Amogh Sadaa Shiv Kavach Explained - Miraculous Stotra of Lord Shiva
This is the stotra that provides us the halo of protection of Lord Shiva. Whatever be your problems, whether of the horoscope, or spirits or tantra or black magic, this kavach always works. It works period! The beauty is that you don’t need anything else (like a yantra) to recite it. All you need is complete devotion for Lord Shiva. Chant it once daily or as many times as you can. It is regarded as SWAYAM SIDDHA – that is, the benefits kick-in right after the first recitation. There is no minimum (or maximum) for this stotra. It is regarded as sahastrakshar amogh kavach.
Digging a bit deeper - The benefits may be very subtle, but miracles do happen. It is for our minds to embrace the fact that a miracle did happen. Sometimes it takes months and even years to conclude that the grace of SHiva was upon us. A sincere devotee is not going to be cast away into the wind that much I can assure you of our Lord Shiva. A single drop of tear is enough to melt Shivjee's heart and the earth will move to accomodate us. It is not the Krishna's miracle of Yamuna parting ways that we will witness, but the miracles are around us, it is for us to notice, relish, and revive the spirituality that is dormant in all of us. Very few of us are really capable of dissecting these mantras and understanding the core of it's concepts and teachings. Some enlightened gurus automagically garner such capabilities. Some normal people automagically get enlightened e.g Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor ""My Stroke of Insight". I don't even try, all I have is my bhakti, and raising that to the next level is enough. This needs inspiration and inspiration comes from all sides, electronic artifacts, paper trails - call it what you may, but that itself is a miracle, there are a trillion html pages floating around in the WWW, what are the chances of this particular one flooding my senses. I was completely bowled over by the magical capabilities of this mantra as described, I read it verbatim, not capable of interpreting or misinterpreting as my intellect does not allow it (yet) but if I can read it with immense love and devotion for Shivjee - that itself is energizing for me and my spiritual path. This mantra is magic of Mahadev and I am already feeling it!
Welcome to the spirituality blog
This blog is an offshoot of a website that I had conceived as a result of the spiritual grace and resultant inspiration during Shivaratri Y2K (http://www.jyotirlinga.com) on the joy of Shiva Bhakti and my quest for spiritual progress. Not finding the time (yep, bad excuse!), this blog suits me fine in quickly adding content... my spiritual forays and thoughts - helps log them too. My spiritual journey started with Hinduism and it's simple stories/ teachings as far back as when I was a 2nd grader, with Lord Shiva and has now found convergence with Advaitism / Duality. The Advaitism gurus like Bhagwan Ramana Maharishi, Nisargadatta Maharaj; they have provided that spiritual boost of energy in many lagging moments and have tremendously influenced me ... little baby steps at a time... that will hopefully all lead upto a final crescendo. The merits of satsangh are many!
Your comments (encouragement/ otherwise) are certainly welcome.Thanks for visiting. If you like it, Subscribe to my blog (click here):Posts (Atom).
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Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Am I missing something?
Is this truly what I need to be doing?
Is there something else that I need to be doing after all?
Is this really me?
Or Am I missing the real me?
Am I missing the whole point?????????
Mantra - Praying for a child
Santana Gopala mantra: For those having difficulty in begetting children, reciting the following Santana Gopala mantra and worship of Lord Krishna in an child form is an excellent remedy.
Devakisutam Govindam Vasudevam Jagatpatim
Dehime Tanayam Krishna twam-aham Sharanagatah.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Karma and Sex
From blogs.myspace.com/harijots
sexual secrets - the alchemy of ecastsy
Karma and sex
The understanding and acceptance of the Eastern concept of Karma is particularly important to every person who wishes to apply the Tantric teachings in his or her life. The operation of Karma in everyday life should be constantly studied. The causes of events often seem mysterious, yet if we look carefully at the play of forces form a Karmic viewpoint we can more easily understand the subtle workings of destiny. Although the general idea of Karma, the law of action and reaction, has been accepted in contemporary Western thought, a highly developed intuition of its precise workings in rarely found.
According to the Eastern view, Karma shapes reality; the events we are currently experiencing are a direct result of our past actions, either in this life or a pervious one. And our present attitudes and actions likewise determine our future. This principle is as true of the world of physics as it is for the drama of individual and collective life. According to Tantric teachings, the forces of Karma pervade the world. As already discussed in "Shiva and Jiva," desires cling to and accompany the individual soul (the Jiva) through its various incarnations.
