, so the Indian CA hands over the keys and documents of the new Ferrari parked on the street in front of the bank. He produces the title and everything checks out. The loan officer agrees to accept the car as collateral for the loan.
The bank's president and its officers all enjoy a good laugh at the Indian for using a $250,000 Ferrari as collateral against a $5,000 loan. An employee of the bank then drives the Ferrari into the bank's underground garage and parks it there. Two weeks later, the Indian returns, repays the $5,000 and the interest, which comes to $15.41.
The loan officer says, "Sir, we are very happy to have had your business, and this transaction has worked out very nicely, but we are a little puzzled. While you were away, we checked you out and found that you are a multi millionaire. What puzzles us is, why would you bother to borrow "$5,000" ?
The Indian replies:........................
"Where else in New York City can I park my car for two weeks for only $15.41 and expect it to be there when I return'"
India is shining with Brilliant Indians.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Will Power is the Fuel..............................
Will power Is the Fuel....................................
We need a tremendous, indomitable will to make a reality of our quest of realising the Being within. Unfoldment doesn't take a lot of time. It just takes a lot of willpower. Someone can go along and sit at attention, and concentrate and meditate for years and years and years and, with a minimal amount of willpower, constantly be distracted, constantly be complaining and constantly be unsuccessful. Another person can have the exact same approach and over a short period of time be extremely successful, because he has will. The previous way he lived his life, the previous things that he did, he handled in such a way that that willpower was there, or his awareness is a manifestation of willpower, and he goes soaring within on this will.
Will is the fuel which carries awareness through all areas of the mind, that spirit, that spiritual quality, which makes all inner goals a reality. Unfoldment does not take time. It takes a tremendous will. That will has to be cultivated, just as we would cultivate a garden. It has to be cultivated. Those energies have to all be flowing through, in a sense, one channel, so that everything that we do is satisfying, is complete, beautiful.
Discover the will. Back to the spine. Feel the energy in the spine. There is no lack of it, is there? The more we use of it, the more we have to use of it. It is tuned right into the central source. When we become aware of the energy within our spine and within our head, we have separated awareness from that which it is aware of, for that is awareness itself, and that is will. We are playing with words a little. After a while we will gain a new vocabulary for this kind of talk, but right now we are using our old-words' way of looking at it, because our subconscious mind is more familiar with these words. Energy, awareness and willpower are one and the same. When we are subconsciously conscious that we are a super conscious being, and the subconscious mind has accepted the new programming that energy, willpower and awareness are one and the same thing, when the subconscious mind has accepted the fact that the mind was all finished long ago in all its
phases of manifestation, from the refined to the gross,then the subconscious begins working as a pure channel, so to speak, for super consciousness. Awareness can then flow in a very positive, in a very direct, way.
We want awareness to be renewed. The first step is don't try to go to the Self; we haven't realised it yet, go to the spine. Feel the spine. After you realise the Self, you go deeper than the spine, you go into the Self and come back. Before you realise the Self and have that samadhi--attention, concentration. Concentrate on the energy within the spine. Go in. Awareness, energy and will are all one. Come slowly out again and you have all the willpower you need to finish any job that you've ever started, to make decisions, to do and handle your external life in a very positive way, so that it does not capture awareness and hold it steadfast for a period of time, deterring you on the path of enlightenment.
Source..............Internet (spiritual)
We need a tremendous, indomitable will to make a reality of our quest of realising the Being within. Unfoldment doesn't take a lot of time. It just takes a lot of willpower. Someone can go along and sit at attention, and concentrate and meditate for years and years and years and, with a minimal amount of willpower, constantly be distracted, constantly be complaining and constantly be unsuccessful. Another person can have the exact same approach and over a short period of time be extremely successful, because he has will. The previous way he lived his life, the previous things that he did, he handled in such a way that that willpower was there, or his awareness is a manifestation of willpower, and he goes soaring within on this will.
Will is the fuel which carries awareness through all areas of the mind, that spirit, that spiritual quality, which makes all inner goals a reality. Unfoldment does not take time. It takes a tremendous will. That will has to be cultivated, just as we would cultivate a garden. It has to be cultivated. Those energies have to all be flowing through, in a sense, one channel, so that everything that we do is satisfying, is complete, beautiful.
Discover the will. Back to the spine. Feel the energy in the spine. There is no lack of it, is there? The more we use of it, the more we have to use of it. It is tuned right into the central source. When we become aware of the energy within our spine and within our head, we have separated awareness from that which it is aware of, for that is awareness itself, and that is will. We are playing with words a little. After a while we will gain a new vocabulary for this kind of talk, but right now we are using our old-words' way of looking at it, because our subconscious mind is more familiar with these words. Energy, awareness and willpower are one and the same. When we are subconsciously conscious that we are a super conscious being, and the subconscious mind has accepted the new programming that energy, willpower and awareness are one and the same thing, when the subconscious mind has accepted the fact that the mind was all finished long ago in all its
phases of manifestation, from the refined to the gross,then the subconscious begins working as a pure channel, so to speak, for super consciousness. Awareness can then flow in a very positive, in a very direct, way.
We want awareness to be renewed. The first step is don't try to go to the Self; we haven't realised it yet, go to the spine. Feel the spine. After you realise the Self, you go deeper than the spine, you go into the Self and come back. Before you realise the Self and have that samadhi--attention, concentration. Concentrate on the energy within the spine. Go in. Awareness, energy and will are all one. Come slowly out again and you have all the willpower you need to finish any job that you've ever started, to make decisions, to do and handle your external life in a very positive way, so that it does not capture awareness and hold it steadfast for a period of time, deterring you on the path of enlightenment.
Source..............Internet (spiritual)
Role of Silence.......................
ROLE OF SILENCE......................................
All aspirants or followers are required to keep silence during
recitation of mantra. the foundation of mantra is complete serene
silence. This is the way to increase Tejas This is the real silence
which will help the aspirant to seek desired goals of mantra
recitation.
In this way we shift the focus of the mind to mantra,rathr
than thinking about problems and plans. Mantra is a form of
concentrated speech which functions well in serenity of atmosphere and
complete silence while recitation of mantras of our choice
There are two ways to practice silence One is through absence of
thought The other is through the fullness of thought. The second one
is productive of great strength. When we try to empty the mind there
is danger of its falling into a dull negative state which opens it to
many possible weakening influences This is the origin of mental
depression, melancholia and those forms of insanity which are due to
obsession “ ( Reference in ‘Silence As Yoga ‘ by Swami Paramananda in
Page 52 ).
The glimpse of the thundering silence beyond the dualistic spheres of
the ego fills one’s life with a heavenly joy, peace and inspiration
This perception of profound silence within oneself is the most
effective method of thought culture “ ( Reference in ‘Yoga Quotations
‘ by Swami Jyotiramayananda page 201 ).
We ought to understand this danger while observing silence in our
practice.Togethere is an immense importance to the Theory of Silence
under Christian faith. Even under other faiths great stress is laid on
the complete silence and stilliness of body and mind under most of the
faiths. In the process of meditation practices. “ In our time there
are writers—from Thomas Merton and Agnes Sanford to Dag Hammarskjold –
who put the same emphasis on silence. Merton speaks of silence as
necessary to contemplation while in “ Marking.Hammarskjold tells how
his times of inner quiet made it possible for him to endure the
constant turmoil of political conflicts in the united nations.
In sealed Orders, Agnes Sanford recounts how necessary her daily times of
quiet and silence have been in making her Ministry of Healing an
effective One “ ( Reference in “ The Other Side Of Silence By Morton
Kelsey Page 124 )
Great stress is laid on the system of silence as a way to adopt
meditation practices. There is welknown system recommended by Gnostics
who strongly advocated the complete silence as a way to meditation.
Gnostics believed- in the power of silence.
Mostly every faith, emphasizes on the importance of deep silence,
stillness and serenity of the mind .In this connection Mr. Goenka a
Buddhist expert on “ Yoga placed great stress on silence, stillness
and serenity of the mind. “ No one in eastern religions doubts the
value of asilence.the practice being alone in stillness is certainly
central in Hindu religion. Yoga and also various forms of Buddhist
meditation begin and end in silence. Throughout Zen the value of
stillness is emphasized the goal of “ Satori “ is to reach this
position.
There is a stung tradition in Chinese religious thought that, the way
of coming into harmony with Tao,is the ultimate principle of reality,
is by stilling the inner confusion so that one comes to peace and
harmony within. Almost the same approach is found in certain sects of
Islamic religion “ ( Reference in “ The other side of Silence A Guide
to Christian Meditation “ By Morton T Kelsey Page 94 ) detachment is
attached to the process of silence.
Even in Jewish literature we notice that Torah was written or revealed
in the quiet place of desert .
There are ten ways to silence the mind and make it peaceful
1.It can made quiet by obtaining knowledge thus by removing ignorance
of one’s self
2.The thoughts of the mind be reconsidered and real action be initiated by oneself Thus The decision of the mind is avoided.
3.Avoid the pleasures and enjoyments of materialistic life by
controlling one’s senses
4 Avoid ( reconditioned ) the vices of mind with a view to be with the Brahman( cosmos
5.Don’t be egoist in the dealings of life by differentiating affiliation and evilness .
6.Have a good company by avoiding bad company during day-to-day dealings
7 Don’t keep Innless in everyday action or work do not have egoism in life
8.Have Vairaigy9a in all ways of life by avoiding all pleasures of life.
9.By adopting all principles stated above the aspirant reaches the stage of Samadhi in meditation practice This takes us to spiritual development by consciousness
10Samadhi means ‘Pragna “ ( Wisdom) Samadhimeans permanent satisfaction in life It is stage of desirelessness ( no mind )
I send this short notes on 'Silence ( Maun ) BUT SILENCE PLAYS AN
IMPORTANT ROLE IN HUMAN HEALTH AND HAPPINESS.BY KEEPING SILENCE FOR A
DAY I COULD CONTROL MY HEALTH AND CAME OUT OF MY COLD IN CHICAGO AREA
Courtsey.............SHANKERPRASAD S BHATT
All aspirants or followers are required to keep silence during
recitation of mantra. the foundation of mantra is complete serene
silence. This is the way to increase Tejas This is the real silence
which will help the aspirant to seek desired goals of mantra
recitation.
In this way we shift the focus of the mind to mantra,rathr
than thinking about problems and plans. Mantra is a form of
concentrated speech which functions well in serenity of atmosphere and
complete silence while recitation of mantras of our choice
There are two ways to practice silence One is through absence of
thought The other is through the fullness of thought. The second one
is productive of great strength. When we try to empty the mind there
is danger of its falling into a dull negative state which opens it to
many possible weakening influences This is the origin of mental
depression, melancholia and those forms of insanity which are due to
obsession “ ( Reference in ‘Silence As Yoga ‘ by Swami Paramananda in
Page 52 ).
The glimpse of the thundering silence beyond the dualistic spheres of
the ego fills one’s life with a heavenly joy, peace and inspiration
This perception of profound silence within oneself is the most
effective method of thought culture “ ( Reference in ‘Yoga Quotations
‘ by Swami Jyotiramayananda page 201 ).
We ought to understand this danger while observing silence in our
practice.Togethere is an immense importance to the Theory of Silence
under Christian faith. Even under other faiths great stress is laid on
the complete silence and stilliness of body and mind under most of the
faiths. In the process of meditation practices. “ In our time there
are writers—from Thomas Merton and Agnes Sanford to Dag Hammarskjold –
who put the same emphasis on silence. Merton speaks of silence as
necessary to contemplation while in “ Marking.Hammarskjold tells how
his times of inner quiet made it possible for him to endure the
constant turmoil of political conflicts in the united nations.
In sealed Orders, Agnes Sanford recounts how necessary her daily times of
quiet and silence have been in making her Ministry of Healing an
effective One “ ( Reference in “ The Other Side Of Silence By Morton
Kelsey Page 124 )
Great stress is laid on the system of silence as a way to adopt
meditation practices. There is welknown system recommended by Gnostics
who strongly advocated the complete silence as a way to meditation.
Gnostics believed- in the power of silence.
Mostly every faith, emphasizes on the importance of deep silence,
stillness and serenity of the mind .In this connection Mr. Goenka a
Buddhist expert on “ Yoga placed great stress on silence, stillness
and serenity of the mind. “ No one in eastern religions doubts the
value of asilence.the practice being alone in stillness is certainly
central in Hindu religion. Yoga and also various forms of Buddhist
meditation begin and end in silence. Throughout Zen the value of
stillness is emphasized the goal of “ Satori “ is to reach this
position.
There is a stung tradition in Chinese religious thought that, the way
of coming into harmony with Tao,is the ultimate principle of reality,
is by stilling the inner confusion so that one comes to peace and
harmony within. Almost the same approach is found in certain sects of
Islamic religion “ ( Reference in “ The other side of Silence A Guide
to Christian Meditation “ By Morton T Kelsey Page 94 ) detachment is
attached to the process of silence.
Even in Jewish literature we notice that Torah was written or revealed
in the quiet place of desert .
There are ten ways to silence the mind and make it peaceful
1.It can made quiet by obtaining knowledge thus by removing ignorance
of one’s self
2.The thoughts of the mind be reconsidered and real action be initiated by oneself Thus The decision of the mind is avoided.
3.Avoid the pleasures and enjoyments of materialistic life by
controlling one’s senses
4 Avoid ( reconditioned ) the vices of mind with a view to be with the Brahman( cosmos
5.Don’t be egoist in the dealings of life by differentiating affiliation and evilness .
6.Have a good company by avoiding bad company during day-to-day dealings
7 Don’t keep Innless in everyday action or work do not have egoism in life
8.Have Vairaigy9a in all ways of life by avoiding all pleasures of life.
9.By adopting all principles stated above the aspirant reaches the stage of Samadhi in meditation practice This takes us to spiritual development by consciousness
10Samadhi means ‘Pragna “ ( Wisdom) Samadhimeans permanent satisfaction in life It is stage of desirelessness ( no mind )
I send this short notes on 'Silence ( Maun ) BUT SILENCE PLAYS AN
IMPORTANT ROLE IN HUMAN HEALTH AND HAPPINESS.BY KEEPING SILENCE FOR A
DAY I COULD CONTROL MY HEALTH AND CAME OUT OF MY COLD IN CHICAGO AREA
Courtsey.............SHANKERPRASAD S BHATT
To read Purushasuktham................
To read Purushasuktham..............................
If you analyse "Purusha Suktham", every individual has all the four qualities. During some phases or circumstances in life, these qualities rule the individual's thoughts, words and deeds/actions. One can never be of a particular varna dominated individual throughout, because due to the lessons learnt from different experiences in life, ones intelligence gets refined and adapts to a better and more matured quality, which means that a person who has shudra as the dominating quality slowly/steadily and eventually gets evolved to Vyasya dominated thoughts/words/ actions. Likewise, vyasya quality dominated individuals keep on improving gradually kshathriya and brahmana dominated thoughts/words/ actions, thus finally getting out of the clutches of these qualities, which is the plane from which Lord Krishna acted always.
These varnams have been created by Lord Krishna, but he has not forcibly put any individual into any of the varnams. Dont blame Lord Krishna for every mistake committred by man due to his SELF-EGO propelled and created systems that we are going through now.
Please read Bhagavad Gita and its authoritative illustrations from true ACHAARYAAS, such as Aadi Shankaraacharya, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Chinmayananda Swami, etc. (not from the indologists or the "Accented Angrezi speaking-writing Deshi Babus during the last over 250years who made them for pleasing the europeans-british" ) atleast 10 times and start contemplating on each sloka as you read. Take your time and relate them to your actual life experiences. Better yet, (become an Arjuna and) surrender your SELF (ego) at the feet of Lord Krishna and plead Him to grace the true meanings of His Discourses given 5000 years ago in Kurukshethra battle field. You will be blessed with TRUE, UNTAINTED, UNBIASED TOTAL KNOWLEDGE that is Bhagavad Gita.
Bhagavad Gita is VEDA SAARARTHA SAMGRAHA MOORTHAM, the essence of all Vedic Scriptures, Upanishads and all other authoritative Literatures such as Brahma Suthra, etc.You need not practise any VARNASHRAMA DHARMA. No one is practising any varna dharma here. One acts according to the predominance of either of the qualities in an individual. Some have a feeling of responsibility to protect the society who become soldiers and leaders. Some have the quality of serving the society at any level, such as those in health care, manual labor, etc. who have shudra varnam as predominant quality. Teachers who love teaching and takes care of the students' improvements is a brahmana quality-dominated individual. Those who are in the manufacturing / farming sectors are (The discontentment in the minds of those who are engaged in different segments of activity / yajna is because of the lack of that varna / quality in that individual by which one is wrongly placed in
that activity.)
Once you understand the true gist of what Lord Krishna said, you will realise that you are only a tool through which He functions for your own benefits every second. That you are not the actor but action takes place through you. (Just listen when Lord Krishna tells Arjuna, that "the fate of these people are already sealed and you just kill their dead bodies only. If you read Bhagavatham, Bheeshma Pithamaha's Mukthi time, how Bheeshma Pithamaha saw through when Lord Krishna was overlooking the entire army which was an act of giving liberation to all those warring souls.)
Immerse yourself in the ocean of bliss of "Bhagavad Githa and Bhagavatham" .... There are interpolated books which have been produced by sanskritham scholars to please their muslim / british masters. You can easily deduce when you come across verses which do not suit vedic wisdom. "Brahmam Sathya, Jagat Mithya" is the only TRUTH THAT EXISTS IN AND AS THIS UNIVERSE of which we are partial expressions of THAT INFINITELY VAST BRAHMAM. When you realise this TRUTH, all the conflicts in you and with other parts of this creation gets dissolved. You become peaceful and harmonious start FLOWING WITH THE CURRENT OF EVER-EXISTING ATHMA, which is the AMR'THATHVAM AND THE SAT-CHIT-ANANDA resulting from that becoming AMAR that our great Maharishis have tried to explain to us through thousands and thousands of vedic scriptures and literatures.
We all know that the varnashrama is based on guna and not on jati as being practised in India.