Lust
The Jiva enjoys or suffers the fruits of our actions; bound into the chains of matter by their Karma, Jivas incarnates again and again, receiving various names and identities. Finally, when all its Karma has been extinguished, the Jiva is absorbed in to Source, which Sanskrit texts refer to as Parabrahma (beyond Brahma): the universal godhead.krishna
Karmas migrate, like birds, from life to life, attaching themselves to the fife-force. These Karmic forces are modified by conscious action during successive lifetimes. The Prana Upanishad declares the "Whatever is thought of at the moment of death unites a person with his or her primary Prana; then the Prana unites with the soul and leads the individual into rebirth in whatever realm is suitable." We have, in previous sections, referred to the upward- and downward- moving vitalities of the body, and also introduced the concept of the upper and lower gates of our body temple. These are the gates through which Prana (life-force, breath) and Karma enter and leave this body; without a combination of these two, an individual would not be reincarnated.changingbodies
The Prana Upanishad, an early Hindu text, states: "The Prana enters the body at birth, that the desires of the mind, continuing from past lives, may be fulfilled." Personal motivations are the "desires of the mind"; usually these unconscious motivations surface at times of agony or ecstasy. Tantras explain that an individual can learn to dissolve Karma by the action of the inner fire, by sense withdrawal, by meditation and absolute inner stillness, and by participating in the same activities that create the Karma, only with such care and consciousness that the original binding desires are transcended. Furthermore, if a person can live dynamically "in the present," past influences can be transcended. Karmic forces move through the channels of the Subtle Body and also pervade the outer world, manifesting in everyday events. Every moment s a Karmic experience; by contemplating and correlating these moments we can rediscover the Eternal Now within ourselves.meditation
The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, another early text, gives us this interesting view of Karma: "The man who practices sexual intercourse while knowing the formula of Karma and its action takes to himself the accumulated good Karma of the woman; he who makes love without knowing such a formula stands the risk of losing his accumulated good Karma to her." During love-making the vital forces of the couple blend; their individual Karmas converge and an exchange takes place that can affect their individual or joint destinies. What actually happens depends on the degree of consciousness of the couple. If one is more aware than the other, selfishness will result in a negative Karmic exchange. On the other hand, if loving compassion dominates, a positive Karmic exchange is created. This is one of the subtle purposes behind sexual initiations, a secret practice common to most mystery teachings.
A Tibetan legend tells of a famous teacher called Gandapa (or Ghantapa) who inadvertently offended the king of the country by refusing to give him an initiation. The king decided to set a trap for the Yogi, in the hope of ridiculing him publicly. Knowing that Gandapa was practicing a discipline of celibacy, he paid a prostitute a great amount of money to arrange for the Yogi's seduction, The prostitute trained her young daughter for the task and sent a message to Gandapa to the effect that she was a widow and wanted to gain merit by preparing a feast for the Yogi, as was the custom. The daughter's name was Darima, she was exquisite in every way.
rachel brice
Her mother prepared an enormous feast, which was delivered to Gandapa by male attendants accompanied by Darima, who was to serve the delicacies. When the dishes were laid out, the attendants left, according to the prostitute's instructions.
Gandapa was a bit taken aback to find himself attended by such a young and beautiful virgin-girl; however, he didn't want to cause offense by making a fuss. Once his meal was finished, he told Darima to leave, but acting on instructions, she said, "It's going to rain. I'll wait awhile of you don't mind." She remained until dusk and then said, "Oh, I'm afraid of the dark. My mother promised to send an escort; I wonder when they'll come." As it got later, Gandapa told her she might as well spend the night outside his hut and provided her with blankets and a pillow. However, during the night Darima pretended to be afraid of demons and kept on crying out. Gandapa then told her to come into his hut and share his sleeping space.
Shivering
The hut was so small that, inevitably, their bodies drew close together and intertwined. Spontaneously, Gandapa united with Darima and they made love passionately. Together they passed through the four levels of erotic ecstasy and together they traveled the path of Liberation to the very end.
Passion
By her services to Gandapa, Darima cleared her own Karmic obstacles and became fully liberated. Later, when the king arrived with his retinue, instead of being able to expose Gandapa as a hypocrite, he witnessed a series of miracles that caused him to re-evaluate his point of view. Thus, the subtle Karmic exchange between Darima and Gandapa brought about a total change in Darima's destiny as well as in that of the king.
This story is fact an allegory, illustrating how a single sexual act can, in the right circumstances, alter the course of destiny.
Self- motivation should not be present during love-making, but rather a desire to benefit the love one and attain spiritual ideals. Soul MatesIn this way the relationship between Karma and sex is best served. Dedicate your union to the enrichment of your lover. Such an exchange happens spontaneously and naturally when two people find themselves totally and completely in love. However, a conscious awareness of the intermingling of the energies of Karma and sex will greatly assist the evolution of the couple.
island lovers
Promiscuous sex causes Karma to be accumulated rapidly, which can, in turn, effect changes in character totally alien to one's basic nature. Another type of negative Karmic exchange takes the form of a kind of vampirism, in which positive Karma is deliberately tapped in the partner and replaced by negative Karma.
Promiscuous sex rites of black magic make use of this type of vampirism to exalt one individual at the cost of another. Such practices are, fortunately, self-limiting, and lead to delusion and corruption.
Karmic exchanges take place when the life-force moves along the central Great Axis (the Sushumna) of the Subtle Body. Generally it is the emotions that cause this movement. Tantric texts state that when a person is truly angry, the life-force commonly enter the Great Axis and a Karmic exchange with the person at whom the anger is directed invariably results. Fear can likewise force the life energy into the Great Axis and create a condition of Karmic exchange. Anger and fear are facets of a similar experience, and when these emotions are brought into role playing, Karmic exchanges take place. Sadomasochistic relationships revolve around this type of exchange, glimpses of transcendental tranquility may be achieved through dominant/submissive role playing, but the long-term result is an unresolved Karmic imbalance that tends to manifest in self-destruction.
Photobucket
By developing an awareness of the subtle workings of Karma in human destiny, we evolve a frame of reference for understanding the seemingly erratic events of everyday life. Far too many relationships go wrong without any recognition of the real cause. It's no use blaming oneself or the other. Rather, the couple should share and discuss their hopes and fears, observing how their intertwined Karmas mold events. By channeling their desires consciously, the couple can become masters of their own destiny.
angel
Karma leads, Karma moves, Karma takes, Karma follows; Karma binds, Karma releases, Karma gives, Karma never rests. The intelligent Yogi watches Karma and learns its ways; then, through the power of spirituality, steps aside from Karma.
Varahi Tantra
It is said that when a person very eagerly awaits the command of another, with a firm resolution that whatever is commanded must be carried out, then that person will, through the intensity of eagerness and resolution, attain a state of inner equilibrium. Through such a condition of mind the inhaling and exhaling breaths enter the central Great Axis. Then all mental stated fade away and tranquil consciousness emerges.
Spanda Karika
If a person is falsely accused of something, then the merit of the accuser is transferred to that person and the bad Karma of the accused goes to the accuser. One must never mistreat a guest, for the guest then takes the good Karma of the host and leaves his or her own bad Karma behind
Pashupata Sutra/ Shiva Purana
sexual secrets - the alchemy of ecastsy
Karma and sex
The understanding and acceptance of the Eastern concept of Karma is particularly important to every person who wishes to apply the Tantric teachings in his or her life. The operation of Karma in everyday life should be constantly studied. The causes of events often seem mysterious, yet if we look carefully at the play of forces form a Karmic viewpoint we can more easily understand the subtle workings of destiny. Although the general idea of Karma, the law of action and reaction, has been accepted in contemporary Western thought, a highly developed intuition of its precise workings in rarely found.
According to the Eastern view, Karma shapes reality; the events we are currently experiencing are a direct result of our past actions, either in this life or a pervious one. And our present attitudes and actions likewise determine our future. This principle is as true of the world of physics as it is for the drama of individual and collective life. According to Tantric teachings, the forces of Karma pervade the world. As already discussed in "Shiva and Jiva," desires cling to and accompany the individual soul (the Jiva) through its various incarnations.
Lust
The Jiva enjoys or suffers the fruits of our actions; bound into the chains of matter by their Karma, Jivas incarnates again and again, receiving various names and identities. Finally, when all its Karma has been extinguished, the Jiva is absorbed in to Source, which Sanskrit texts refer to as Parabrahma (beyond Brahma): the universal godhead.krishna
Karmas migrate, like birds, from life to life, attaching themselves to the fife-force. These Karmic forces are modified by conscious action during successive lifetimes. The Prana Upanishad declares the "Whatever is thought of at the moment of death unites a person with his or her primary Prana; then the Prana unites with the soul and leads the individual into rebirth in whatever realm is suitable." We have, in previous sections, referred to the upward- and downward- moving vitalities of the body, and also introduced the concept of the upper and lower gates of our body temple. These are the gates through which Prana (life-force, breath) and Karma enter and leave this body; without a combination of these two, an individual would not be reincarnated.changingbodies
The Prana Upanishad, an early Hindu text, states: "The Prana enters the body at birth, that the desires of the mind, continuing from past lives, may be fulfilled." Personal motivations are the "desires of the mind"; usually these unconscious motivations surface at times of agony or ecstasy. Tantras explain that an individual can learn to dissolve Karma by the action of the inner fire, by sense withdrawal, by meditation and absolute inner stillness, and by participating in the same activities that create the Karma, only with such care and consciousness that the original binding desires are transcended. Furthermore, if a person can live dynamically "in the present," past influences can be transcended. Karmic forces move through the channels of the Subtle Body and also pervade the outer world, manifesting in everyday events. Every moment s a Karmic experience; by contemplating and correlating these moments we can rediscover the Eternal Now within ourselves.meditation
The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, another early text, gives us this interesting view of Karma: "The man who practices sexual intercourse while knowing the formula of Karma and its action takes to himself the accumulated good Karma of the woman; he who makes love without knowing such a formula stands the risk of losing his accumulated good Karma to her." During love-making the vital forces of the couple blend; their individual Karmas converge and an exchange takes place that can affect their individual or joint destinies. What actually happens depends on the degree of consciousness of the couple. If one is more aware than the other, selfishness will result in a negative Karmic exchange. On the other hand, if loving compassion dominates, a positive Karmic exchange is created. This is one of the subtle purposes behind sexual initiations, a secret practice common to most mystery teachings.