But how could that varnshrama as exhorted to by lord Krisha in Bhagavadgeetha etc be practiced if it is not by jati. who is to say that because you have this guna you belong to this category or is it simly that one takes to that profession for which one has a liking and that itself is 'varnashrama' ?
Source..................Internet(spiritual)
If you analyse "Purusha Suktham", every individual has all the four qualities. During some phases or circumstances in life, these qualities rule the individual's thoughts, words and deeds/actions. One can never be of a particular varna dominated individual throughout, because due to the lessons learnt from different experiences in life, ones intelligence gets refined and adapts to a better and more matured quality, which means that a person who has shudra as the dominating quality slowly/steadily and eventually gets evolved to Vyasya dominated thoughts/words/ actions. Likewise, vyasya quality dominated individuals keep on improving gradually kshathriya and brahmana dominated thoughts/words/ actions, thus finally getting out of the clutches of these qualities, which is the plane from which Lord Krishna acted always.
These varnams have been created by Lord Krishna, but he has not forcibly put any individual into any of the varnams. Dont blame Lord Krishna for every mistake committred by man due to his SELF-EGO propelled and created systems that we are going through now.
Please read Bhagavad Gita and its authoritative illustrations from true ACHAARYAAS, such as Aadi Shankaraacharya, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Chinmayananda Swami, etc. (not from the indologists or the "Accented Angrezi speaking-writing Deshi Babus during the last over 250years who made them for pleasing the europeans-british" ) atleast 10 times and start contemplating on each sloka as you read. Take your time and relate them to your actual life experiences. Better yet, (become an Arjuna and) surrender your SELF (ego) at the feet of Lord Krishna and plead Him to grace the true meanings of His Discourses given 5000 years ago in Kurukshethra battle field. You will be blessed with TRUE, UNTAINTED, UNBIASED TOTAL KNOWLEDGE that is Bhagavad Gita.
Bhagavad Gita is VEDA SAARARTHA SAMGRAHA MOORTHAM, the essence of all Vedic Scriptures, Upanishads and all other authoritative Literatures such as Brahma Suthra, etc.You need not practise any VARNASHRAMA DHARMA. No one is practising any varna dharma here. One acts according to the predominance of either of the qualities in an individual. Some have a feeling of responsibility to protect the society who become soldiers and leaders. Some have the quality of serving the society at any level, such as those in health care, manual labor, etc. who have shudra varnam as predominant quality. Teachers who love teaching and takes care of the students' improvements is a brahmana quality-dominated individual. Those who are in the manufacturing / farming sectors are (The discontentment in the minds of those who are engaged in different segments of activity / yajna is because of the lack of that varna / quality in that individual by which one is wrongly placed in
that activity.)
Once you understand the true gist of what Lord Krishna said, you will realise that you are only a tool through which He functions for your own benefits every second. That you are not the actor but action takes place through you. (Just listen when Lord Krishna tells Arjuna, that "the fate of these people are already sealed and you just kill their dead bodies only. If you read Bhagavatham, Bheeshma Pithamaha's Mukthi time, how Bheeshma Pithamaha saw through when Lord Krishna was overlooking the entire army which was an act of giving liberation to all those warring souls.)
Immerse yourself in the ocean of bliss of "Bhagavad Githa and Bhagavatham" .... There are interpolated books which have been produced by sanskritham scholars to please their muslim / british masters. You can easily deduce when you come across verses which do not suit vedic wisdom. "Brahmam Sathya, Jagat Mithya" is the only TRUTH THAT EXISTS IN AND AS THIS UNIVERSE of which we are partial expressions of THAT INFINITELY VAST BRAHMAM. When you realise this TRUTH, all the conflicts in you and with other parts of this creation gets dissolved. You become peaceful and harmonious start FLOWING WITH THE CURRENT OF EVER-EXISTING ATHMA, which is the AMR'THATHVAM AND THE SAT-CHIT-ANANDA resulting from that becoming AMAR that our great Maharishis have tried to explain to us through thousands and thousands of vedic scriptures and literatures.
We all know that the varnashrama is based on guna and not on jati as being practised in India.
But how could that varnshrama as exhorted to by lord Krisha in Bhagavadgeetha etc be practiced if it is not by jati. who is to say that because you have this guna you belong to this category or is it simly that one takes to that profession for which one has a liking and that itself is 'varnashrama' ?
Source..................Internet(spiritual)
Narayana Suktha.................Brief introduction
By way of a brief introduction :....................
The Narayana Suktam unfortunately is not as well documented or as well
criticalklytranslated as the Purusha Suktam, so I have not been able to consult asmany sources on this to check my translations and in some cases, interpretations. I have come across Raymundo Panikkar's translation of some verses, and these are attributed to the Mahanarayana Upanishad. So this is definitely not a Vedic hymn, but a later Upanishadic composition.
Contrastingly some Vishnu Suktam hymns are found in Sama, Atharva and Yajus (Vajasaneyi) samhitas, and other parts of the Vishnu Suktam in the Tattiriya Samhita of the Yajur Veda alone. The Purusha Suktam of course, is
undeniably early vedic, being found in the Rg Veda itself.
The Narayana Suktam is not cosmogonic on a grand scale like the Purusha
Suktam. The Narayana of this suktam does not "atyatishtad dashaangulam".. instead, he is the most personal God, minutest of the minute ( a grand celebration of aNimaa -atomicity ).
Beginnning with the invocation of Sriman Narayana as "Vishvam" in the
first verse, the Narayana Suktam proceeds to "shrink" him, until he is minutest of the minute. " Like a lotus bud, the heart is suspended from sinews, and there is a smallest cavity in it. In the middle of that is the world-illuminating great flame, that goes in all directions. That flame-
god, first eater, who gives all the world its food, eternal,omniscient.... In the middle of that flame is HE, who is Brahma, Shiva, Hari, Indra, Greatest and Endless"
The Narayana Suktam is not a cosmogonical riddle like the Purusha Suktam
is, not a celebration of "by sacrifice the Gods sacrificed to sacrifice"... It is a worshipful chant of adoration, and in citing comparisons in the hope of reinforcing its message, I have chosen
similar sources.. what little I know of the sweet thamizh of the Alwars,
and sources from Mahomahopadhyaya M. V. Ramanujacharyar's translation of the Mahabharata (the Kumbakonam edition.) From the Mahabharatha, two sections are very relevant here, the Bhagavad Gita and the Vishnu Sahasranama. The latter especially has been cited extensively both in its crystalline and scholarly Shankara Bhashyam and the more mystand therefore indirect Bhattar Bhashyam. I would welcome more citations from the readers,
depending on how this hymn speaks to you.
I have followed the same format as I followed for the Purusha Suktam here,
breaking down the verses into words and following the translation with comments and last, a rendering ( I dare not call THAT a translation ) into free verse.
Courtsey.......V .Sundar
The Narayana Suktam unfortunately is not as well documented or as well
criticalklytranslated as the Purusha Suktam, so I have not been able to consult asmany sources on this to check my translations and in some cases, interpretations. I have come across Raymundo Panikkar's translation of some verses, and these are attributed to the Mahanarayana Upanishad. So this is definitely not a Vedic hymn, but a later Upanishadic composition.
Contrastingly some Vishnu Suktam hymns are found in Sama, Atharva and Yajus (Vajasaneyi) samhitas, and other parts of the Vishnu Suktam in the Tattiriya Samhita of the Yajur Veda alone. The Purusha Suktam of course, is
undeniably early vedic, being found in the Rg Veda itself.
The Narayana Suktam is not cosmogonic on a grand scale like the Purusha
Suktam. The Narayana of this suktam does not "atyatishtad dashaangulam".. instead, he is the most personal God, minutest of the minute ( a grand celebration of aNimaa -atomicity ).
Beginnning with the invocation of Sriman Narayana as "Vishvam" in the
first verse, the Narayana Suktam proceeds to "shrink" him, until he is minutest of the minute. " Like a lotus bud, the heart is suspended from sinews, and there is a smallest cavity in it. In the middle of that is the world-illuminating great flame, that goes in all directions. That flame-
god, first eater, who gives all the world its food, eternal,omniscient.... In the middle of that flame is HE, who is Brahma, Shiva, Hari, Indra, Greatest and Endless"
The Narayana Suktam is not a cosmogonical riddle like the Purusha Suktam
is, not a celebration of "by sacrifice the Gods sacrificed to sacrifice"... It is a worshipful chant of adoration, and in citing comparisons in the hope of reinforcing its message, I have chosen
similar sources.. what little I know of the sweet thamizh of the Alwars,
and sources from Mahomahopadhyaya M. V. Ramanujacharyar's translation of the Mahabharata (the Kumbakonam edition.) From the Mahabharatha, two sections are very relevant here, the Bhagavad Gita and the Vishnu Sahasranama. The latter especially has been cited extensively both in its crystalline and scholarly Shankara Bhashyam and the more mystand therefore indirect Bhattar Bhashyam. I would welcome more citations from the readers,
depending on how this hymn speaks to you.
I have followed the same format as I followed for the Purusha Suktam here,
breaking down the verses into words and following the translation with comments and last, a rendering ( I dare not call THAT a translation ) into free verse.
Courtsey.......V .Sundar
Karthigai...............The Holiest Month.........
Kartik –(Karthigai) The Holiest Month
Kartik is the holiest month in the Hindu lunar calendar. It usually overlaps with the months October & November in the English calendar. Kartik Maas, also known as Damodar Maas, is described in the scriptures as the best among months for performing austerities.
Lord Shri Krishna says, “Of all plants, the sacred Tulasi is most dear to Me; of all months, Kartik_ is most dear, of all places of pilgrimage, My beloved Dwarka is most dear, and of all days,Ekadashi is most dear.”
(Padma Purana, Uttara Khand 112.3)
Kartik or the festival of offering lamps to Lord Krishna, glorifies Lord Krishna’s pastime of being bound with ropes by Mother Yashoda. Observing vrata in the month of Kartik is glorified in the Puranas.
“As Sat-yuga is the best of yugas (ages), as the Vedas are the best among scriptures, as Ganga is best of rivers, so Kartik is the best of months, the most dear to Lord Krishna.”
(Skanda Purana).
This vrata begins in Karthik, and one may observe the following foremost activities throughout the entire month of Kartik:
Japa – chanting the holy names of the Lord.
Worship the Lord by offering ghee lamps (diyas), flowers, incense, food, etc.
Practice brahmacharya – celibacy.
Worship of Tulasi Devi.
Give charity.
Perform austerities.
The month of Kartika is the best of all months, and it is in this month that many special festivals like Dhan-Teras, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, Bhai Duj,Tulsi Vivaah and various others take place.
Following are excerpts from some scriptures (Puranas) describing the glory of the pious Kartik month:
“If somebody performs even a little worship of Lord Shri Hari in this month, He offers that devotee His own abode.”
“If somebody burns a lamp in the temple of Lord Shri Hari even for a short time (in the month of Kartik), then whatever sins, he has acquired for millions of kalpas (one kalpa equals 1000yugas) are all destroyed.”
“A person, who for the entire month of Kartik eats only once a day, becomes very famous, powerful and heroic.”
“O Narada! I have personally seen that a person who happily reads the Bhagavad Gita in the month of Kartik does not return to the world of birth and death.”
“Of all gifts, the gift of a lamp during the month of Kartik is the best. No gift is its equal..”
“The pious result obtained by bathing in all holy places and giving all charities is not equal to one ten-millionth part of the result obtained by following the vow of Kartik.”
Sri Damodarashtakam
(found in the Padma Purana of Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasa, spoken by Satyavrata Muni in a conversation with Narada Muni and Shaunaka Rishi)
"In the month of Kartika one should worship Lord Damodara and daily recite the prayer known as Damodaraishtaka, which has been spoken by the sage satyavrata and which attracts Lord Damodara. "
(Shri Hari-bhakti- vilasa 2.16.198)
(1)
namamishvaram sac-cid-ananda- rupam
lasat-kundalam gokule bhrajamanam
Yashoda-bhiyolukhal ad dhavamanam
paramrishtam atyantato drutya gopya
To the supreme Lord, whose form is the embodiment of eternal existence, knowledge, and bliss, whose shark-shaped earrings are swinging to and fro, who is beautifully shining in the divine realm of Gokula, who [due to the offense of breaking the pot of yogurt that His mother was churning into butter and then stealing the butter that was kept hanging from a swing] is quickly running from the wooden grinding mortar in fear of mother Yashoda, but who has been caught from behind by her who ran after Him with greater speed—to that supreme Lord, Shri Damodara, I offer my humble obeisances.
(2)
rudantam muhur netra-yugmam mrjantam
karambhoja-yugmena satanka-netram
muhu shvasa-kampa- trirekhanka- kantha-
sthita-graivam damodaram bhakti-baddham
[Seeing the whipping stick in His mother’s hand,] He is crying and rubbing His eyes again and again with His two lotus hands. His eyes are filled with fear, and the necklace of pearls around His neck, which is marked with three lines like a conchshell, is shaking because of His quick breathing due to crying. To this supreme Lord, Shri Damodara, whose belly is bound not with ropes but with His mother’s pure love, I offer my humble obeisances.
(3)
itidrk sva-lilabhir ananda-kunde
sva-ghoisham nimajjantam akhyapayantam
tadiyeishita- gyeishu bhaktair jitatvam
puna prematas tam shatavrtti vande
By such childhood pastimes as this He is drowning the inhabitants of Gokula in pools of ecstasy, and is revealing to those devotees who are absorbed in knowledge of His supreme majesty and opulence that He is only conquered by devotees whose pure love is imbued with intimacy and is free from all conceptions of awe and reverence. With great love I again offer my obeisances to Lord Damodara hundreds and hundreds of times.
(4)
varam deva mokisham na mokishavadhim va
na canyam Vrine ’ham vareishad apiha
idam te vapur natha gopala-balam
sada me manasy avirastam kim anyai
O Lord, although You are able to give all kinds of benedictions, I do not pray to You for the boon of impersonal liberation, nor the highest liberation of eternal life in Vaikuntha, nor any other boon [which may be obtained by executing the nine processes of bhakti]. O Lord, I simply wish that this form of Yours as Bala Gopala in Vrindavana may ever be manifest in my heart, for what is the use to me of any other boon besides this?
(5)
idam te mukhambhojam atyanta-nilair
vrtam kuntalai snigdha-raktaish ca gopya
muhush cumbitam bimba-raktadharam me
manasy avirastam alam lakisha-labhai
0 Lord, Your lotus face, which is encircled by locks of soft black hair tinged with red, is kissed again and again by mother Yashoda, and Your lips are reddish like the bimba fruit. May this beautiful vision of Your lotus face be ever manifest in my heart. Thousands and thousands of other benedictions are of no use to me.
(6)
namo deva damodarananta viishno
prasida prabho dukha-jalabdhi- magnam
krpa-drishti- vrishtyati- dinam batanu
grhaneisha mam agyam edhy akishi-drshya
O Supreme Godhead, I offer my obeisances unto You. O Damodara! O Ananta! O Vishnu! O master! O my Lord, be pleased upon me. By showering Your glance of mercy upon me, deliver this poor ignorant fool who is immersed in an ocean of worldly sorrows, and become visible to my eyes.
(7)
kuveratmajau baddha-murtyaiva yadvat
tvaya mocitau bhakti-bhajau krtau ca
tatha prema-bhaktim svakam me prayaccha
na mokishe graho me ‘sti damodareha
O Lord Damodara, just as the two sons of Kuvera—Manigriva and Nalakuvara—were delivered from the curse of Narada and made into great devotees by You in Your form as a baby tied with rope to a wooden grinding mortar, in the same way, please give to me Your own prema-bhakti. I only long for this and have no desire for any kind of liberation.
(8)
namas te ’stu damne sphurad-dipti- dhamne
tvadiyodarayatha vishvasya dhamne
namo radhikayai tvadiya-priyayai
namo ’nanta-lilaya devaya tubhyam
O Lord Damodara, I first of all offer my obeisances to the brilliantly effulgent rope which binds Your belly. I then offer my obeisances to Your belly, which is the abode of the entire universe. I humbly bow down to Your most beloved Shrimati Radharani, and I offer all obeisances to You, the supreme Lord, who displays unlimited pastimes.
Kartik is the holiest month in the Hindu lunar calendar. It usually overlaps with the months October & November in the English calendar. Kartik Maas, also known as Damodar Maas, is described in the scriptures as the best among months for performing austerities.
Lord Shri Krishna says, “Of all plants, the sacred Tulasi is most dear to Me; of all months, Kartik_ is most dear, of all places of pilgrimage, My beloved Dwarka is most dear, and of all days,Ekadashi is most dear.”
(Padma Purana, Uttara Khand 112.3)
Kartik or the festival of offering lamps to Lord Krishna, glorifies Lord Krishna’s pastime of being bound with ropes by Mother Yashoda. Observing vrata in the month of Kartik is glorified in the Puranas.
“As Sat-yuga is the best of yugas (ages), as the Vedas are the best among scriptures, as Ganga is best of rivers, so Kartik is the best of months, the most dear to Lord Krishna.”
(Skanda Purana).
This vrata begins in Karthik, and one may observe the following foremost activities throughout the entire month of Kartik:
Japa – chanting the holy names of the Lord.
Worship the Lord by offering ghee lamps (diyas), flowers, incense, food, etc.
Practice brahmacharya – celibacy.
Worship of Tulasi Devi.
Give charity.
Perform austerities.
The month of Kartika is the best of all months, and it is in this month that many special festivals like Dhan-Teras, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, Bhai Duj,Tulsi Vivaah and various others take place.
Following are excerpts from some scriptures (Puranas) describing the glory of the pious Kartik month:
“If somebody performs even a little worship of Lord Shri Hari in this month, He offers that devotee His own abode.”
“If somebody burns a lamp in the temple of Lord Shri Hari even for a short time (in the month of Kartik), then whatever sins, he has acquired for millions of kalpas (one kalpa equals 1000yugas) are all destroyed.”
“A person, who for the entire month of Kartik eats only once a day, becomes very famous, powerful and heroic.”