A Tibetan legend tells of a famous teacher called Gandapa (or Ghantapa) who inadvertently offended the king of the country by refusing to give him an initiation. The king decided to set a trap for the Yogi, in the hope of ridiculing him publicly. Knowing that Gandapa was practicing a discipline of celibacy, he paid a prostitute a great amount of money to arrange for the Yogi's seduction, The prostitute trained her young daughter for the task and sent a message to Gandapa to the effect that she was a widow and wanted to gain merit by preparing a feast for the Yogi, as was the custom. The daughter's name was Darima, she was exquisite in every way.
rachel brice
Her mother prepared an enormous feast, which was delivered to Gandapa by male attendants accompanied by Darima, who was to serve the delicacies. When the dishes were laid out, the attendants left, according to the prostitute's instructions.
Gandapa was a bit taken aback to find himself attended by such a young and beautiful virgin-girl; however, he didn't want to cause offense by making a fuss. Once his meal was finished, he told Darima to leave, but acting on instructions, she said, "It's going to rain. I'll wait awhile of you don't mind." She remained until dusk and then said, "Oh, I'm afraid of the dark. My mother promised to send an escort; I wonder when they'll come." As it got later, Gandapa told her she might as well spend the night outside his hut and provided her with blankets and a pillow. However, during the night Darima pretended to be afraid of demons and kept on crying out. Gandapa then told her to come into his hut and share his sleeping space.
Shivering
The hut was so small that, inevitably, their bodies drew close together and intertwined. Spontaneously, Gandapa united with Darima and they made love passionately. Together they passed through the four levels of erotic ecstasy and together they traveled the path of Liberation to the very end.
Passion
By her services to Gandapa, Darima cleared her own Karmic obstacles and became fully liberated. Later, when the king arrived with his retinue, instead of being able to expose Gandapa as a hypocrite, he witnessed a series of miracles that caused him to re-evaluate his point of view. Thus, the subtle Karmic exchange between Darima and Gandapa brought about a total change in Darima's destiny as well as in that of the king.
This story is fact an allegory, illustrating how a single sexual act can, in the right circumstances, alter the course of destiny.
Self- motivation should not be present during love-making, but rather a desire to benefit the love one and attain spiritual ideals. Soul MatesIn this way the relationship between Karma and sex is best served. Dedicate your union to the enrichment of your lover. Such an exchange happens spontaneously and naturally when two people find themselves totally and completely in love. However, a conscious awareness of the intermingling of the energies of Karma and sex will greatly assist the evolution of the couple.
island lovers
Promiscuous sex causes Karma to be accumulated rapidly, which can, in turn, effect changes in character totally alien to one's basic nature. Another type of negative Karmic exchange takes the form of a kind of vampirism, in which positive Karma is deliberately tapped in the partner and replaced by negative Karma.
Promiscuous sex rites of black magic make use of this type of vampirism to exalt one individual at the cost of another. Such practices are, fortunately, self-limiting, and lead to delusion and corruption.
Karmic exchanges take place when the life-force moves along the central Great Axis (the Sushumna) of the Subtle Body. Generally it is the emotions that cause this movement. Tantric texts state that when a person is truly angry, the life-force commonly enter the Great Axis and a Karmic exchange with the person at whom the anger is directed invariably results. Fear can likewise force the life energy into the Great Axis and create a condition of Karmic exchange. Anger and fear are facets of a similar experience, and when these emotions are brought into role playing, Karmic exchanges take place. Sadomasochistic relationships revolve around this type of exchange, glimpses of transcendental tranquility may be achieved through dominant/submissive role playing, but the long-term result is an unresolved Karmic imbalance that tends to manifest in self-destruction.
Photobucket
By developing an awareness of the subtle workings of Karma in human destiny, we evolve a frame of reference for understanding the seemingly erratic events of everyday life. Far too many relationships go wrong without any recognition of the real cause. It's no use blaming oneself or the other. Rather, the couple should share and discuss their hopes and fears, observing how their intertwined Karmas mold events. By channeling their desires consciously, the couple can become masters of their own destiny.
angel
Karma leads, Karma moves, Karma takes, Karma follows; Karma binds, Karma releases, Karma gives, Karma never rests. The intelligent Yogi watches Karma and learns its ways; then, through the power of spirituality, steps aside from Karma.
Varahi Tantra
It is said that when a person very eagerly awaits the command of another, with a firm resolution that whatever is commanded must be carried out, then that person will, through the intensity of eagerness and resolution, attain a state of inner equilibrium. Through such a condition of mind the inhaling and exhaling breaths enter the central Great Axis. Then all mental stated fade away and tranquil consciousness emerges.
Spanda Karika
If a person is falsely accused of something, then the merit of the accuser is transferred to that person and the bad Karma of the accused goes to the accuser. One must never mistreat a guest, for the guest then takes the good Karma of the host and leaves his or her own bad Karma behind
Pashupata Sutra/ Shiva Purana
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Ekagra
In times of real crisis, it is possible to draw on a deeper awareness, an amazing serenity. ‘Ekagra’ which sems akin to a ‘quickening’ and summoning of helpful forces from the universe…going deep inside within ourselves, invocation of the spiritual energy that pervades the universe and is all around us, to accomplish a particular task.
Once the cloud of the mind clears up - once we are in touch with our spiritual self - there is probably not much wrong we can do.
Once the cloud of the mind clears up - once we are in touch with our spiritual self - there is probably not much wrong we can do.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Aing Hring Kreeng Chamundaye Vichey
Durga Chamunda Mantra
**********************
The Chamunda mantra could be considered a mantra for either Durga or Kali, as it is ultimately for Mahadevi (the Great Goddess). It comes from the Chandi Pathah/Devi Mahatmya.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Thoughts for the day
Twitter does have its merit - find me SHIVABHAKTA on Twitter
If you can say it all in one line - why go through the verbal diarrhea
Thoughts for the day
Do you have the earnestness? Can you stretch it? Imagine the time you were earnest. Recreate it!
Spend a minute (only a minute)- but make it one heck of a quality minute.
Go deep within! That is all!
Do you know what you want???
Monday, August 24, 2009
To Blog or Not To Blog
A few years ago, I was subscribed into the Ramana Maharishi Yahoo group - I enjoyed reading the postings along with others. Amongst the email clutter, it took me a few months to realize that I was not longer getting any more postings.
Turns out, the moderator just shut it and 'retired' and with the quality of postings and discussions, I wondered for a long time - why?
And I sorta got it
Too much talking and less thinking - ain't the way.
I got back to the time when a subtle truth had dawned upon me - and it was such a truth - that I felt to put it down outside my self was travesty.
I had known of this, and it was stuck in the deepest recess of my mind.
I would like to put it down here, so that I would know what it was.
But, I want to make this truth a mantra of my life and thus it will remain unsaid.
Too much talking don't do any good - just shirks away from the true purpose
Turns out, the moderator just shut it and 'retired' and with the quality of postings and discussions, I wondered for a long time - why?
And I sorta got it
Too much talking and less thinking - ain't the way.
I got back to the time when a subtle truth had dawned upon me - and it was such a truth - that I felt to put it down outside my self was travesty.
I had known of this, and it was stuck in the deepest recess of my mind.
I would like to put it down here, so that I would know what it was.
But, I want to make this truth a mantra of my life and thus it will remain unsaid.
Too much talking don't do any good - just shirks away from the true purpose
Monday, July 20, 2009
Kumbh Mela 2010 - Mark your calendars
Dates of Kumbh Mela in Haridwar, India, 2010
January 14 to April 28, 2010
Kumbha Mela
The largest religious gathering in the world! According to astrologers, the 'Kumbh Fair' takes place when the planet Jupiter enters Aquarius and the Sun enters Aries.
Kumbha (Kumbha means pot) Mela (means fair) is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage that takes place at the following four locations of India:
Prayag, Allahabad (in the state of Uttar Pradesh) at the confluence of three holy
rivers - Ganga (Ganges), Yamuna and Saraswati
Haridwar (in the state of Uttar Pradesh) where the river Ganga enters the plains from Himalayas
Ujjain (in Madhya Pradesh), on the banks of shipra river, and
Nasik (in Maharashtra) on the banks of Godavari river.
The pilgrimage occurs four times every twelve years, once at each of the four locations. Each twelve-year cycle includes the Maha (great) Kumbha Mela at Prayag, attended by millions of people, making it the largest pilgrimage gathering around the world.