“O Narada! I have personally seen that a person who happily reads the Bhagavad Gita in the month of Kartik does not return to the world of birth and death.”
“Of all gifts, the gift of a lamp during the month of Kartik is the best. No gift is its equal..”
“The pious result obtained by bathing in all holy places and giving all charities is not equal to one ten-millionth part of the result obtained by following the vow of Kartik.”
Sri Damodarashtakam
(found in the Padma Purana of Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasa, spoken by Satyavrata Muni in a conversation with Narada Muni and Shaunaka Rishi)
"In the month of Kartika one should worship Lord Damodara and daily recite the prayer known as Damodaraishtaka, which has been spoken by the sage satyavrata and which attracts Lord Damodara. "
(Shri Hari-bhakti- vilasa 2.16.198)
(1)
namamishvaram sac-cid-ananda- rupam
lasat-kundalam gokule bhrajamanam
Yashoda-bhiyolukhal ad dhavamanam
paramrishtam atyantato drutya gopya
To the supreme Lord, whose form is the embodiment of eternal existence, knowledge, and bliss, whose shark-shaped earrings are swinging to and fro, who is beautifully shining in the divine realm of Gokula, who [due to the offense of breaking the pot of yogurt that His mother was churning into butter and then stealing the butter that was kept hanging from a swing] is quickly running from the wooden grinding mortar in fear of mother Yashoda, but who has been caught from behind by her who ran after Him with greater speed—to that supreme Lord, Shri Damodara, I offer my humble obeisances.
(2)
rudantam muhur netra-yugmam mrjantam
karambhoja-yugmena satanka-netram
muhu shvasa-kampa- trirekhanka- kantha-
sthita-graivam damodaram bhakti-baddham
[Seeing the whipping stick in His mother’s hand,] He is crying and rubbing His eyes again and again with His two lotus hands. His eyes are filled with fear, and the necklace of pearls around His neck, which is marked with three lines like a conchshell, is shaking because of His quick breathing due to crying. To this supreme Lord, Shri Damodara, whose belly is bound not with ropes but with His mother’s pure love, I offer my humble obeisances.
(3)
itidrk sva-lilabhir ananda-kunde
sva-ghoisham nimajjantam akhyapayantam
tadiyeishita- gyeishu bhaktair jitatvam
puna prematas tam shatavrtti vande
By such childhood pastimes as this He is drowning the inhabitants of Gokula in pools of ecstasy, and is revealing to those devotees who are absorbed in knowledge of His supreme majesty and opulence that He is only conquered by devotees whose pure love is imbued with intimacy and is free from all conceptions of awe and reverence. With great love I again offer my obeisances to Lord Damodara hundreds and hundreds of times.
(4)
varam deva mokisham na mokishavadhim va
na canyam Vrine ’ham vareishad apiha
idam te vapur natha gopala-balam
sada me manasy avirastam kim anyai
O Lord, although You are able to give all kinds of benedictions, I do not pray to You for the boon of impersonal liberation, nor the highest liberation of eternal life in Vaikuntha, nor any other boon [which may be obtained by executing the nine processes of bhakti]. O Lord, I simply wish that this form of Yours as Bala Gopala in Vrindavana may ever be manifest in my heart, for what is the use to me of any other boon besides this?
(5)
idam te mukhambhojam atyanta-nilair
vrtam kuntalai snigdha-raktaish ca gopya
muhush cumbitam bimba-raktadharam me
manasy avirastam alam lakisha-labhai
0 Lord, Your lotus face, which is encircled by locks of soft black hair tinged with red, is kissed again and again by mother Yashoda, and Your lips are reddish like the bimba fruit. May this beautiful vision of Your lotus face be ever manifest in my heart. Thousands and thousands of other benedictions are of no use to me.
(6)
namo deva damodarananta viishno
prasida prabho dukha-jalabdhi- magnam
krpa-drishti- vrishtyati- dinam batanu
grhaneisha mam agyam edhy akishi-drshya
O Supreme Godhead, I offer my obeisances unto You. O Damodara! O Ananta! O Vishnu! O master! O my Lord, be pleased upon me. By showering Your glance of mercy upon me, deliver this poor ignorant fool who is immersed in an ocean of worldly sorrows, and become visible to my eyes.
(7)
kuveratmajau baddha-murtyaiva yadvat
tvaya mocitau bhakti-bhajau krtau ca
tatha prema-bhaktim svakam me prayaccha
na mokishe graho me ‘sti damodareha
O Lord Damodara, just as the two sons of Kuvera—Manigriva and Nalakuvara—were delivered from the curse of Narada and made into great devotees by You in Your form as a baby tied with rope to a wooden grinding mortar, in the same way, please give to me Your own prema-bhakti. I only long for this and have no desire for any kind of liberation.
(8)
namas te ’stu damne sphurad-dipti- dhamne
tvadiyodarayatha vishvasya dhamne
namo radhikayai tvadiya-priyayai
namo ’nanta-lilaya devaya tubhyam
O Lord Damodara, I first of all offer my obeisances to the brilliantly effulgent rope which binds Your belly. I then offer my obeisances to Your belly, which is the abode of the entire universe. I humbly bow down to Your most beloved Shrimati Radharani, and I offer all obeisances to You, the supreme Lord, who displays unlimited pastimes.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Understanding Pain..................................
Understanding Pain.................
My Pain = Total Pain in the world / No. of living beings – My
sacrifices + the pain caused by me – The abuse suffered + the hatred
spread.
One can reduce his pain by
Supporting life – Every life supported will ensure that there is an
additional being alive to share your share of pain. As life reduces
due to global warming the remaining life on planet has to take a
greater share of suffering. Just see the surrounding world and observe
how much pain is there compared to a few years ago.
By not causing pain - There is already enough pain in the world one
should not add to it by causing some more. Most pain is caused at home
to ones own near & dear ones. We should be soft in speech with our
children, neighbors, subordinates, colleagues etc. Remember any pain
caused will increase our share.
By sacrificing – A sacrifice can be by giving up some pleasure, giving
up a habit, giving up a desire, giving up a asset small or big
tangible or intangible etc. Every sacrifice lowers your assets but
increases your living energy just as a balloon sheds weight so it can
rise higher. When life itself is threatened why do we cling to
material processions?
Abuse suffered – Every abuse thrown at one is transfer of karmic merit
from the thrower accept it with gratitude for it comes at no cost.
Hatred Spread – Remember every day waves of pain are racing towards us
from 4 corners of the world to surround and drown us and our family.
Shield yourself by sending out the waves of love understanding and
sympathy to others. There is no other way. Inertness will drown us.
Every breadth we take is on a loan which has to be paid back. A good
person suffers because he assumes his goodness will give him a free
lunch. A bad man feels guilty of his badness and compensates by trying
to do some good deed. A good man is proud of his goodness and is
oblivious to the pain of others. It is possible to sell our pain to
others by helping someone, look for opportunity to contribute to your
parents, family, colleagues or the world so that we can sell our pain
to others. We should Pain our self with regular exercises so that our
health improves with useful pain and other useless pains reduce.
My Pain = Total Pain in the world / No. of living beings – My
sacrifices + the pain caused by me – The abuse suffered + the hatred
spread.
One can reduce his pain by
Supporting life – Every life supported will ensure that there is an
additional being alive to share your share of pain. As life reduces
due to global warming the remaining life on planet has to take a
greater share of suffering. Just see the surrounding world and observe
how much pain is there compared to a few years ago.
By not causing pain - There is already enough pain in the world one
should not add to it by causing some more. Most pain is caused at home
to ones own near & dear ones. We should be soft in speech with our
children, neighbors, subordinates, colleagues etc. Remember any pain
caused will increase our share.
By sacrificing – A sacrifice can be by giving up some pleasure, giving
up a habit, giving up a desire, giving up a asset small or big
tangible or intangible etc. Every sacrifice lowers your assets but
increases your living energy just as a balloon sheds weight so it can
rise higher. When life itself is threatened why do we cling to
material processions?
Abuse suffered – Every abuse thrown at one is transfer of karmic merit
from the thrower accept it with gratitude for it comes at no cost.
Hatred Spread – Remember every day waves of pain are racing towards us
from 4 corners of the world to surround and drown us and our family.
Shield yourself by sending out the waves of love understanding and
sympathy to others. There is no other way. Inertness will drown us.
Every breadth we take is on a loan which has to be paid back. A good
person suffers because he assumes his goodness will give him a free
lunch. A bad man feels guilty of his badness and compensates by trying
to do some good deed. A good man is proud of his goodness and is
oblivious to the pain of others. It is possible to sell our pain to
others by helping someone, look for opportunity to contribute to your
parents, family, colleagues or the world so that we can sell our pain
to others. We should Pain our self with regular exercises so that our
health improves with useful pain and other useless pains reduce.
Why do we perform these daily rituals...................
WHY DO WE PERFORM THESE DAILY RITUALS ... ? Take time to Read to know.......Its all worth to Read.
Hindu Rituals and Routines &Why Do We Follow Those?
1.Why do we light a lamp?
In almost every Indian home a lamp is lit daily before the altar of the Lord. In some houses it is lit at dawn, in some, twice a day – at dawn and dusk – and in a few it is maintained continuously (akhanda deepa). All auspicious functions commence with the lighting of the lamp, which is often maintained right through the occasion.
Light symbolizes knowledge, and darkness, ignorance. The Lord is the "Knowledge Principle" (chaitanya) who is the source, the enlivener and the illuminator of all knowledge. Hence light is worshiped as the Lord himself.
Knowledge removes ignorance just as light removes darkness. Also knowledge is a lasting inner wealth by which all outer achievement can be accomplished. Hence we light the lamp to bow down to knowledge as the greatest of all forms of wealth
Why not light a bulb or tube light? That too would remove darkness. But the traditional oil lamp has a further spiritual significance. The oil or ghee in the lamp symbolizes our vaasanas or negative tendencies and the wick, the ego. When lit by spiritual knowledge, the vaasanas get slowly exhausted and the ego too finally perishes. The flame of a lamp always burns upwards. Similarly we should acquire such knowledge as to take us towards higher ideals.
Whilst lighting the lamp we thus pray:.................................
Deepajyothi parabrahma
Deepa sarva tamopahaha
Deepena saadhyate saram
Sandhyaa deepo namostute
I prostrate to the dawn/dusk lamp; whose light is the Knowledge Principle (the Supreme Lord), which removes the darkness of ignorance and by which all can be achieved in life.
2. Why do we have a prayer room?
Most Indian homes have a prayer room or altar. A lamp is lit and the Lord worshipped each day. Other spiritual practices like japa (repetition of the Lord's name), meditation, paaraayana (reading of the scriptures), prayers, and devotional singing etc is also done here. Special worship is done on auspicious occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, festivals and the like. Each member of the family – young or old – communes with and worships the Divine here.
The Lord is the entire creation. He is therefore the true owner of the house we live in too. The prayer room is the Master room of the house. We are the earthly occupants of His property. This notion rids us of false pride and possessiveness.
The ideal attitude to take is to regard the Lord as the true owner of our homes and us as caretakers of His home. But if that is rather difficult, we could at least think of Him as a very welcome guest. Just as we would house an important guest in the best comfort, so too we felicitate the Lord's presence in our homes by having a prayer room or altar, which is, at all times, kept clean and well-decorated.
Also the Lord is all pervading. To remind us that He resides in our homes with us, we have prayer rooms. Without the grace of the Lord, no task can be successfully or easily accomplished. We invoke His grace by communing with Him in the prayer room each day and on special occasions.
Each room in a house is dedicated to a specific function like the bedroom for resting, the drawing room to receive guests, the kitchen for cooking etc. The furniture, decor and the atmosphere of each room are made conducive to the purpose it serves. So too for the purpose of meditation, worship and prayer, we should have a conducive atmosphere – hence the need for a prayer room.
Sacred thoughts and sound vibrations pervade the place and influence the minds of those who spend time there. Spiritual thoughts and vibrations accumulated through regular meditation, worship and chanting done there pervade the prayer room. Even when we are tired or agitated, by just sitting in the prayer room for a while, we feel calm, rejuvenated and spiritually uplifted.
3. Why do we do namaste ?
Indians greet each other with namaste. The two palms are placed together in front of the chest and the head bows whilst saying the word namaste. This greeting is for all – people younger than us, of our own age, those older than friends, even strangers and us.
There are five forms of formal traditional greeting enjoined in the shaastras of which namaskaram is one. This is understood as prostration but it actually refers to paying homage as we do today when we greet each other with anamaste.
Namaste could be just a casual or formal greeting, a cultural convention or an act of worship. However there is much more to it than meets the eye. In Sanskrit namah + te = namaste. It means – I bow to you – my greetings, salutations or prostration to you. Namaha can also be literally interpreted as "na ma" (not mine). It has a spiritual significance of negating or reducing one's ego in the presence of another.
The real meeting between people is the meeting of their minds. When we greet another, we do so with namaste , which means, "may our minds meet," indicated by the folded palms placed before the chest. The bowing down of the head is a gracious form of extending friendship in love and humility.
The spiritual meaning is even deeper. The life force, the divinity, the Self or the Lord in me is the same in all. Recognizing this oneness with the meeting of the palms, we salute with head bowed the Divinity in the person we meet. That is why sometimes, we close our eyes as we do namaste to a revered person or the Lord – as if to look within. The gesture is often accompanied by words like "Ram Ram", "Jai Shri Krishna", "Namo Narayana", "Jai Siya Ram", "Om Shanti" etc – indicating the recognition of this divinity.
When we know this significance, our greeting does not remain just a superficial gesture or word but paves the way for a deeper communion with another in an atmosphere of love and respect.
4. Why do we prostrate before parents and elders?
Indians prostrate before their parents, elders, teachers and noble souls by touching their feet. The elder in turn blesses us by placing his or her hand on or over our heads. Prostration is done daily, when we meet elders and particularly on important occasions like the beginning of a new task, birthdays, festivals etc. In certain traditional circles, prostration is accompanied by abhivaadana, which serves to introduce one-self, announce one's family and social stature.
Man stands on his feet. Touching the feet in prostration is a sign of respect for the age, maturity, nobility and divinity that our elders personify. It symbolizes our recognition
The good wishes (Sankalpa) and blessings (aashirvaada) of elders are highly valued in India. We prostrate to seek them. Good thoughts create positive vibrations. Good wishes springing from a heart full of love, divinity and nobility have a tremendous strength. When we prostrate with humility and respect, we invoke the good wishes and blessings of elders which flow in the form of positive energy to envelop us. This is why the posture assumed whether it is in the standing or prone position, enables the entire body to receive the energy thus received.
The different forms of showing respect are..................
Pratuthana – rising to welcome a person.
Namaskaara – paying homage in the form of namaste (discussed separately in this book).
Upasangrahan – touching the feet of elders or teachers.
Shaashtaanga – prostrating fully with the feet, knees, stomach, chest, forehead and arms touching the ground in front of the elder.
Pratyabivaadana – returning a greeting.
Rules are prescribed in our scriptures as to who should prostrate to whom. Wealth, family name, age, moral strength and spiritual knowledge in ascending order of importance qualified men to receive respect. This is why a king though the ruler of the land, would prostrate before a spiritual master. Epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata have many stories highlighting this aspect.
5. Why do we wear marks (tilak, pottu and the like) on the forehead?
The tilak or pottu invokes a feeling of sanctity in the wearer and others. It is recognized as a religious mark. Its form and colour vary according to one's caste, religious sect or the form of the Lord worshipped.
In earlier times, the four castes (based on varna or colour) – Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Sudra – applied marks differently. The brahmin applied a white chandan mark signifying purity, as his profession was of a priestly or academic nature. The kshatriya applied a red kumkum mark signifying valour as he belonged to warrior races. The vaishya wore a yellow kesar or turmeric mark signifying prosperity as he was a businessman or trader devoted to creation of wealth. The sudra applied a black bhasma, kasturi or charcoal mark signifying service as he supported the work of the other three divisions.
Also Vishnu worshippers apply a chandan tilak of the shape of "U", Shiva worshippers a tripundra (of the shape of "º ") of bhasma, Devi worshippers a red dot of kumkum and so on).
The tilak cover the spot between the eyebrows, which is the seat of memory and thinking. It is known as the Aajna Chakra in the language of Yoga. The tilak is applied with the prayer – "May I remember the Lord. May this pious feeling pervade all my activities. May I be righteous in my deeds." Even when we temporarily forget this prayerful attitude the mark on another reminds us of our resolve. The tilak is thus a blessing of the Lord and a protection against wrong tendencies and forces.
The entire body emanates energy in the form of electromagnetic waves – the forehead and the subtle spot between the eyebrows especially so. That is why worry generates heat and causes a headache.. The tilak and pottu cools the forehead, protects us and prevents energy loss. Sometimes the entire forehead is covered with chandan or bhasma. Using plastic reusable "stick bindis" is not very beneficial, even though it serves the purpose of decoration.
6. Why do we not touch papers, books and people with the feet?
To Indians, knowledge is sacred and divine. So it must be given respect at all times. Nowadays we separate subjects as sacred and secular. But in ancient India every subject – academic or spiritual – was considered divine and taught by the guru in the gurukula.
The custom of not stepping on educational tools is a frequent reminder of the high position accorded to knowledge in Indian culture. From an early age, this wisdom fosters in us a deep reverence for books and education. This is also the reason why we worship books, vehicles and instruments once a year on Saraswathi Pooja or Ayudha Pooja day, dedicated to the Goddess of Learning. In fact, each day before starting our studies, we pray:
Saraswati namasthubhyam
Varade kaama roopini
Vidyaarambham karishyaami
Sidhirbhavatu me sadaa
O Goddess Saraswati, the giver of
Boons and fulfiller of wishes,
I prostrate to You before
starting my studies.
May you always fulfill me?
6. To touch another with the feet is considered an act of misdemeanor. Why is this so?
Man is regarded as the most beautiful, living breathing temple of the Lord! Therefore touching another with the feet is akin to disrespecting the divinity within him or her. This calls for an immediate apology, which is offered with reverence and humility.
7. Why do we apply the holy ash?
The ash of any burnt object is not regarded as holy ash. Bhasma (the holy ash) is the ash from the homa (sacrificial fire) where special wood along with ghee and other herbs is offered as worship of the Lord. Or the deity is worshipped by pouring ash as abhisheka and is then distributed as bhasma.
Bhasma is generally applied on the forehead. Some apply it on certain parts of the body like the upper arms, chest etc. Some ascetics rub it all over the body. Many consume a pinch of it each time they receive it.
The word bhasma means, "that by which our sins are destroyed and the Lord is remembered". Bha implies bhartsanam ("to destroy") and sma implies smaranam ("to remember"). The application of bhasma therefore signifies destruction of the evil and remembrance of the divine. Bhasma is called vibhuti (which means "glory") as it gives glory to one who applies it and raksha (which means a source of protection) as it protects the wearer from ill health and evil, by purifying him or her.
Homa (offering of oblations into the fire with sacred chants) signifies the offering or surrender of the ego and egocentric desires into the flame of knowledge or a noble and selfless cause. The consequent ash signifies the purity of the mind, which results from such actions.
Also the fire of knowledge burns the oblation and wood signifying ignorance and inertia respectively. The ash we apply indicates that we should burn false identification with the body and become free of the limitations of birth and death. This is not to be misconstrued as a morose reminder of death but as a powerful pointer towards the fact that time and tide wait for none.
Bhasma is specially associated with Lord Shiva who applies it all over His body. Shiva devotes apply bhasma as a tripundra (the form of "&ord� ; "). When applied with a red spot at the center, the mark symbolizes Shiva-Shakti (the unity of energy and matter that creates the entire seen and unseen universe).
Bhasma has medicinal value and is used in many ayurvedic medicines. It absorbs excess moisture from the body and prevents colds and headaches. The Upanishads say that the famous Mrityunjaya mantra should be chanted whilst applying ash on the forehead.
Tryambakam yajaamahe
Sugandhim pushtivardhanam
Urvaa rukamiva bhandhanaan
Mrytyor muksheeyamaa amrutaat
"We worship the three-eyed Lord Shiva who nourishes and spread fragrance in our lives. May He free us from the shackles of sorrow, change and death – effortlessly, like the fall of a rip brinjal from its stem."
8. Why do offer food to the Lord before eating it?
Indians make an offering of food to the Lord and later partake of it as prasaada – a holy gift from the Lord. In our daily ritualistic worship (pooja) too we offer naivedyam (food) to the Lord.
The Lord is omnipotent and omniscient. Man is a part, while the Lord is the totality. All that we do is by His strength and knowledge alone. Hence what we receive in life as a result of our actions is really His alone. We acknowledge this through the act of offering food to Him. This is exemplified by the Hindi words "tera tujko arpan"– I offer what is Yours to You. Thereafter it is akin to His gift to us, graced by His divine touch.
Knowing this, our entire attitude to food and the act of eating changes. The food offered will naturally be pure and the best. We share what we get with others before consuming it. We do not demand, complain or criticise the quality of the food we get. We eat it with cheerful acceptance ( prasaada buddhi).
Before we partake of our daily meals we first sprinkle water around the plate as an act of purification. Five morsels of food are placed on the side of the plate acknowledging the debt owed by us to the Divine forces ( devta runa) for their benign grace and protection, our ancestors (pitru runa) for giving us their lineage and a family culture, the sages (rishi runa) as our religion and culture have been "realised", aintained and handed down to us by them, our fellow beings ( manushya runa) who constitute society without the support of which we could not live as we do and other living beings (bhuta runa) for serving us selflessly.
Thereafter the Lord, the life force, who is also within us as the five life-giving physiological functions, is offered the food. This is done with the chant
praanaaya swaahaa,
apaanaaya swaahaa,
vyaanaaya swaahaa,
udaanaaya swaahaa,
samaanaaya swaahaa,
brahmane swaahaa
After offering the food thus, it is eaten as prasaada – blessed food.
9. Why do we fast?
Most devout Indians fast regularly or on special occasions like festivals. On such days they do not eat at all, eat once or make do with fruits or a special diet of simple food.
Fasting in Sanskrit is called upavaasa. Upa means "near" + vaasa means "to stay". Upavaasa therefore means staying near (the Lord), meaning the attainment of close mental proximity with the Lord. Then what hasupavaasa to do with food?
A lot of our time and energy is spent in procuring food items, preparing, cooking, eating and digesting food. Certain food types make our minds dull and agitated. Hence on certain days man decides to save time and conserve his energy by eating either simple, light food or totally abstaining from eating so that his mind becomes alert and pure. The mind, otherwise pre-occupied by the thought of food, now entertains noble thoughts and stays with the Lord. Since it is a self-imposed form of discipline it is usually adhered to with joy.
Also every system needs a break and an overhaul to work at its best. Rest and a change of diet during fasting is very good for the digestive system and the entire body.
The more you indulge the senses, the more they make their demands. Fasting helps us to cultivate control over our senses, sublimate our desires and guide our minds to be poised and at peace.
Fasting should not make us weak, irritable or create an urge to indulge later. This happens when there is no noble goal behind fasting.
The Bhagavad-Gita urges us to eat appropriately – neither too less nor too much – yukta-aahaara and to eat simple, pure and healthy food (a saatvik diet) even when not fasting.
10. Why do we do pradakshina (circumambulate) ?
We cannot draw a circle without a center point. The Lord is the center, source and essence of our lives. Recognizing Him as the focal point in our lives, we go about doing our daily chores. This is the significance of pradakshina.
Also every point on the circumference of a circle is equidistant from the center. This means that wherever or whoever we may be, we are equally close to the Lord. His grace flows towards us without partiality.
11. Why is pradakshina done only in a clockwise manner?
The reason is not, as a person said, to avoid a traffic jam! As we do pradakshina, the Lord is always on our right. In India the right side symbolizes auspiciousness. So as we circumambulate the sanctum sanctorum we remind ourselves to lead an auspicious life of righteousness, with the Lord who is the indispensable source of help and strength, as our guide – the "right hand".
Indian scriptures enjoin – matrudevo bhava, pitrudevo bhava, acharyadevo bhava. May you consider your parents and teachers as you would the Lord. With this in mind we also do pradakshina around our parents and divine personages.
After the completion of traditional worship (pooja), we customarily do pradakshina around ourselves. In this way we recognize and remember the supreme divinity within us, which alone is idolized in the form of the Lord that we worship outside.
12. Why do we regard trees and plants as sacred?
The Lord, the life in us, pervades all living beings, be they plants or animals. Hence, they are all regarded as sacred. Human life on earth depends on plants and trees. They give us the vital factors that make life possible on earth: food, oxygen, clothing, shelter, medicines etc.
Hence, in India, we are taught to regard trees and plants as sacred. Indians scriptures tell us to plant ten trees if, for any reason, we have to cut one. We are advised to use parts of trees and plants only as much as is needed for food, fuel, shelter etc. we are also urged to apologies to a plant or tree before cutting it to avoid incurring a specific sin named soona
Certain trees and plants like tulasi, peepal etc., which have tremendous beneficial qualities, are worshipped till today. It is believed that divine beings manifest as trees and plants, and many people worship them to fulfill their desires or to please the Lord.
12. Why do we ring the bell in a temple?
Is it to wake up the Lord? But the Lord never sleeps. Is it to let the Lord know we have come? He does not need to be told, as He is all knowing. Is it a form of seeking permission to enter His precinct? It is a homecoming and therefore entry needs no permission. The Lord welcomes us at all times. Then why do we ring the bell?
The ringing of the bell produces what is regarded as an auspicious sound. It produces the sound Om, the universal name of the Lord. There should be auspiciousness within and without, to gain the vision of the Lord who is all-auspiciousness.
Even while doing the ritualistic aarati, we ring the bell. It is sometimes accompanied by the auspicious sounds of the conch and other musical instruments. An added significance of ringing the bell, conch and other instruments is that they help drowned any inauspicious or irrelevant noises and comments that might disturb or distract the worshippers in their devotional ardour, concentration and inner peace.
As we start the daily ritualistic worship (pooja) we ring the bell, chanting:
Aagamaarthamtu devaanaam
gamanaarthamtu rakshasaam
Kurve ghantaaravam tatra
devataahvaahna lakshanam
I ring this bell indicating
the invocation of divinity,
So that virtuous and noble forces
enter (my home and heart);
and the demonic and evil forces
from within and without, depart.
13. Why do we worship the kalasha ?
First of all what is a kalasha? A brass, mud or copper pot is filled with water. Mango leaves are placed in the mouth of the pot and a coconut is placed over it. A red or white thread is tied around its neck or sometimes all around it in a intricate diamond-shaped pattern. The pot may be decorated wit designs. Such a pot is known as a kalasha.
When the pot is filled with water or rice, it is known as purnakumbha representing the inert body which when filled with the divine life force gains the power to do all the wonderful things that makes life what it is.
A kalasha is placed with due rituals on all-important occasions like the traditional house warming (grihapravesa), wedding, daily worship etc. It is placed near the entrance as a sign of welcome. It is also used in a traditional manner while receiving holy personages. Why do we worship the kalasha ? Before the creation came into being, Lord Vishnu was reclining on His snake-bed in the milky ocean. From His navel emerged a lotus from which appeared Lord Brahma, the creator, who thereafter created this world.
The water in the kalasha symbolizes the primordial water from which the entire creation emerged. It is the giver of life to all and has the potential of creating innumerable names and forms, the inert objects and the sentient beings and all that is auspicious in the world from the energy behind the universe. The leaves and coconut represent creation.
The thread represents the love that "binds" all in creation. The kalasha is therefore considered auspicious and worshipped. The waters from all the holy rivers, the knowledge of all the Vedas and the blessings of all the deities are invoked in the kalasha and its water is thereafter used for all the rituals, including the abhisheka.
The consecration (kumbhaabhisheka) of a temple is done in a grand manner with elaborate rituals including the pouring of one or more kalashas of holy water on the top of the temple. When the asuras and devas churned the milky ocean, the Lord appeared bearing the pot of nectar, which blessed one with everlasting life.
Thus the kalasha also symbolizes immortality. Men of wisdom are full and complete as they identify with the infinite Truth ( poornatvam). They brim with joy and love and respect all that is auspicious. We greet them with apurnakumbha ("full pot") acknowledging their greatness and as a sign of respectful and reverential welcome, with a "full heart".
14. Why do we consider the lotus as special?
The lotus is the symbol of truth, auspiciousness and beauty (satyam, shivam, sundaram). The Lord is also that nature and therefore, His various aspects are compared to a lotus ( i.e. lotus-eyes, lotus feet, lotus hands, the lotus of the heart etc.).
The lotus blooms with the rising sun and close at night. Similarly, our minds open up and expand with the light of knowledge. The lotus grows even in slushy areas. It remains beautiful and untainted despite its surroundings, reminding us that we too can and should strive to remain pure and beautiful within, under all circumstances.
The lotus leaf never gets wet even though it is always in water. It symbolizes the man of wisdom (gyaani ) who remains ever joyous, unaffected by the world of sorrow and change. This is revealed in a shloka from the Bhagwad-Geeta:
Brahmanyaadhaaya karmaani
Sangam tyaktvaa karoti yaha
Lipyate na sa paapena
Padma patram ivaambhasaa
He who does actions, offering them to Brahman (the Supreme), abandoning attachment, is not tainted by sin, just as a lotus leaf remains unaffected by the water on it.
From this, we learn that what is natural to the man of wisdom becomes a discipline to be practiced by allsaadhakas or spiritual seekers and devotees. Our bodies have certain energy centers described in the Yoga Shaastras as chakras.
Each one is associated with lotus that has a certain number of petals. For example, a lotus with a thousand petals represents the Sahasra chakra at the top of the head, which opens when the yogi attains Godhood or Realisation. Also, the lotus posture ( padmaasana) is recommended when one sits for meditation. A lotus emerged from the navel of Lord Vishnu. Lord Brahma originated from it to create the world. Hence, the lotus symbolizes the link between the creator and the supreme Cause.
It also symbolizes Brahmaloka, the abode of Lord Brahma. The auspicious sign of the swastika is said to have evolved from the lotus.
15. Why do we worship tulasi?
In Sanskrit, tulanaa naasti athaiva tulasi - that which is incomparable (in its qualities) is the tulasi .
For Indians it is one of the most sacred plants. In fact it is known to be the only thing used in worship, which, once used, can be washed and reused in pooja - as it is regarded so self-purifying.
As one story goes, Tulasi was the devoted wife of Shankhachuda, a celestial being. She believed that Lord Krishna tricked her into sinning. So she cursed Him to become a stone ( shaaligraama). Seeing her devotion and adhered to righteousness, the Lord blessed her saying that she would become the worshipped plant, tulasi that would adorn His head.
Also that all offerings would be incomplete without the tulasi leaf - hence the worship of tulasi.
She also symbolises Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. Those who wish to be righteous and have a happy family life worship the tulasi.
Tulasi is married to the Lord with all pomp and show as in any wedding.
This is because according to another legend, the Lord blessed her to be His consort. Satyabhama once weighed Lord Krishna against all her legendary wealth. The scales did not balance till a single tulasi leaf was placed along with the wealth on the scale by Rukmini with devotion.
Thus the tulasi played the vital role of demonstrating to the world that even a small object offered with devotion means more to the Lord than all the wealth in the world.
The tulasi leaf has great medicinal value and is used to cure various ailments, including the common cold.
Yanmule sarvatirhaani
Yannagre sarvadevataa
Yanmadhye sarvavedaascha
Tulasi taam namaamyaham
I bow down to the tulasi, At whose base are all the holy places, At whose top reside all the deities and In whose middle are all the Vedas.
16. Why do we blow the conch?
When the conch is blown, the primordial sound of Om emanates. Om is an auspicious sound that was chanted by the Lord before creating the world. It represents the world and the Truth behind it.
As the story goes, the demon Shankhaasura defeated devas, the Vedas and went to the bottom of the ocean. The devas appealed to Lord Vishnu for help. He incarnated as Matsya Avataara - the "fish incarnation" and killed Shankhaasura. The Lord blew the conch-shaped bone of his ear and head.. The Om sound emanated, from which emerged the Vedas.
All knowledge enshrined in the Vedas is an elaboration of Om . The conch therefore is known as shankhaafter Shankaasua. The conch blown by the Lord is called Paanchajanya. He carries it at all times in one of His four hands.
It represents dharma or righteousness that is one of the four goals (purushaarthas) of life. The sound of the conch is thus also the victory call of good over evil.
Another well-known purpose of blowing the conch and the instruments, known traditionally to produce auspicious sounds is to drown or mask negative comments or noises that may disturb or upset the atmosphere or the minds of worshippers.
Ancient India lived in her villages. Each village was presided over by a primary temple and several small ones. During the aarati performed after all-important poojas and on sacred occasions, the conch used to be blown. Since villages were generally small, the sound of the conch would be heard all over the village. People who could not make it to the temple were reminded to stop whatever they were doing, at least for a few seconds, and mentally bow to the Lord. The conch sound served to briefly elevate people's minds to a prayerful attitude even in the middle of their busy daily routine.
The conch is placed at the altar in temples and homes next to the Lord as a symbol of Naada Brahma (Truth), the Vedas, Om, dharma, victory and auspiciousness. It is often used to offer devotees thirtha (sanctified water) to raise their minds to the highest Truth. It is worshipped with the following verse.
Twam puraa saagarot pannaha
Vishnunaa vidhrutahakare
Devaischa poojitha sarvahi
Panchjanya namostu te
Salutations to Panchajanya
the conch born of the ocean
Held in the hand of Lord Vishnu
and worshipped by all devaas
17. Why do we say shaanti thrice?
Shaanti, meaning "peace", is a natural state of being. Disturbances are created either by others or us. For example, peace already exists in a place until someone makes noise.
Therefore, peace underlies all our agitations. When agitations end, peace is naturally experienced since it was already there. Where there is peace, there is happiness. Therefore, every one without exception desires peace in his/her life.
However, peace within or without seems very hard to attain because it is covered by our own agitations. A rare few manage to remain peaceful within even in the midst of external agitation and troubles. To invoke peace, we chant prayers. By chanting prayers, troubles end and peace is experienced internally, irrespective of the external disturbances. All such prayers end by chanting shaanti thrice.
It is believed that trivaram satyam - that which is said thrice comes true. For emphasizing a point we repeat a thing thrice. In the court of law also, one who takes the witness stands says, "I shall speak the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth".
We chant shaanti thrice to emphasise our intense desire for peace. All obstacles, problems and sorrows originate from three sources.
Aadhidaivika : The unseen divine forces over which we have little or no control like earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions etc.
Aadhibhautika: The known factors around us like accidents, human contacts, pollution, crime etc.
Aadhyaatmika : We sincerely pray to the Lord that at least while we undertake special tasks or even in our daily lives, there are no problems or that, problems are minimised from the three sources written about above.
May peace alone prevail. Hence shaanti is chanted thrice.
It is chanted aloud the first time, addressing the unseen forces. It is chanted softer the second time, directed to our immediate surroundings and those around, and softest the last time as it is addressed to oneself.
18. Why do we offer a coconut?
In India one of the most common offerings in a temple is a coconut. It is also offered on occasions like weddings, festivals, the use of a new vehicle, bridge, house etc. It is offered in the sacrificial fire whilst performinghoma. The coconut is broken and placed before the Lord. It is later distributed as prasaada.
The fibre covering of the dried coconut is removed except for a tuft on the top. The marks on the coconut make it look like the head of a human being. The coconut is broken, symbolising the breaking of the ego. The juice within, representing the inner tendencies ( vaasanas) is offered along with the white kernel - the mind, to the Lord.
A mind thus purified by the touch of the Lord is used as prasaada ( a holy gift). In the traditional abhishekharitual done in all temples and many homes, several materials are poured over the deity like milk, curd, honey, tender coconut water, sandal paste, holy ash etc. Each material has a specific significance of bestowing certain benefits on worshippers. Tender coconut water is used in abhisheka rituals since it is believed to bestow spiritual growth on the seeker.