January 14 to April 28, 2010
Kumbha Mela
The largest religious gathering in the world! According to astrologers, the 'Kumbh Fair' takes place when the planet Jupiter enters Aquarius and the Sun enters Aries.
Kumbha (Kumbha means pot) Mela (means fair) is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage that takes place at the following four locations of India:
Prayag, Allahabad (in the state of Uttar Pradesh) at the confluence of three holy
rivers - Ganga (Ganges), Yamuna and Saraswati
Haridwar (in the state of Uttar Pradesh) where the river Ganga enters the plains from Himalayas
Ujjain (in Madhya Pradesh), on the banks of shipra river, and
Nasik (in Maharashtra) on the banks of Godavari river.
The pilgrimage occurs four times every twelve years, once at each of the four locations. Each twelve-year cycle includes the Maha (great) Kumbha Mela at Prayag, attended by millions of people, making it the largest pilgrimage gathering around the world.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Shrawan - A month of austerity- Starts July 8th
Here is the explanation on why
Auspicious Shrawan month begins
8 Jul 2009, 0532 hrs IST, TNN
Print Email Discuss Share Save Comment Text:
LUCKNOW: The holy month of Shrawan -- fifth month in Hindu calender -- will begin on Wednesday. The first Monday of Shrawan, will fall on July
13 and hundreds of devotees are expected to throng Shiva temples in the city to offer `belpatra' leaves, milk and water to Shiva.
Notably, Mondays during Shrawan are considered auspicious but each day in the week has a special significance. The reason: the month of Shrawan is governed by the star `Shravan', hence the month is called Shrawan. The month is marked by innumerable festivals and ceremonies.
The story behind Shrawan month says that during the churning of oceans - Samudra Manthan - 14 types of jewels came out. Thirteen of these were distributed amongst Gods and demons. The last jewel was a poison called `halahal' Lord Shiva consumed the `halahal' and stored it in his throat, said Sita Ram Shukla, a priest in a city based temple.
All the Gods, thereafter started offering the Ganges water to Lord Shiva to make lessen the effect of poison. Since, this happened in the month of Shrawan, it has become a tradition to offer water to the deity in this month.
Auspicious Shrawan month begins
8 Jul 2009, 0532 hrs IST, TNN
Print Email Discuss Share Save Comment Text:
LUCKNOW: The holy month of Shrawan -- fifth month in Hindu calender -- will begin on Wednesday. The first Monday of Shrawan, will fall on July
13 and hundreds of devotees are expected to throng Shiva temples in the city to offer `belpatra' leaves, milk and water to Shiva.
Notably, Mondays during Shrawan are considered auspicious but each day in the week has a special significance. The reason: the month of Shrawan is governed by the star `Shravan', hence the month is called Shrawan. The month is marked by innumerable festivals and ceremonies.
The story behind Shrawan month says that during the churning of oceans - Samudra Manthan - 14 types of jewels came out. Thirteen of these were distributed amongst Gods and demons. The last jewel was a poison called `halahal' Lord Shiva consumed the `halahal' and stored it in his throat, said Sita Ram Shukla, a priest in a city based temple.
All the Gods, thereafter started offering the Ganges water to Lord Shiva to make lessen the effect of poison. Since, this happened in the month of Shrawan, it has become a tradition to offer water to the deity in this month.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Guru Poornima
Bhanumati says it very well - just time to internalise and be grateful - for the teachers who are around us guiding us.
SPEAKING TREE | Why we connect easily to a living master
7 Jul 2009, 0000 hrs IST, BHANUMATI NARASIMHAN
Print Email Discuss Share Save Comment Text:
The guru is an embodiment of wisdom, and love. In Sanskrit, the word for gravity
The guru is an embodiment of wisdom, and love.
The guru is an embodiment of wisdom, and love. (Getty Images)
is gurutvakarshan.
The earth holds on to us with the force of gravity. Without this attraction or love, we would not have a base. Similarly, gurutva is the basis of our life. The guru is the guiding light who removes the darkness of ignorance and shows the path to wonderment.
A teacher can give knowledge, but the master brings a heightened awareness. A teacher can give information but the master awakens intelligence.
One day, while Lord Shiva was performing a puja , his consort Parvati sees him bowing his head in reverence. Seeing this, she asks: "You are the Supreme Consciousness, the substratum of entire Creation. Who is it that you bow down to?"
Shiva replied: "Dear Parvati, for the benefit of all humanity, I will answer your question. It is to the all-pervading guru tatva that I bow down to." In the many beautiful verses that followed called the Guru Gita, Shiva explains the guru principle, and says how fortunate one is to have a living master in his life.