The coconut also symbolises selfless service. Every part of the tree -the trunk, leaves, fruit, coir etc. Is used in innumerable ways like thatches, mats, tasty dishes, oil, soap etc.. It takes in even salty water from the earth and converts it into sweet nutritive water that is especially beneficial to sick people. It is used in the preparation of many ayurvedic medicines and in other alternative medicinal systems.
The marks on the coconut are even thought to represent the three-eyed Lord Shiva and therefore it is considered to be a means to fulfill our desires.
19. Why do we chant Om?
Om is one of the most chanted sound symbols in India. It has a profound effect on the body and mind of the one who chants and also on the surroundings. Most mantras and vedic prayers start with Om.
All auspicious actions begin with Om. It is even used as a greeting - Om, Hari Om etc. It is repeated as a mantra or meditated upon. Its form is worshipped, contemplated upon or used as an auspicious sign.
Om is the universal name of the Lord. It is made up of the letters A (phonetically as in "around"), U (phonetically as in "put") and M (phonetically as in "mum"). The sound emerging from the vocal chords starts from the base of the throat as "A". With the coming together of the lips, "U" is formed and when the lips are closed, all sounds end in "M".
The three letters symbolize the three states (waking, dream and deep sleep), the three deities (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva), the three Vedas (Rig, Yajur and Sama) the three worlds (Bhuh, Bhuvah, Suvah) etc. The Lord is all these and beyond.
The formless, attributeless Lord (Brahman) is represented by the silence between two Om Chants. Om is also called pranava that means, "that (symbol or sound) by which the Lord is praised". The entire essence of the Vedas is enshrined in the word Om. It is said that the Lord started creating the world after chanting Om and atha. Hence its sound is considered to create an auspicious beginning for any task that we undertake. The Om chant should have the resounding sound of a bell (aaooommm).
Om is written in different ways in different places. The most common form symbolizes Lord Ganesha's. The upper curve is the head; the lower large one, the stomach; the side one, the trunk; and the semi-circular mark with the dot, the sweetmeat ball (modaka) in Lord Ganesha's hand. Thus Om symbolizes everything - the means and the goal of life, the world and the Truth behind it, the material and the Sacred, all form and the Formless.
20. Why do we do aarati ?
Towards the end of every ritualistic worship (pooja or bhajan) of the Lord or to welcome an honored guest or saint, we perform the aarati. This is always accompanied by the ringing of the bell and sometimes by singing, playing of musical instruments and clapping.
It is one of the sixteen steps (shodasha upachaara) of the pooja ritual. It is referred to as the lighted lamp in the right hand, which we wave in a clockwise circling movement to light the entire form of the Lord.
Each part is revealed individually and also the entire form of the Lord. As the light is waved we either do mental or loud chanting of prayers or simply behold the beautiful form of the Lord, illumined by the lamp. At the end of the aarati we place our hands over the flame and then gently touch our eyes and the top of the head.
We have seen and participated in this ritual from our childhood. Let us find out why we do the aarati?
Having worshipped the Lord of love - performing abhisheka, decorating the image and offering fruits and delicacies, we see the beauty of the Lord in all His glory. Our minds are focused on each limb of the Lord as the lamp lights it up. It is akin to silent open-eyed meditation on His beauty. The singing, clapping, ringing of the bell etc. denote the joy and auspiciousness, which accompanies the vision of the Lord.
Aarati is often performed with camphor. This holds a telling spiritual significance. Camphor when lit, burns itself out completely without leaving a trace of it. It represents our inherent tendencies ( vaasanas). When lit by the fire of knowledge which illumines the Lord (Truth), our vaasanas thereafter burn themselves out completely, not leaving a trace of ego which creates in us a sense of individuality that keeps us separate from the Lord.
Also while camphor burns to reveal the glory of Lord, it emits a pleasant perfume even while it sacrifices itself. In our spiritual progress, even as we serve the guru and society, we should willingly sacrifice ourselves and all we have, to spread the "perfume" of love to all. We often wait a long while to see the illumined Lord but when the aarati is actually performed, our eyes close automatically as if to look within. This is to signify that each of us is a temple of the Lord.
Just as the priest reveals the form of the Lord clearly with the aarati flame, so too the guru reveals to us the divinity within each of us with the help of the "flame" of knowledge (or the light of spiritual knowledge). At the end of theaarati, we place our hands over the flame and then touch our eyes and the top of the head. It means - may the light that illuminated the Lord light up my vision; may my vision be divine and my thoughts noble and beautiful.
The philosophical meaning of aarati extends further. The sun, moon, stars, lightning and fire are the natural sources of light. The Lord is the source of this wonderous phenomenon of the universe. It is due to Him alone that all else exist and shine. As we light up the Lord with the flame of the aarati, we turn our attention to the very source of all light, which symbolizes knowledge and life.
Also the sun is the presiding deity of the intellect, the moon, that of the mind, and fire, that of speech. The Lord is the supreme consciousness that illuminates all of them. Without Him, the intellect cannot think, nor can the mind feel nor the tongue speaks. The Lord is beyond the mind, intellect and speech. How can this finite equipment illuminate the Lord? Therefore, as we perform the aarati we chant;
Na tatra suryo bhaati na chandra taarakam
Nemaa vidyuto bhaanti kutoyamagnib
Tameva bhaantam anubhaati sarvam
Tasya bhasa sarvam idam vibhaati
He is there where the sun does not shine,
Nor the moon, stars and lightning.
then what to talk of this small flame (in my hand),
Everything (in the universe) shines only after the Lord,
And by His light alone are we all illumined.
Source..............Swami Chinmayananda
Hindu Rituals and Routines &Why Do We Follow Those?
1.Why do we light a lamp?
In almost every Indian home a lamp is lit daily before the altar of the Lord. In some houses it is lit at dawn, in some, twice a day – at dawn and dusk – and in a few it is maintained continuously (akhanda deepa). All auspicious functions commence with the lighting of the lamp, which is often maintained right through the occasion.
Light symbolizes knowledge, and darkness, ignorance. The Lord is the "Knowledge Principle" (chaitanya) who is the source, the enlivener and the illuminator of all knowledge. Hence light is worshiped as the Lord himself.
Knowledge removes ignorance just as light removes darkness. Also knowledge is a lasting inner wealth by which all outer achievement can be accomplished. Hence we light the lamp to bow down to knowledge as the greatest of all forms of wealth
Why not light a bulb or tube light? That too would remove darkness. But the traditional oil lamp has a further spiritual significance. The oil or ghee in the lamp symbolizes our vaasanas or negative tendencies and the wick, the ego. When lit by spiritual knowledge, the vaasanas get slowly exhausted and the ego too finally perishes. The flame of a lamp always burns upwards. Similarly we should acquire such knowledge as to take us towards higher ideals.
Whilst lighting the lamp we thus pray:.................................
Deepajyothi parabrahma
Deepa sarva tamopahaha
Deepena saadhyate saram
Sandhyaa deepo namostute
I prostrate to the dawn/dusk lamp; whose light is the Knowledge Principle (the Supreme Lord), which removes the darkness of ignorance and by which all can be achieved in life.
2. Why do we have a prayer room?
Most Indian homes have a prayer room or altar. A lamp is lit and the Lord worshipped each day. Other spiritual practices like japa (repetition of the Lord's name), meditation, paaraayana (reading of the scriptures), prayers, and devotional singing etc is also done here. Special worship is done on auspicious occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, festivals and the like. Each member of the family – young or old – communes with and worships the Divine here.
The Lord is the entire creation. He is therefore the true owner of the house we live in too. The prayer room is the Master room of the house. We are the earthly occupants of His property. This notion rids us of false pride and possessiveness.
The ideal attitude to take is to regard the Lord as the true owner of our homes and us as caretakers of His home. But if that is rather difficult, we could at least think of Him as a very welcome guest. Just as we would house an important guest in the best comfort, so too we felicitate the Lord's presence in our homes by having a prayer room or altar, which is, at all times, kept clean and well-decorated.
Also the Lord is all pervading. To remind us that He resides in our homes with us, we have prayer rooms. Without the grace of the Lord, no task can be successfully or easily accomplished. We invoke His grace by communing with Him in the prayer room each day and on special occasions.
Each room in a house is dedicated to a specific function like the bedroom for resting, the drawing room to receive guests, the kitchen for cooking etc. The furniture, decor and the atmosphere of each room are made conducive to the purpose it serves. So too for the purpose of meditation, worship and prayer, we should have a conducive atmosphere – hence the need for a prayer room.
Sacred thoughts and sound vibrations pervade the place and influence the minds of those who spend time there. Spiritual thoughts and vibrations accumulated through regular meditation, worship and chanting done there pervade the prayer room. Even when we are tired or agitated, by just sitting in the prayer room for a while, we feel calm, rejuvenated and spiritually uplifted.
3. Why do we do namaste ?
Indians greet each other with namaste. The two palms are placed together in front of the chest and the head bows whilst saying the word namaste. This greeting is for all – people younger than us, of our own age, those older than friends, even strangers and us.
There are five forms of formal traditional greeting enjoined in the shaastras of which namaskaram is one. This is understood as prostration but it actually refers to paying homage as we do today when we greet each other with anamaste.
Namaste could be just a casual or formal greeting, a cultural convention or an act of worship. However there is much more to it than meets the eye. In Sanskrit namah + te = namaste. It means – I bow to you – my greetings, salutations or prostration to you. Namaha can also be literally interpreted as "na ma" (not mine). It has a spiritual significance of negating or reducing one's ego in the presence of another.
The real meeting between people is the meeting of their minds. When we greet another, we do so with namaste , which means, "may our minds meet," indicated by the folded palms placed before the chest. The bowing down of the head is a gracious form of extending friendship in love and humility.
The spiritual meaning is even deeper. The life force, the divinity, the Self or the Lord in me is the same in all. Recognizing this oneness with the meeting of the palms, we salute with head bowed the Divinity in the person we meet. That is why sometimes, we close our eyes as we do namaste to a revered person or the Lord – as if to look within. The gesture is often accompanied by words like "Ram Ram", "Jai Shri Krishna", "Namo Narayana", "Jai Siya Ram", "Om Shanti" etc – indicating the recognition of this divinity.
When we know this significance, our greeting does not remain just a superficial gesture or word but paves the way for a deeper communion with another in an atmosphere of love and respect.
4. Why do we prostrate before parents and elders?
Indians prostrate before their parents, elders, teachers and noble souls by touching their feet. The elder in turn blesses us by placing his or her hand on or over our heads. Prostration is done daily, when we meet elders and particularly on important occasions like the beginning of a new task, birthdays, festivals etc. In certain traditional circles, prostration is accompanied by abhivaadana, which serves to introduce one-self, announce one's family and social stature.
Man stands on his feet. Touching the feet in prostration is a sign of respect for the age, maturity, nobility and divinity that our elders personify. It symbolizes our recognition
The good wishes (Sankalpa) and blessings (aashirvaada) of elders are highly valued in India. We prostrate to seek them. Good thoughts create positive vibrations. Good wishes springing from a heart full of love, divinity and nobility have a tremendous strength. When we prostrate with humility and respect, we invoke the good wishes and blessings of elders which flow in the form of positive energy to envelop us. This is why the posture assumed whether it is in the standing or prone position, enables the entire body to receive the energy thus received.
The different forms of showing respect are..................
Pratuthana – rising to welcome a person.
Namaskaara – paying homage in the form of namaste (discussed separately in this book).
Upasangrahan – touching the feet of elders or teachers.
Shaashtaanga – prostrating fully with the feet, knees, stomach, chest, forehead and arms touching the ground in front of the elder.
Pratyabivaadana – returning a greeting.
Rules are prescribed in our scriptures as to who should prostrate to whom. Wealth, family name, age, moral strength and spiritual knowledge in ascending order of importance qualified men to receive respect. This is why a king though the ruler of the land, would prostrate before a spiritual master. Epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata have many stories highlighting this aspect.
5. Why do we wear marks (tilak, pottu and the like) on the forehead?
The tilak or pottu invokes a feeling of sanctity in the wearer and others. It is recognized as a religious mark. Its form and colour vary according to one's caste, religious sect or the form of the Lord worshipped.
In earlier times, the four castes (based on varna or colour) – Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Sudra – applied marks differently. The brahmin applied a white chandan mark signifying purity, as his profession was of a priestly or academic nature. The kshatriya applied a red kumkum mark signifying valour as he belonged to warrior races. The vaishya wore a yellow kesar or turmeric mark signifying prosperity as he was a businessman or trader devoted to creation of wealth. The sudra applied a black bhasma, kasturi or charcoal mark signifying service as he supported the work of the other three divisions.
Also Vishnu worshippers apply a chandan tilak of the shape of "U", Shiva worshippers a tripundra (of the shape of "º ") of bhasma, Devi worshippers a red dot of kumkum and so on).
The tilak cover the spot between the eyebrows, which is the seat of memory and thinking. It is known as the Aajna Chakra in the language of Yoga. The tilak is applied with the prayer – "May I remember the Lord. May this pious feeling pervade all my activities. May I be righteous in my deeds." Even when we temporarily forget this prayerful attitude the mark on another reminds us of our resolve. The tilak is thus a blessing of the Lord and a protection against wrong tendencies and forces.
The entire body emanates energy in the form of electromagnetic waves – the forehead and the subtle spot between the eyebrows especially so. That is why worry generates heat and causes a headache.. The tilak and pottu cools the forehead, protects us and prevents energy loss. Sometimes the entire forehead is covered with chandan or bhasma. Using plastic reusable "stick bindis" is not very beneficial, even though it serves the purpose of decoration.
6. Why do we not touch papers, books and people with the feet?
To Indians, knowledge is sacred and divine. So it must be given respect at all times. Nowadays we separate subjects as sacred and secular. But in ancient India every subject – academic or spiritual – was considered divine and taught by the guru in the gurukula.
The custom of not stepping on educational tools is a frequent reminder of the high position accorded to knowledge in Indian culture. From an early age, this wisdom fosters in us a deep reverence for books and education. This is also the reason why we worship books, vehicles and instruments once a year on Saraswathi Pooja or Ayudha Pooja day, dedicated to the Goddess of Learning. In fact, each day before starting our studies, we pray:
Saraswati namasthubhyam
Varade kaama roopini
Vidyaarambham karishyaami
Sidhirbhavatu me sadaa
O Goddess Saraswati, the giver of
Boons and fulfiller of wishes,
I prostrate to You before
starting my studies.
May you always fulfill me?
6. To touch another with the feet is considered an act of misdemeanor. Why is this so?
Man is regarded as the most beautiful, living breathing temple of the Lord! Therefore touching another with the feet is akin to disrespecting the divinity within him or her. This calls for an immediate apology, which is offered with reverence and humility.
7. Why do we apply the holy ash?
The ash of any burnt object is not regarded as holy ash. Bhasma (the holy ash) is the ash from the homa (sacrificial fire) where special wood along with ghee and other herbs is offered as worship of the Lord. Or the deity is worshipped by pouring ash as abhisheka and is then distributed as bhasma.
Bhasma is generally applied on the forehead. Some apply it on certain parts of the body like the upper arms, chest etc. Some ascetics rub it all over the body. Many consume a pinch of it each time they receive it.
The word bhasma means, "that by which our sins are destroyed and the Lord is remembered". Bha implies bhartsanam ("to destroy") and sma implies smaranam ("to remember"). The application of bhasma therefore signifies destruction of the evil and remembrance of the divine. Bhasma is called vibhuti (which means "glory") as it gives glory to one who applies it and raksha (which means a source of protection) as it protects the wearer from ill health and evil, by purifying him or her.
Homa (offering of oblations into the fire with sacred chants) signifies the offering or surrender of the ego and egocentric desires into the flame of knowledge or a noble and selfless cause. The consequent ash signifies the purity of the mind, which results from such actions.
Also the fire of knowledge burns the oblation and wood signifying ignorance and inertia respectively. The ash we apply indicates that we should burn false identification with the body and become free of the limitations of birth and death. This is not to be misconstrued as a morose reminder of death but as a powerful pointer towards the fact that time and tide wait for none.
Bhasma is specially associated with Lord Shiva who applies it all over His body. Shiva devotes apply bhasma as a tripundra (the form of "&ord� ; "). When applied with a red spot at the center, the mark symbolizes Shiva-Shakti (the unity of energy and matter that creates the entire seen and unseen universe).
Bhasma has medicinal value and is used in many ayurvedic medicines. It absorbs excess moisture from the body and prevents colds and headaches. The Upanishads say that the famous Mrityunjaya mantra should be chanted whilst applying ash on the forehead.
Tryambakam yajaamahe
Sugandhim pushtivardhanam
Urvaa rukamiva bhandhanaan
Mrytyor muksheeyamaa amrutaat
"We worship the three-eyed Lord Shiva who nourishes and spread fragrance in our lives. May He free us from the shackles of sorrow, change and death – effortlessly, like the fall of a rip brinjal from its stem."
8. Why do offer food to the Lord before eating it?
Indians make an offering of food to the Lord and later partake of it as prasaada – a holy gift from the Lord. In our daily ritualistic worship (pooja) too we offer naivedyam (food) to the Lord.
The Lord is omnipotent and omniscient. Man is a part, while the Lord is the totality. All that we do is by His strength and knowledge alone. Hence what we receive in life as a result of our actions is really His alone. We acknowledge this through the act of offering food to Him. This is exemplified by the Hindi words "tera tujko arpan"– I offer what is Yours to You. Thereafter it is akin to His gift to us, graced by His divine touch.
Knowing this, our entire attitude to food and the act of eating changes. The food offered will naturally be pure and the best. We share what we get with others before consuming it. We do not demand, complain or criticise the quality of the food we get. We eat it with cheerful acceptance ( prasaada buddhi).
Before we partake of our daily meals we first sprinkle water around the plate as an act of purification. Five morsels of food are placed on the side of the plate acknowledging the debt owed by us to the Divine forces ( devta runa) for their benign grace and protection, our ancestors (pitru runa) for giving us their lineage and a family culture, the sages (rishi runa) as our religion and culture have been "realised", aintained and handed down to us by them, our fellow beings ( manushya runa) who constitute society without the support of which we could not live as we do and other living beings (bhuta runa) for serving us selflessly.
Thereafter the Lord, the life force, who is also within us as the five life-giving physiological functions, is offered the food. This is done with the chant
praanaaya swaahaa,
apaanaaya swaahaa,
vyaanaaya swaahaa,
udaanaaya swaahaa,
samaanaaya swaahaa,
brahmane swaahaa
After offering the food thus, it is eaten as prasaada – blessed food.
9. Why do we fast?
Most devout Indians fast regularly or on special occasions like festivals. On such days they do not eat at all, eat once or make do with fruits or a special diet of simple food.
Fasting in Sanskrit is called upavaasa. Upa means "near" + vaasa means "to stay". Upavaasa therefore means staying near (the Lord), meaning the attainment of close mental proximity with the Lord. Then what hasupavaasa to do with food?
A lot of our time and energy is spent in procuring food items, preparing, cooking, eating and digesting food. Certain food types make our minds dull and agitated. Hence on certain days man decides to save time and conserve his energy by eating either simple, light food or totally abstaining from eating so that his mind becomes alert and pure. The mind, otherwise pre-occupied by the thought of food, now entertains noble thoughts and stays with the Lord. Since it is a self-imposed form of discipline it is usually adhered to with joy.
Also every system needs a break and an overhaul to work at its best. Rest and a change of diet during fasting is very good for the digestive system and the entire body.
The more you indulge the senses, the more they make their demands. Fasting helps us to cultivate control over our senses, sublimate our desires and guide our minds to be poised and at peace.
Fasting should not make us weak, irritable or create an urge to indulge later. This happens when there is no noble goal behind fasting.
The Bhagavad-Gita urges us to eat appropriately – neither too less nor too much – yukta-aahaara and to eat simple, pure and healthy food (a saatvik diet) even when not fasting.
10. Why do we do pradakshina (circumambulate) ?
We cannot draw a circle without a center point. The Lord is the center, source and essence of our lives. Recognizing Him as the focal point in our lives, we go about doing our daily chores. This is the significance of pradakshina.
Also every point on the circumference of a circle is equidistant from the center. This means that wherever or whoever we may be, we are equally close to the Lord. His grace flows towards us without partiality.
11. Why is pradakshina done only in a clockwise manner?
The reason is not, as a person said, to avoid a traffic jam! As we do pradakshina, the Lord is always on our right. In India the right side symbolizes auspiciousness. So as we circumambulate the sanctum sanctorum we remind ourselves to lead an auspicious life of righteousness, with the Lord who is the indispensable source of help and strength, as our guide – the "right hand".
Indian scriptures enjoin – matrudevo bhava, pitrudevo bhava, acharyadevo bhava. May you consider your parents and teachers as you would the Lord. With this in mind we also do pradakshina around our parents and divine personages.
After the completion of traditional worship (pooja), we customarily do pradakshina around ourselves. In this way we recognize and remember the supreme divinity within us, which alone is idolized in the form of the Lord that we worship outside.
12. Why do we regard trees and plants as sacred?
The Lord, the life in us, pervades all living beings, be they plants or animals. Hence, they are all regarded as sacred. Human life on earth depends on plants and trees. They give us the vital factors that make life possible on earth: food, oxygen, clothing, shelter, medicines etc.
Hence, in India, we are taught to regard trees and plants as sacred. Indians scriptures tell us to plant ten trees if, for any reason, we have to cut one. We are advised to use parts of trees and plants only as much as is needed for food, fuel, shelter etc. we are also urged to apologies to a plant or tree before cutting it to avoid incurring a specific sin named soona
Certain trees and plants like tulasi, peepal etc., which have tremendous beneficial qualities, are worshipped till today. It is believed that divine beings manifest as trees and plants, and many people worship them to fulfill their desires or to please the Lord.
12. Why do we ring the bell in a temple?
Is it to wake up the Lord? But the Lord never sleeps. Is it to let the Lord know we have come? He does not need to be told, as He is all knowing. Is it a form of seeking permission to enter His precinct? It is a homecoming and therefore entry needs no permission. The Lord welcomes us at all times. Then why do we ring the bell?
The ringing of the bell produces what is regarded as an auspicious sound. It produces the sound Om, the universal name of the Lord. There should be auspiciousness within and without, to gain the vision of the Lord who is all-auspiciousness.
Even while doing the ritualistic aarati, we ring the bell. It is sometimes accompanied by the auspicious sounds of the conch and other musical instruments. An added significance of ringing the bell, conch and other instruments is that they help drowned any inauspicious or irrelevant noises and comments that might disturb or distract the worshippers in their devotional ardour, concentration and inner peace.
As we start the daily ritualistic worship (pooja) we ring the bell, chanting:
Aagamaarthamtu devaanaam
gamanaarthamtu rakshasaam
Kurve ghantaaravam tatra
devataahvaahna lakshanam
I ring this bell indicating
the invocation of divinity,
So that virtuous and noble forces
enter (my home and heart);
and the demonic and evil forces
from within and without, depart.
13. Why do we worship the kalasha ?
First of all what is a kalasha? A brass, mud or copper pot is filled with water. Mango leaves are placed in the mouth of the pot and a coconut is placed over it. A red or white thread is tied around its neck or sometimes all around it in a intricate diamond-shaped pattern. The pot may be decorated wit designs. Such a pot is known as a kalasha.
When the pot is filled with water or rice, it is known as purnakumbha representing the inert body which when filled with the divine life force gains the power to do all the wonderful things that makes life what it is.
A kalasha is placed with due rituals on all-important occasions like the traditional house warming (grihapravesa), wedding, daily worship etc. It is placed near the entrance as a sign of welcome. It is also used in a traditional manner while receiving holy personages. Why do we worship the kalasha ? Before the creation came into being, Lord Vishnu was reclining on His snake-bed in the milky ocean. From His navel emerged a lotus from which appeared Lord Brahma, the creator, who thereafter created this world.
The water in the kalasha symbolizes the primordial water from which the entire creation emerged. It is the giver of life to all and has the potential of creating innumerable names and forms, the inert objects and the sentient beings and all that is auspicious in the world from the energy behind the universe. The leaves and coconut represent creation.
The thread represents the love that "binds" all in creation. The kalasha is therefore considered auspicious and worshipped. The waters from all the holy rivers, the knowledge of all the Vedas and the blessings of all the deities are invoked in the kalasha and its water is thereafter used for all the rituals, including the abhisheka.
The consecration (kumbhaabhisheka) of a temple is done in a grand manner with elaborate rituals including the pouring of one or more kalashas of holy water on the top of the temple. When the asuras and devas churned the milky ocean, the Lord appeared bearing the pot of nectar, which blessed one with everlasting life.
Thus the kalasha also symbolizes immortality. Men of wisdom are full and complete as they identify with the infinite Truth ( poornatvam). They brim with joy and love and respect all that is auspicious. We greet them with apurnakumbha ("full pot") acknowledging their greatness and as a sign of respectful and reverential welcome, with a "full heart".
14. Why do we consider the lotus as special?
The lotus is the symbol of truth, auspiciousness and beauty (satyam, shivam, sundaram). The Lord is also that nature and therefore, His various aspects are compared to a lotus ( i.e. lotus-eyes, lotus feet, lotus hands, the lotus of the heart etc.).
The lotus blooms with the rising sun and close at night. Similarly, our minds open up and expand with the light of knowledge. The lotus grows even in slushy areas. It remains beautiful and untainted despite its surroundings, reminding us that we too can and should strive to remain pure and beautiful within, under all circumstances.
The lotus leaf never gets wet even though it is always in water. It symbolizes the man of wisdom (gyaani ) who remains ever joyous, unaffected by the world of sorrow and change. This is revealed in a shloka from the Bhagwad-Geeta:
Brahmanyaadhaaya karmaani
Sangam tyaktvaa karoti yaha
Lipyate na sa paapena
Padma patram ivaambhasaa
He who does actions, offering them to Brahman (the Supreme), abandoning attachment, is not tainted by sin, just as a lotus leaf remains unaffected by the water on it.
From this, we learn that what is natural to the man of wisdom becomes a discipline to be practiced by allsaadhakas or spiritual seekers and devotees. Our bodies have certain energy centers described in the Yoga Shaastras as chakras.
Each one is associated with lotus that has a certain number of petals. For example, a lotus with a thousand petals represents the Sahasra chakra at the top of the head, which opens when the yogi attains Godhood or Realisation. Also, the lotus posture ( padmaasana) is recommended when one sits for meditation. A lotus emerged from the navel of Lord Vishnu. Lord Brahma originated from it to create the world. Hence, the lotus symbolizes the link between the creator and the supreme Cause.
It also symbolizes Brahmaloka, the abode of Lord Brahma. The auspicious sign of the swastika is said to have evolved from the lotus.
15. Why do we worship tulasi?
In Sanskrit, tulanaa naasti athaiva tulasi - that which is incomparable (in its qualities) is the tulasi .
For Indians it is one of the most sacred plants. In fact it is known to be the only thing used in worship, which, once used, can be washed and reused in pooja - as it is regarded so self-purifying.
As one story goes, Tulasi was the devoted wife of Shankhachuda, a celestial being. She believed that Lord Krishna tricked her into sinning. So she cursed Him to become a stone ( shaaligraama). Seeing her devotion and adhered to righteousness, the Lord blessed her saying that she would become the worshipped plant, tulasi that would adorn His head.
Also that all offerings would be incomplete without the tulasi leaf - hence the worship of tulasi.
She also symbolises Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. Those who wish to be righteous and have a happy family life worship the tulasi.
Tulasi is married to the Lord with all pomp and show as in any wedding.
This is because according to another legend, the Lord blessed her to be His consort. Satyabhama once weighed Lord Krishna against all her legendary wealth. The scales did not balance till a single tulasi leaf was placed along with the wealth on the scale by Rukmini with devotion.
Thus the tulasi played the vital role of demonstrating to the world that even a small object offered with devotion means more to the Lord than all the wealth in the world.
The tulasi leaf has great medicinal value and is used to cure various ailments, including the common cold.
Yanmule sarvatirhaani
Yannagre sarvadevataa
Yanmadhye sarvavedaascha
Tulasi taam namaamyaham
I bow down to the tulasi, At whose base are all the holy places, At whose top reside all the deities and In whose middle are all the Vedas.
16. Why do we blow the conch?
When the conch is blown, the primordial sound of Om emanates. Om is an auspicious sound that was chanted by the Lord before creating the world. It represents the world and the Truth behind it.
As the story goes, the demon Shankhaasura defeated devas, the Vedas and went to the bottom of the ocean. The devas appealed to Lord Vishnu for help. He incarnated as Matsya Avataara - the "fish incarnation" and killed Shankhaasura. The Lord blew the conch-shaped bone of his ear and head.. The Om sound emanated, from which emerged the Vedas.
All knowledge enshrined in the Vedas is an elaboration of Om . The conch therefore is known as shankhaafter Shankaasua. The conch blown by the Lord is called Paanchajanya. He carries it at all times in one of His four hands.
It represents dharma or righteousness that is one of the four goals (purushaarthas) of life. The sound of the conch is thus also the victory call of good over evil.
Another well-known purpose of blowing the conch and the instruments, known traditionally to produce auspicious sounds is to drown or mask negative comments or noises that may disturb or upset the atmosphere or the minds of worshippers.
Ancient India lived in her villages. Each village was presided over by a primary temple and several small ones. During the aarati performed after all-important poojas and on sacred occasions, the conch used to be blown. Since villages were generally small, the sound of the conch would be heard all over the village. People who could not make it to the temple were reminded to stop whatever they were doing, at least for a few seconds, and mentally bow to the Lord. The conch sound served to briefly elevate people's minds to a prayerful attitude even in the middle of their busy daily routine.
The conch is placed at the altar in temples and homes next to the Lord as a symbol of Naada Brahma (Truth), the Vedas, Om, dharma, victory and auspiciousness. It is often used to offer devotees thirtha (sanctified water) to raise their minds to the highest Truth. It is worshipped with the following verse.
Twam puraa saagarot pannaha
Vishnunaa vidhrutahakare
Devaischa poojitha sarvahi
Panchjanya namostu te
Salutations to Panchajanya
the conch born of the ocean
Held in the hand of Lord Vishnu
and worshipped by all devaas
17. Why do we say shaanti thrice?
Shaanti, meaning "peace", is a natural state of being. Disturbances are created either by others or us. For example, peace already exists in a place until someone makes noise.
Therefore, peace underlies all our agitations. When agitations end, peace is naturally experienced since it was already there. Where there is peace, there is happiness. Therefore, every one without exception desires peace in his/her life.
However, peace within or without seems very hard to attain because it is covered by our own agitations. A rare few manage to remain peaceful within even in the midst of external agitation and troubles. To invoke peace, we chant prayers. By chanting prayers, troubles end and peace is experienced internally, irrespective of the external disturbances. All such prayers end by chanting shaanti thrice.
It is believed that trivaram satyam - that which is said thrice comes true. For emphasizing a point we repeat a thing thrice. In the court of law also, one who takes the witness stands says, "I shall speak the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth".
We chant shaanti thrice to emphasise our intense desire for peace. All obstacles, problems and sorrows originate from three sources.
Aadhidaivika : The unseen divine forces over which we have little or no control like earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions etc.
Aadhibhautika: The known factors around us like accidents, human contacts, pollution, crime etc.
Aadhyaatmika : We sincerely pray to the Lord that at least while we undertake special tasks or even in our daily lives, there are no problems or that, problems are minimised from the three sources written about above.
May peace alone prevail. Hence shaanti is chanted thrice.
It is chanted aloud the first time, addressing the unseen forces. It is chanted softer the second time, directed to our immediate surroundings and those around, and softest the last time as it is addressed to oneself.
18. Why do we offer a coconut?
In India one of the most common offerings in a temple is a coconut. It is also offered on occasions like weddings, festivals, the use of a new vehicle, bridge, house etc. It is offered in the sacrificial fire whilst performinghoma. The coconut is broken and placed before the Lord. It is later distributed as prasaada.
The fibre covering of the dried coconut is removed except for a tuft on the top. The marks on the coconut make it look like the head of a human being. The coconut is broken, symbolising the breaking of the ego. The juice within, representing the inner tendencies ( vaasanas) is offered along with the white kernel - the mind, to the Lord.
A mind thus purified by the touch of the Lord is used as prasaada ( a holy gift). In the traditional abhishekharitual done in all temples and many homes, several materials are poured over the deity like milk, curd, honey, tender coconut water, sandal paste, holy ash etc. Each material has a specific significance of bestowing certain benefits on worshippers. Tender coconut water is used in abhisheka rituals since it is believed to bestow spiritual growth on the seeker.
The coconut also symbolises selfless service. Every part of the tree -the trunk, leaves, fruit, coir etc. Is used in innumerable ways like thatches, mats, tasty dishes, oil, soap etc.. It takes in even salty water from the earth and converts it into sweet nutritive water that is especially beneficial to sick people. It is used in the preparation of many ayurvedic medicines and in other alternative medicinal systems.
The marks on the coconut are even thought to represent the three-eyed Lord Shiva and therefore it is considered to be a means to fulfill our desires.
19. Why do we chant Om?
Om is one of the most chanted sound symbols in India. It has a profound effect on the body and mind of the one who chants and also on the surroundings. Most mantras and vedic prayers start with Om.
All auspicious actions begin with Om. It is even used as a greeting - Om, Hari Om etc. It is repeated as a mantra or meditated upon. Its form is worshipped, contemplated upon or used as an auspicious sign.
Om is the universal name of the Lord. It is made up of the letters A (phonetically as in "around"), U (phonetically as in "put") and M (phonetically as in "mum"). The sound emerging from the vocal chords starts from the base of the throat as "A". With the coming together of the lips, "U" is formed and when the lips are closed, all sounds end in "M".
The three letters symbolize the three states (waking, dream and deep sleep), the three deities (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva), the three Vedas (Rig, Yajur and Sama) the three worlds (Bhuh, Bhuvah, Suvah) etc. The Lord is all these and beyond.
The formless, attributeless Lord (Brahman) is represented by the silence between two Om Chants. Om is also called pranava that means, "that (symbol or sound) by which the Lord is praised". The entire essence of the Vedas is enshrined in the word Om. It is said that the Lord started creating the world after chanting Om and atha. Hence its sound is considered to create an auspicious beginning for any task that we undertake. The Om chant should have the resounding sound of a bell (aaooommm).
Om is written in different ways in different places. The most common form symbolizes Lord Ganesha's. The upper curve is the head; the lower large one, the stomach; the side one, the trunk; and the semi-circular mark with the dot, the sweetmeat ball (modaka) in Lord Ganesha's hand. Thus Om symbolizes everything - the means and the goal of life, the world and the Truth behind it, the material and the Sacred, all form and the Formless.
20. Why do we do aarati ?
Towards the end of every ritualistic worship (pooja or bhajan) of the Lord or to welcome an honored guest or saint, we perform the aarati. This is always accompanied by the ringing of the bell and sometimes by singing, playing of musical instruments and clapping.
It is one of the sixteen steps (shodasha upachaara) of the pooja ritual. It is referred to as the lighted lamp in the right hand, which we wave in a clockwise circling movement to light the entire form of the Lord.
Each part is revealed individually and also the entire form of the Lord. As the light is waved we either do mental or loud chanting of prayers or simply behold the beautiful form of the Lord, illumined by the lamp. At the end of the aarati we place our hands over the flame and then gently touch our eyes and the top of the head.
We have seen and participated in this ritual from our childhood. Let us find out why we do the aarati?