The guru in the physical form is called pratyaksh . In the presence of the master, our enthusiasm and spirit are in an elevated state. Our sorrows diminish, joy wells up, there is contentment, knowledge is nourished and protected, and talent blossoms.
India honours a tradition of masters who have protected, and given this knowledge to us, generation after generation, according to the need of the age and times.
When a drop feels connected to the ocean, it feels the strength of the ocean. When we are connected to this tradition, we feel the strength and protection of all the masters. All these masters are an expression of the same Infinite, Undivided, Supreme and Pure Consciousness.
The guru is a tatva an omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent principle. Establishing connection with this tatva is a source of great strength. We know we have forefathers, great-grandparents and so on. Yet we feel most attached and connected to our parents or grandparents because they are with us. Similarly, we have many gurus in our tradition, but when we come in the presence of a living master, the connection is established immediately. The entire knowledge from time immemorial is made available to us.
Guru Purnima is a time to feel grateful. The more grateful we are, the more grace flows into our lives. On Guru Purnima, we remember all the masters who were, who are and who will be in the future. We feel gratitude towards the master who moves us from a limited understanding and pride of ''I know everything" to "I am everything".
A disciple seeks knowledge. A devotee seeks nothing. A devotee is soaked in love and devotion. Guru Purnima is a special day of the devotee as well. When a river meets the ocean, the river no longer remains a river. It becomes the ocean. It is the same when the devotee meets the Divine. Only Divinity remains. The individual 'i' dissolves in the One Divinity.
When we look at the world through the eyes of the master, the world will look so much more beautiful a place filled with love, joy, compassion and virtues. The master's presence is one that is unlimited, vast, infinite and all-inclusive. The presence of the master in one's life brings fulfilment in all other relationships.
To that one, eternal, pure, unbounded embodiment of knowledge and absolute bliss, to the lotus feet of my master, I bow down with respect and gratitude.
(The writer is director, women and child welfare programmes, the Art of Living Foundation. Today is Guru Purnima.)
SPEAKING TREE | Why we connect easily to a living master
7 Jul 2009, 0000 hrs IST, BHANUMATI NARASIMHAN
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The guru is an embodiment of wisdom, and love. In Sanskrit, the word for gravity
The guru is an embodiment of wisdom, and love.
The guru is an embodiment of wisdom, and love. (Getty Images)
is gurutvakarshan.
The earth holds on to us with the force of gravity. Without this attraction or love, we would not have a base. Similarly, gurutva is the basis of our life. The guru is the guiding light who removes the darkness of ignorance and shows the path to wonderment.
A teacher can give knowledge, but the master brings a heightened awareness. A teacher can give information but the master awakens intelligence.
One day, while Lord Shiva was performing a puja , his consort Parvati sees him bowing his head in reverence. Seeing this, she asks: "You are the Supreme Consciousness, the substratum of entire Creation. Who is it that you bow down to?"
Shiva replied: "Dear Parvati, for the benefit of all humanity, I will answer your question. It is to the all-pervading guru tatva that I bow down to." In the many beautiful verses that followed called the Guru Gita, Shiva explains the guru principle, and says how fortunate one is to have a living master in his life.
The guru in the physical form is called pratyaksh . In the presence of the master, our enthusiasm and spirit are in an elevated state. Our sorrows diminish, joy wells up, there is contentment, knowledge is nourished and protected, and talent blossoms.
India honours a tradition of masters who have protected, and given this knowledge to us, generation after generation, according to the need of the age and times.
When a drop feels connected to the ocean, it feels the strength of the ocean. When we are connected to this tradition, we feel the strength and protection of all the masters. All these masters are an expression of the same Infinite, Undivided, Supreme and Pure Consciousness.
The guru is a tatva an omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent principle. Establishing connection with this tatva is a source of great strength. We know we have forefathers, great-grandparents and so on. Yet we feel most attached and connected to our parents or grandparents because they are with us. Similarly, we have many gurus in our tradition, but when we come in the presence of a living master, the connection is established immediately. The entire knowledge from time immemorial is made available to us.
Guru Purnima is a time to feel grateful. The more grateful we are, the more grace flows into our lives. On Guru Purnima, we remember all the masters who were, who are and who will be in the future. We feel gratitude towards the master who moves us from a limited understanding and pride of ''I know everything" to "I am everything".
A disciple seeks knowledge. A devotee seeks nothing. A devotee is soaked in love and devotion. Guru Purnima is a special day of the devotee as well. When a river meets the ocean, the river no longer remains a river. It becomes the ocean. It is the same when the devotee meets the Divine. Only Divinity remains. The individual 'i' dissolves in the One Divinity.