Having worshipped the Lord of love - performing abhisheka, decorating the image and offering fruits and delicacies, we see the beauty of the Lord in all His glory. Our minds are focused on each limb of the Lord as the lamp lights it up. It is akin to silent open-eyed meditation on His beauty. The singing, clapping, ringing of the bell etc. denote the joy and auspiciousness, which accompanies the vision of the Lord.
Aarati is often performed with camphor. This holds a telling spiritual significance. Camphor when lit, burns itself out completely without leaving a trace of it. It represents our inherent tendencies ( vaasanas). When lit by the fire of knowledge which illumines the Lord (Truth), our vaasanas thereafter burn themselves out completely, not leaving a trace of ego which creates in us a sense of individuality that keeps us separate from the Lord.
Also while camphor burns to reveal the glory of Lord, it emits a pleasant perfume even while it sacrifices itself. In our spiritual progress, even as we serve the guru and society, we should willingly sacrifice ourselves and all we have, to spread the "perfume" of love to all. We often wait a long while to see the illumined Lord but when the aarati is actually performed, our eyes close automatically as if to look within. This is to signify that each of us is a temple of the Lord.
Just as the priest reveals the form of the Lord clearly with the aarati flame, so too the guru reveals to us the divinity within each of us with the help of the "flame" of knowledge (or the light of spiritual knowledge). At the end of theaarati, we place our hands over the flame and then touch our eyes and the top of the head. It means - may the light that illuminated the Lord light up my vision; may my vision be divine and my thoughts noble and beautiful.
The philosophical meaning of aarati extends further. The sun, moon, stars, lightning and fire are the natural sources of light. The Lord is the source of this wonderous phenomenon of the universe. It is due to Him alone that all else exist and shine. As we light up the Lord with the flame of the aarati, we turn our attention to the very source of all light, which symbolizes knowledge and life.
Also the sun is the presiding deity of the intellect, the moon, that of the mind, and fire, that of speech. The Lord is the supreme consciousness that illuminates all of them. Without Him, the intellect cannot think, nor can the mind feel nor the tongue speaks. The Lord is beyond the mind, intellect and speech. How can this finite equipment illuminate the Lord? Therefore, as we perform the aarati we chant;
Na tatra suryo bhaati na chandra taarakam
Nemaa vidyuto bhaanti kutoyamagnib
Tameva bhaantam anubhaati sarvam
Tasya bhasa sarvam idam vibhaati
He is there where the sun does not shine,
Nor the moon, stars and lightning.
then what to talk of this small flame (in my hand),
Everything (in the universe) shines only after the Lord,
And by His light alone are we all illumined.
Source..............Swami Chinmayananda
The Devi Mahathmya...........................
Book Synopsis........................
The Devi Mahatmya.............By Swami Sivananda
The Devi Mahatmya or the Durga Saptasati is a unique book in this world. It is the base and the root of the religion of the Saktas. It is a Kamadhenu for one and all; it gives whatever man wants. It gives Bhakti in
this world and Mukti afterwards. It is a powerful reservoir of Mantras from the beginning to the end. Every verse of this text is a dynamic force which acts powerfully in overhauling the nature of man.
The conception of the Infinite as Mother is not an altogether meaningless one. The Rigveda bears testimony to the fact that even in such ancient times, there was the persistent belief that the Ruler is the All-compassionate Mother. Further, Mother is the personality that appeals most to the human heart, not so much the Father who is considered a hard task-
master. Moreover the conception of the Divinity as Devi, Durga or Sri, is not merely a theory but a practical way of life. It is a particular view which cannot be set aside. It is as important as any school
of religious belief, and is one of the most important reigning branches of Hindu religion--Vaishnavism, Saivism and Saktaism. Even a subtle philosopher cannot dispense with the conception of Sakti, for he is
essentially an embodiment of Power, and he has love for power. The highest Intelligence and the most speculative metaphysics is only a manifestation of Jnana-Sakti and is not outside the range of Saktaism. Let us therefore adore and worship the Glorious Mother for the purpose of attaining Wisdom or Self-realisations.
The Devi Mahatmya.............By Swami Sivananda
The Devi Mahatmya or the Durga Saptasati is a unique book in this world. It is the base and the root of the religion of the Saktas. It is a Kamadhenu for one and all; it gives whatever man wants. It gives Bhakti in
this world and Mukti afterwards. It is a powerful reservoir of Mantras from the beginning to the end. Every verse of this text is a dynamic force which acts powerfully in overhauling the nature of man.
The conception of the Infinite as Mother is not an altogether meaningless one. The Rigveda bears testimony to the fact that even in such ancient times, there was the persistent belief that the Ruler is the All-compassionate Mother. Further, Mother is the personality that appeals most to the human heart, not so much the Father who is considered a hard task-
master. Moreover the conception of the Divinity as Devi, Durga or Sri, is not merely a theory but a practical way of life. It is a particular view which cannot be set aside. It is as important as any school
of religious belief, and is one of the most important reigning branches of Hindu religion--Vaishnavism, Saivism and Saktaism. Even a subtle philosopher cannot dispense with the conception of Sakti, for he is
essentially an embodiment of Power, and he has love for power. The highest Intelligence and the most speculative metaphysics is only a manifestation of Jnana-Sakti and is not outside the range of Saktaism. Let us therefore adore and worship the Glorious Mother for the purpose of attaining Wisdom or Self-realisations.
Today & every day..................God Will.............
To-day & Every day God will be handling all your problems.
This is God. Today & Every bday ,I will be handling All of your problems for you. I do Not need your help. So, have a nice day.
I love you...............................GOD
And, remember......................
If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do Not attempt to resolve it yourself! Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box I will get to it in MY TIME. All situations will be resolved, but in My time, not yours.
Once the matter is placed into my box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now.
If you find yourself stuck in traffic, don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.
Should you have a bad day at work; think of the man who has been out of work for years.
Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.
Should you grieve the passing of another weekend; think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children.
Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance; think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.
Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror; think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.
Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose? Be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.
Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; remember, things could be worse. You could be one of them!
Should you decide to send this to a friend; Thank you. You may have touched their life in ways you will never know!
Now, you have a nice day.........................
God ...................Blessing will come your way..................... You have to Wait....................patiently.................& Have Faith in "Him" and belief in "You "
This is God. Today & Every bday ,I will be handling All of your problems for you. I do Not need your help. So, have a nice day.
I love you...............................GOD
And, remember......................
If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do Not attempt to resolve it yourself! Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box I will get to it in MY TIME. All situations will be resolved, but in My time, not yours.
Once the matter is placed into my box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now.
If you find yourself stuck in traffic, don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.
Should you have a bad day at work; think of the man who has been out of work for years.
Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.
Should you grieve the passing of another weekend; think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children.
Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance; think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.
Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror; think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.
Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose? Be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.
Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; remember, things could be worse. You could be one of them!
Should you decide to send this to a friend; Thank you. You may have touched their life in ways you will never know!
Now, you have a nice day.........................
God ...................Blessing will come your way..................... You have to Wait....................patiently.................& Have Faith in "Him" and belief in "You "
Easy.........................Difficult
Easy .... Difficult ....................................
-Easy to occupy a place in the telephone directory.
-Difficult to occupy the heart of somebody.
Easy to judge the errors of others.
-Difficult to recognize our own errors.
-Easy to hurt those whom we love.
-Difficult to heal those wounds.
-Easy to forgive others.
-Difficult to ask for forgiveness.
-Easy to exhibit victory.
-Difficult to assume defeat with dignity.
-Easy to dream every night.
-Difficult to fight for a dream.
-Easy to pray every night.
-Difficult to find God in the smallest of things.
-Easy to say we love.
-Difficult to demonstrate it every day.
-Easy to criticize everybody.
-Difficult to better / perfect ourselves.
-Easy to think of improving.
-Difficult to stop thinking & really do it.
-Easy to receive.
-Difficult to give.
-Easy to occupy a place in the telephone directory.
-Difficult to occupy the heart of somebody.
Easy to judge the errors of others.
-Difficult to recognize our own errors.
-Easy to hurt those whom we love.
-Difficult to heal those wounds.
-Easy to forgive others.
-Difficult to ask for forgiveness.
-Easy to exhibit victory.
-Difficult to assume defeat with dignity.
-Easy to dream every night.
-Difficult to fight for a dream.
-Easy to pray every night.
-Difficult to find God in the smallest of things.
-Easy to say we love.
-Difficult to demonstrate it every day.
-Easy to criticize everybody.
-Difficult to better / perfect ourselves.
-Easy to think of improving.
-Difficult to stop thinking & really do it.
-Easy to receive.
-Difficult to give.
Thoughts of facts,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Thoughts of facts........................
I have realised that words have hurt me more than the wounds I have sufferred in my life and I have also realised that tears can convey more than what words can ever say.And No person deserves your tears, and who ever deserves, won't make you cry.
Your smile and laugh warm my heart, I feel this feeling from my inner & bottom of my heart.
The warmth I want to feel again and again through you all will make me happy all the way and I shall reciprocate in the same way...........and hope this note 'am sending will make you all smile & remain happy and contended..........................................................And........ Smile & Make other too smile
Laugh and Live Longer
I have realised that words have hurt me more than the wounds I have sufferred in my life and I have also realised that tears can convey more than what words can ever say.And No person deserves your tears, and who ever deserves, won't make you cry.
Your smile and laugh warm my heart, I feel this feeling from my inner & bottom of my heart.
The warmth I want to feel again and again through you all will make me happy all the way and I shall reciprocate in the same way...........and hope this note 'am sending will make you all smile & remain happy and contended..........................................................And........ Smile & Make other too smile
Laugh and Live Longer
Friday, November 26, 2010
Beautiful Thoughts......................
BEAUTIFUL THOUGHTS.........PL READ WITH CARE 7 WILL PULSATE YOU..... I BET
NEVER CRY FOR ANY RELATION IN LIFE, BECAUSE FOR THE ONE WHOM YOU CRY
DOES NOT DESERVE YOUR TEARS ,AND THE ONE WHO DESERVES WILL NEVER LET YOU CRY.................
TREAT EVERYONE WITH POLITENESS EVEN THOSE WHO ARE RUDE TO YOU,
NOT BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT NICE................ BUT BECAUSE YOU ARE TOO NICE..............
NEVER SEARCH YOUR HAPPINESS IN OTHERS WHICH WILL MAKE YOU FEEL ALONE,
RATHER SEARCH IT IN YOURSELF YOU WILL FIND IT AND FEEL HAPPY
EVEN IF YOU ARE LEFT ALONE........... ALWAYS HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE IN LIFE..........................AS..................
THERE IS SOMETHING POSITIVE IN EVERY PERSON. EVEN A STOPPED WATCH IS RIGHT
TWICE A DAY...............IS IT NOT ? YES
HAPPINESS ALWAYS LOOKS SMALL WHEN WE HOLD IT IN OUR HANDS.........
BUT WHEN WE LEARN TO SHARE IT, WE REALIZE HOW BIG AND PRECIOUS IT IS!....... AND ALWAYS REMEMBER THE TRUTH.............................
"YOU DON'T THINK TO BREATHE, YOU BREATHE TO THINK"..............THEREFORE
THINK TO............
" ALWAYS BE THE REASON FOR SOME ONE'S HAPPINESS AND NEVER JUST BE A PART OF IT. ALWAYS BE A PART OF SOME ONE'S SADNESS, BUT NEVER BE THE REASON FOR IT".
&
"NEVER TAKE SOME ONE FOR GRANTED,HOLD EVERY PERSON CLOSE TO YOUR HEART AND IN HIGH ESTEEM,BECAUSE YOU MIGHT WAKE UP ONE DAY AND REALISE THAT YOU HAVE LOST A DIAMOND,WHILE YOU WERE BUSY IN COLLECTING STONES."
J.K
NEVER CRY FOR ANY RELATION IN LIFE, BECAUSE FOR THE ONE WHOM YOU CRY
DOES NOT DESERVE YOUR TEARS ,AND THE ONE WHO DESERVES WILL NEVER LET YOU CRY.................
TREAT EVERYONE WITH POLITENESS EVEN THOSE WHO ARE RUDE TO YOU,
NOT BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT NICE................ BUT BECAUSE YOU ARE TOO NICE..............
NEVER SEARCH YOUR HAPPINESS IN OTHERS WHICH WILL MAKE YOU FEEL ALONE,
RATHER SEARCH IT IN YOURSELF YOU WILL FIND IT AND FEEL HAPPY
EVEN IF YOU ARE LEFT ALONE........... ALWAYS HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE IN LIFE..........................AS..................
THERE IS SOMETHING POSITIVE IN EVERY PERSON. EVEN A STOPPED WATCH IS RIGHT
TWICE A DAY...............IS IT NOT ? YES
HAPPINESS ALWAYS LOOKS SMALL WHEN WE HOLD IT IN OUR HANDS.........
BUT WHEN WE LEARN TO SHARE IT, WE REALIZE HOW BIG AND PRECIOUS IT IS!....... AND ALWAYS REMEMBER THE TRUTH.............................
"YOU DON'T THINK TO BREATHE, YOU BREATHE TO THINK"..............THEREFORE
THINK TO............
" ALWAYS BE THE REASON FOR SOME ONE'S HAPPINESS AND NEVER JUST BE A PART OF IT. ALWAYS BE A PART OF SOME ONE'S SADNESS, BUT NEVER BE THE REASON FOR IT".
&
"NEVER TAKE SOME ONE FOR GRANTED,HOLD EVERY PERSON CLOSE TO YOUR HEART AND IN HIGH ESTEEM,BECAUSE YOU MIGHT WAKE UP ONE DAY AND REALISE THAT YOU HAVE LOST A DIAMOND,WHILE YOU WERE BUSY IN COLLECTING STONES."
J.K
A Story of Appreciation.......................................
A Story of Appreciation .....& 3 indispensable Values......Pl read Till the END
One young academically excellent person went to apply for a managerial
position in a big company.He passed the first interview; the director did the last interview, made the last decision.
The director discovered from the CV, that the youth's academic result is
excellent all the way, from the secondary school until the postgraduate
research, never was a year he did not score.
The director asked, "Did you obtain any scholarship in school?" and the
youth answered "none".
The director asked, " Is it your father who paid for your school fees?" the
youth answered, my father passed away when I was one year old, it is my
mother who paid for my school fees.
The director asked, " Where did your mother work?" the youth answered, my
mother worked as a cloth cleaner. The director requested the youth to show
his hand, the youth showed a pair of hand that were smooth and perfect to
the director.
The director asked, " Did you ever help your mother wash the clothes
before?" The youth answered, never, my mother always wanted me to study and
read more books, furthermore, my mother can wash clothes faster than me.The
director said, I have a request, when you go back today, go and help to
clean your mother's hand, and then see me tomorrow morning.
The youth felt that as the chance of landing the job is high, when he went
back, he happily wanted to clean his mother's hand, his mother felt strange,happy but mixed with fear, she showed her hands to the kid.
The youth cleaned his mother's hand slowly, his tears dropped down as he did that. It is the first time he found his mother's hands so wrinkled, and there are so many bruises in her hand. Some bruises incite pains so strong that shiver his mother's body when cleaned with water.
This is the first time the youth realized and experienced that it is this
pair of hand that washed the cloth everyday to earn him the school fees, the bruises in the mother's hand is the price that the mother paid for his
graduation and academic excellence and probably his future.
After finishing the cleaning of his mother hand, the youth quietly cleaned
all remaining clothes for his mother. That night, mother and son talked for
a very long time.
Next morning, the youth went to the director's office.
The director noticed the tear in the youth's eye, asked: “Can you tell what
have you done and learned yesterday in your house?"
The youth answered, " I cleaned my mother's hand, and also finished cleaning all the remaining clothes'
The director asked, “please tell me your feeling."
The youth said :
Number 1, I knew what is appreciation, without my mother, there would not
the successful me today.
Number 2, I knew how to work together with my mother, then only I can
realize how difficult and tough to get something done.
Number 3, I knew the importance and value of family relationship.
The director said, " This is what I am asking, I want to recruit a person
that can appreciate the help of other, a person that knew the suffering of
others to get thing done, and a person that would not put money as his only
goal in life to be my manager. You are hired.
Later on, this young person worked very hard, and received the respect of
his subordinates, every employees worked diligently and in a team, the
company's result improved tremendously.
A child who had been protected and habitually given whatever he did, he
developed "entitlement mentality" and always put himself first. He is
ignorant of his parent's effort. When he started work, he assumed every
people must listen to him, and when he became a manager, he would never know how suffering his employee and always blame others. For this kind of
people, he can have good result, may be successful for a while, but
eventually would not feel sense of achievement, he will grumble and full of
hatred and fight for more. If we are this kind of protective parent, did we
love the kid or destroy the kid?
You can let your kid live in a big house, eat a good meal, learn piano,
watch a big screen TV. But when you are cutting grass, please let them
experience it. After a meal, let them wash their plate and bowl together
with their brothers and sisters. It is not because you do not have money to
hire a maid, but it is because you want to love them in a right way. You
want them to understand, no matter how rich their parents are, one day their hair will grow grey, same as the mother of that young person.
The most important thing is your kid learn how to appreciate the effort and
experience the difficulty and learn the ability to work with others to get
things done..............................................
"Whay you sow, so you reap...................So, sow the finer seeds of family relationship that touches the finer sentiments of heart and mind to reap finest results.
One young academically excellent person went to apply for a managerial
position in a big company.He passed the first interview; the director did the last interview, made the last decision.
The director discovered from the CV, that the youth's academic result is
excellent all the way, from the secondary school until the postgraduate
research, never was a year he did not score.
The director asked, "Did you obtain any scholarship in school?" and the
youth answered "none".
The director asked, " Is it your father who paid for your school fees?" the
youth answered, my father passed away when I was one year old, it is my
mother who paid for my school fees.
The director asked, " Where did your mother work?" the youth answered, my
mother worked as a cloth cleaner. The director requested the youth to show
his hand, the youth showed a pair of hand that were smooth and perfect to
the director.
The director asked, " Did you ever help your mother wash the clothes
before?" The youth answered, never, my mother always wanted me to study and
read more books, furthermore, my mother can wash clothes faster than me.The
director said, I have a request, when you go back today, go and help to
clean your mother's hand, and then see me tomorrow morning.
The youth felt that as the chance of landing the job is high, when he went
back, he happily wanted to clean his mother's hand, his mother felt strange,happy but mixed with fear, she showed her hands to the kid.
The youth cleaned his mother's hand slowly, his tears dropped down as he did that. It is the first time he found his mother's hands so wrinkled, and there are so many bruises in her hand. Some bruises incite pains so strong that shiver his mother's body when cleaned with water.
This is the first time the youth realized and experienced that it is this
pair of hand that washed the cloth everyday to earn him the school fees, the bruises in the mother's hand is the price that the mother paid for his
graduation and academic excellence and probably his future.
After finishing the cleaning of his mother hand, the youth quietly cleaned
all remaining clothes for his mother. That night, mother and son talked for
a very long time.
Next morning, the youth went to the director's office.
The director noticed the tear in the youth's eye, asked: “Can you tell what
have you done and learned yesterday in your house?"
The youth answered, " I cleaned my mother's hand, and also finished cleaning all the remaining clothes'
The director asked, “please tell me your feeling."
The youth said :
Number 1, I knew what is appreciation, without my mother, there would not
the successful me today.
Number 2, I knew how to work together with my mother, then only I can
realize how difficult and tough to get something done.
Number 3, I knew the importance and value of family relationship.
The director said, " This is what I am asking, I want to recruit a person
that can appreciate the help of other, a person that knew the suffering of
others to get thing done, and a person that would not put money as his only
goal in life to be my manager. You are hired.
Later on, this young person worked very hard, and received the respect of
his subordinates, every employees worked diligently and in a team, the
company's result improved tremendously.
A child who had been protected and habitually given whatever he did, he
developed "entitlement mentality" and always put himself first. He is
ignorant of his parent's effort. When he started work, he assumed every
people must listen to him, and when he became a manager, he would never know how suffering his employee and always blame others. For this kind of
people, he can have good result, may be successful for a while, but
eventually would not feel sense of achievement, he will grumble and full of
hatred and fight for more. If we are this kind of protective parent, did we
love the kid or destroy the kid?
You can let your kid live in a big house, eat a good meal, learn piano,
watch a big screen TV. But when you are cutting grass, please let them
experience it. After a meal, let them wash their plate and bowl together
with their brothers and sisters. It is not because you do not have money to
hire a maid, but it is because you want to love them in a right way. You
want them to understand, no matter how rich their parents are, one day their hair will grow grey, same as the mother of that young person.
The most important thing is your kid learn how to appreciate the effort and
experience the difficulty and learn the ability to work with others to get
things done..............................................
"Whay you sow, so you reap...................So, sow the finer seeds of family relationship that touches the finer sentiments of heart and mind to reap finest results.
Richest man in the Valley.....................
Richest Man In The Valley ............................
A rich landowner named Carl often rode around his vast estate so he could congratulate himself on his great wealth.
One day while riding around his estate on his favorite horse, he saw Hans, an old tenant farmer. Hans was sitting under a tree when Carl rode by.
Hans said, 'I was just thanking God for my food.'
Carl protested, 'If that is all I had to eat, I wouldn't feel like giving thanks.'
Hans replied, 'God has given me everything I need, and I am thankful for it.'
The old farmer added, 'It is strange you should come by today because I had a dream last night. In my dream a voice told me, 'The richest man in the valley will die tonight.' I don't know what it means, but I thought I ought to tell you.'
Carl snorted, 'Dreams are nonsense,' and galloped away, but he could not forget Hans' words: 'The richest man in the valley will die tonight.'
He was obviously the richest man in the valley, so he invited his doctor to his house that evening.
Carl told the doctor what Hans had said. After a thorough examination, the doctor told the wealthy landowner, 'Carl, you are as strong and healthy as a horse. There is no way you are going to die tonight.'
Nevertheless, for assurance, the doctor stayed with Carl, and they played cards through the night.
The doctor left the next morning and Carl apologized for becoming so upset over the old man's dream.
At about nine o'clock, a messenger arrived at Carl's door.
'What is it?' Carl demanded................
The messenger explained, 'It's about old Hans. He died last night in his sleep.'
Being rich has nothing to do with money or possessions. But it has everything to do with having a relationship with God.
A rich landowner named Carl often rode around his vast estate so he could congratulate himself on his great wealth.
One day while riding around his estate on his favorite horse, he saw Hans, an old tenant farmer. Hans was sitting under a tree when Carl rode by.
Hans said, 'I was just thanking God for my food.'
Carl protested, 'If that is all I had to eat, I wouldn't feel like giving thanks.'
Hans replied, 'God has given me everything I need, and I am thankful for it.'
The old farmer added, 'It is strange you should come by today because I had a dream last night. In my dream a voice told me, 'The richest man in the valley will die tonight.' I don't know what it means, but I thought I ought to tell you.'
Carl snorted, 'Dreams are nonsense,' and galloped away, but he could not forget Hans' words: 'The richest man in the valley will die tonight.'
He was obviously the richest man in the valley, so he invited his doctor to his house that evening.
Carl told the doctor what Hans had said. After a thorough examination, the doctor told the wealthy landowner, 'Carl, you are as strong and healthy as a horse. There is no way you are going to die tonight.'
Nevertheless, for assurance, the doctor stayed with Carl, and they played cards through the night.
The doctor left the next morning and Carl apologized for becoming so upset over the old man's dream.
At about nine o'clock, a messenger arrived at Carl's door.
'What is it?' Carl demanded................
The messenger explained, 'It's about old Hans. He died last night in his sleep.'
Being rich has nothing to do with money or possessions. But it has everything to do with having a relationship with God.
Sayings on Life.................
Sayings on Life....................& ..........Living
Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.'
A sharp tongue can cut your own throat.
The best vitamin for making friends..... B1............(Be One)
If you want your dreams to come true, you mustn't oversleep.
The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.
The heaviest thing you can carry is a grudge.
One thing you can give and still keep...is your word.
You lie the loudest when you lie to yourself
If you lack the courage to start, you have already finished.
One thing you can't recycle is wasted time.
Ideas won't work unless ' You' do
.
Your mind is like a parachute... .it functions only when open..
The 10 commandments are not a multiple choice.
The pursuit of happiness is the chase of a lifetime! It is never too late to become what you might have been.
Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right.. Forget about the one's who don't. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.
Friends are like balloons; once you let them go, you might not get them back. Sometimes we get so busy with our own lives and problems that we may not even notice that we've let them fly away. Sometimes we are so caught up in who's right and who's wrong that we forget what's right and wrong. Sometimes we just don't realize what real friendship means until it is too late.Don't let that happen to you so tie yourself to your friend's heart so that you never lose.
Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.'
A sharp tongue can cut your own throat.
The best vitamin for making friends..... B1............(Be One)
If you want your dreams to come true, you mustn't oversleep.
The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.
The heaviest thing you can carry is a grudge.
One thing you can give and still keep...is your word.
You lie the loudest when you lie to yourself
If you lack the courage to start, you have already finished.
One thing you can't recycle is wasted time.
Ideas won't work unless ' You' do
.
Your mind is like a parachute... .it functions only when open..
The 10 commandments are not a multiple choice.
The pursuit of happiness is the chase of a lifetime! It is never too late to become what you might have been.
Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right.. Forget about the one's who don't. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.
Friends are like balloons; once you let them go, you might not get them back. Sometimes we get so busy with our own lives and problems that we may not even notice that we've let them fly away. Sometimes we are so caught up in who's right and who's wrong that we forget what's right and wrong. Sometimes we just don't realize what real friendship means until it is too late.Don't let that happen to you so tie yourself to your friend's heart so that you never lose.
Please understand ............................Life
Pl understand................. Life..........................
Our Life is what our thoughts make it and nothing in life is to be feared or scared.............but only to be understood in the right perspective and mind you where there is LOVE,CARE & CONCERN there is life..........To Love & live is the rarest thing in the world.......that's the main reason many people exist and do not live.,that's all. The truth is always exciting to speak it out then the life is without DULL
Love does not make the world go round, Love is what makes the ride swift and wort while................always remember "We make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give"..............learn and practice to give within ones means.
Life is the flower for what Love is the honey and use your money to buy this honey. Never be afraid of life..............believe..........the life is worth living and your belief will help create the facts. The goal of life should be to live in agreement with nature as Love brings Ecstasy and relieves loneliness............Life is short but there is always time for courtsey and great art of life is sensation and satisfaction and to feel that we exist even in pain..............and there is gain in pain if one can really understand life.
J.K
Our Life is what our thoughts make it and nothing in life is to be feared or scared.............but only to be understood in the right perspective and mind you where there is LOVE,CARE & CONCERN there is life..........To Love & live is the rarest thing in the world.......that's the main reason many people exist and do not live.,that's all. The truth is always exciting to speak it out then the life is without DULL
Love does not make the world go round, Love is what makes the ride swift and wort while................always remember "We make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give"..............learn and practice to give within ones means.
Life is the flower for what Love is the honey and use your money to buy this honey. Never be afraid of life..............believe..........the life is worth living and your belief will help create the facts. The goal of life should be to live in agreement with nature as Love brings Ecstasy and relieves loneliness............Life is short but there is always time for courtsey and great art of life is sensation and satisfaction and to feel that we exist even in pain..............and there is gain in pain if one can really understand life.
J.K
Ten Priciples for.......................................
Ten Principles for Peace of Mind......
1. Do Not Interfere In Others' Business Unless Asked.
Most of us create our own problems by interfering too often in others' affairs. We do so because somehow we have convinced ourselves that our way is the best way, our logic is the perfect logic and those who do not conform to our thinking must be criticized and steered to the right direction, our direction. This thinking denies the existence of individuality and consequently the existence of God.. God has created each one of us in a unique way. No two human beings can think or act in exactly the same way. All men or women act the way they do because God within them prompts them that way. Mind your own business and you will keep your peace.
2. Forgive And Forget:
This is the most powerful aid to peace of mind. We often develop ill feelings inside our heart for the person who insults us or harms us. We nurture grievances. This in turn results in loss of sleep, development of stomach ulcers, and high blood pressure. This insult or injury was done once, but nourishing of grievance goes on forever by constantly remembering it. Get over this bad habit. Life is too short to waste in such trifles. Forgive,20Forget, and march on. Love flourishes in giving and forgiving.
3. Do Not Crave For Recognition:
This world is full of selfish people. They seldom praise anybody without selfish motives. They may praise you today because you are in power, but no sooner than you are powerless, they will forget your achievement and will start finding faults in you. Why do you wish to kill yours lf in striving for their recognition? Their recognition is not worth the aggravation. Do your duties ethically and sincerely.
4. Do Not Be Jealous:
We all have experienced how jealousy can disturb our peace of mind. You know that you work harder than your colleagues in the office, but sometimes they get promotions; you do not. You started a business several years ago, but you are not as successful as your neighbor whose business is only one year old. There are several examples like these in everyday life. Should you be jealous? No. Remember everybody's life is shaped by his/her destiny, which has now become his/her reality. If you are destined to be rich, nothing in the world can stop you. If you are not so destined, no one can help you either. Nothing will be gained by blaming others for your misfortune. Jealousy will not get you anywhere; it will only take away your peace of mind.
5. Change Yourself According To The Environment:
If you try to change the environment single-handedly, the chances are you will fail. Instead, change yourself to suit your environment. As you do this, even the environment, which has been unfriendly to you, will mysteriously change and seem congenial and harmonious.
6. Endure What Cannot Be Cured:
This is the best way to turn a disadvantage into an advantage. Every day we face numerous inconveniences, ailments, irritations, and accidents that are beyond our control... If we cannot control them or change them, we must learn to put up with these things. We must learn to endure them cheerfully. Believe in yourself and you will gain in terms of patience, inner strength and will power.
7. Do Not Bite More Than You Can Chew:
This maxim needs to be remembered constantly. We often tend to take more responsibilities than we are capable of carrying out. This is done to satisfy our ego. Know your limitations. . Why take on additional loads that may create more worries? You cannot gain peace of mind by expanding your external activities. Reduce your material engagements and spend time in prayer, introspection and meditation. This will reduce those thoughts in your mind that make you restless. Uncluttered mind will produce greater peace of mind.
8.Meditate Regularly:
Meditation calms the mind and gets rid of disturbing thoughts. This is the highest state of peace of mind. Try and experience it yourself. If you meditate earnestly for half an hour everyday, your mind will tend to become peaceful during the remaining twenty-three and half-hours. Your mind will not be easily disturbed as it was before. You would benefit by gradually increasing the period of daily meditation. You may think that this will interfere with your daily work. On the contrary, this will increase your efficiency and you will be able to produce better results in less time.
9. Never Leave The Mind Vacant:
An idle mind is the devil's workshop. All evil actions start in the vacant mind. Keep your mind occupied in something positive, something worthwhile . Actively follow a hobby. Do something that holds your interest. You must decide what you value more: money or peace of mind. Your hobby, like social work or religious work, may not always earn you more money, but you will have a sense of fulfillment and achievement. Even when you are resting physically, occupy yourself in healthy reading or mental chanting of God's name.
10. Do Not Procrastinate And Never Regret:
Do not waste time in protracted wondering " Should I or shouldn't I?" Days, weeks, months, and years may be wasted in that futile mental debating. You can never plan enough because you can never anticipate all future happenings. Value your time and do the things that need to be done. It does not matter if you fail the first time. You can learn from your mistakes and succeed the next time. Sitting back and worrying will lead to nothing. Learn from your mistakes, but do not brood over the past. DO NOT REGRET. Whatever happened was destined to happen only that way. Why cry over spilt milk?..............................
" PRACTICE TO KEEP YOUR MIND IN PEACE AND NOT IN PIECE"
1. Do Not Interfere In Others' Business Unless Asked.
Most of us create our own problems by interfering too often in others' affairs. We do so because somehow we have convinced ourselves that our way is the best way, our logic is the perfect logic and those who do not conform to our thinking must be criticized and steered to the right direction, our direction. This thinking denies the existence of individuality and consequently the existence of God.. God has created each one of us in a unique way. No two human beings can think or act in exactly the same way. All men or women act the way they do because God within them prompts them that way. Mind your own business and you will keep your peace.
2. Forgive And Forget:
This is the most powerful aid to peace of mind. We often develop ill feelings inside our heart for the person who insults us or harms us. We nurture grievances. This in turn results in loss of sleep, development of stomach ulcers, and high blood pressure. This insult or injury was done once, but nourishing of grievance goes on forever by constantly remembering it. Get over this bad habit. Life is too short to waste in such trifles. Forgive,20Forget, and march on. Love flourishes in giving and forgiving.
3. Do Not Crave For Recognition:
This world is full of selfish people. They seldom praise anybody without selfish motives. They may praise you today because you are in power, but no sooner than you are powerless, they will forget your achievement and will start finding faults in you. Why do you wish to kill yours lf in striving for their recognition? Their recognition is not worth the aggravation. Do your duties ethically and sincerely.
4. Do Not Be Jealous:
We all have experienced how jealousy can disturb our peace of mind. You know that you work harder than your colleagues in the office, but sometimes they get promotions; you do not. You started a business several years ago, but you are not as successful as your neighbor whose business is only one year old. There are several examples like these in everyday life. Should you be jealous? No. Remember everybody's life is shaped by his/her destiny, which has now become his/her reality. If you are destined to be rich, nothing in the world can stop you. If you are not so destined, no one can help you either. Nothing will be gained by blaming others for your misfortune. Jealousy will not get you anywhere; it will only take away your peace of mind.
5. Change Yourself According To The Environment:
If you try to change the environment single-handedly, the chances are you will fail. Instead, change yourself to suit your environment. As you do this, even the environment, which has been unfriendly to you, will mysteriously change and seem congenial and harmonious.
6. Endure What Cannot Be Cured:
This is the best way to turn a disadvantage into an advantage. Every day we face numerous inconveniences, ailments, irritations, and accidents that are beyond our control... If we cannot control them or change them, we must learn to put up with these things. We must learn to endure them cheerfully. Believe in yourself and you will gain in terms of patience, inner strength and will power.
7. Do Not Bite More Than You Can Chew:
This maxim needs to be remembered constantly. We often tend to take more responsibilities than we are capable of carrying out. This is done to satisfy our ego. Know your limitations. . Why take on additional loads that may create more worries? You cannot gain peace of mind by expanding your external activities. Reduce your material engagements and spend time in prayer, introspection and meditation. This will reduce those thoughts in your mind that make you restless. Uncluttered mind will produce greater peace of mind.
8.Meditate Regularly:
Meditation calms the mind and gets rid of disturbing thoughts. This is the highest state of peace of mind. Try and experience it yourself. If you meditate earnestly for half an hour everyday, your mind will tend to become peaceful during the remaining twenty-three and half-hours. Your mind will not be easily disturbed as it was before. You would benefit by gradually increasing the period of daily meditation. You may think that this will interfere with your daily work. On the contrary, this will increase your efficiency and you will be able to produce better results in less time.
9. Never Leave The Mind Vacant:
An idle mind is the devil's workshop. All evil actions start in the vacant mind. Keep your mind occupied in something positive, something worthwhile . Actively follow a hobby. Do something that holds your interest. You must decide what you value more: money or peace of mind. Your hobby, like social work or religious work, may not always earn you more money, but you will have a sense of fulfillment and achievement. Even when you are resting physically, occupy yourself in healthy reading or mental chanting of God's name.
10. Do Not Procrastinate And Never Regret:
Do not waste time in protracted wondering " Should I or shouldn't I?" Days, weeks, months, and years may be wasted in that futile mental debating. You can never plan enough because you can never anticipate all future happenings. Value your time and do the things that need to be done. It does not matter if you fail the first time. You can learn from your mistakes and succeed the next time. Sitting back and worrying will lead to nothing. Learn from your mistakes, but do not brood over the past. DO NOT REGRET. Whatever happened was destined to happen only that way. Why cry over spilt milk?..............................
" PRACTICE TO KEEP YOUR MIND IN PEACE AND NOT IN PIECE"
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