When we look at the world through the eyes of the master, the world will look so much more beautiful a place filled with love, joy, compassion and virtues. The master's presence is one that is unlimited, vast, infinite and all-inclusive. The presence of the master in one's life brings fulfilment in all other relationships.
To that one, eternal, pure, unbounded embodiment of knowledge and absolute bliss, to the lotus feet of my master, I bow down with respect and gratitude.
(The writer is director, women and child welfare programmes, the Art of Living Foundation. Today is Guru Purnima.)
Monday, July 06, 2009
Miracles of Lord Shiva
Email from Sanjay - Thanks Sanjay for sharing
I did yatra of Char-dham from 28.04.09 to 10.06.09. I went all alone on my pulsar bike and over 50 places. All 5 Kedars, 5 Badris, 5 Prayags and almost all Kali places. At one of these place called as "Vridh MadyaMaheshwar" which is next to 2nd Kedar, i had darshan of "SHIVA".
In the photo enclosed, of "Budha MadyaMaheshwar" there is a linga made of the same stone as seen in the surroundings. When i went there even i saw the linga made up of brown-grey color stone. we were just 4 people there at that time.
I put up 2 agarbatti and than sat at a distance and started chanting Shivan & Maa Shakambari japam. After 2 minutes what i saw was enough to send anyone into coma. I saw the stone disappearing and a beam of blue light appear at the same place in the same form of the linga.
And than Shiva appeared in that beam of blue light smiling and seeing me. It is impossible to say my feeling at that very moment. i was without any thought for moments. Than thinking of my hallucination i asked other what they see. All said stone linga. But i was seeing blue colour beam of light and shiva in it.
Think how was i feeling at that moment. It was there still than i thought of taking a photo of it and asked one of the tourist to take a snap of mine along with this lingam and back ground. Even after the snap the tourist was seeing stone linga. After a reasonably long period of time when all were going back, even i did namaskara closed my eyes prayed to have the photo captured in camera and open the eyes. Now again i saw only stone lingam.
Isn't it strange ?
I did yatra of Char-dham from 28.04.09 to 10.06.09. I went all alone on my pulsar bike and over 50 places. All 5 Kedars, 5 Badris, 5 Prayags and almost all Kali places. At one of these place called as "Vridh MadyaMaheshwar" which is next to 2nd Kedar, i had darshan of "SHIVA".
In the photo enclosed, of "Budha MadyaMaheshwar" there is a linga made of the same stone as seen in the surroundings. When i went there even i saw the linga made up of brown-grey color stone. we were just 4 people there at that time.
I put up 2 agarbatti and than sat at a distance and started chanting Shivan & Maa Shakambari japam. After 2 minutes what i saw was enough to send anyone into coma. I saw the stone disappearing and a beam of blue light appear at the same place in the same form of the linga.
And than Shiva appeared in that beam of blue light smiling and seeing me. It is impossible to say my feeling at that very moment. i was without any thought for moments. Than thinking of my hallucination i asked other what they see. All said stone linga. But i was seeing blue colour beam of light and shiva in it.
Think how was i feeling at that moment. It was there still than i thought of taking a photo of it and asked one of the tourist to take a snap of mine along with this lingam and back ground. Even after the snap the tourist was seeing stone linga. After a reasonably long period of time when all were going back, even i did namaskara closed my eyes prayed to have the photo captured in camera and open the eyes. Now again i saw only stone lingam.
Isn't it strange ?
Sunday, July 05, 2009
The various states
I was traveling on business last week - and you are ensconced in that never-never land wherein the flight takes off and you either read a book or shut up completely and dwell on the unknown - bereft of all the electronics that life seemingly offers these days.
I do both - reading the RIBHU GITA has become a norm.
http://www.messagefrommasters.
It is an out and out Shiva's Gita - so do check it out..
And in that state, isolated completely I wonder about all the states. I look at people and know that they are all thinking something - something is churning in their minds - worries, desires and so many gazillion thoughts flirting in and out
And I think of another state - sleep - no thoughts but dreams
and I think of another state - death - wherein the mind evaporates and is replaced by something else -
and I think of the meditative state - where some thoughts continue to come, but less - watching our thoughts perhaps (doesn't work for me since I tend to cling onto my thoughts and get dragged through the clouds at 100 mph with no respite - flirting from one cloud to the next. Some thoughts, come from the inner Godliness that we all possess - attached via the invisible umbilical chord to a GOD)
and then finally the state of the gyani - where I am one with the universe - the ultimate reality
I am like the rock - just being
I am like the rock - just being
Is that the state like the dead? When I don';t have a mind - I am perhaps dead.
So many states that we go through - the final destination being one - but we usually end up in the other - death and then probably awareness kicks in - Darn - I should have used that window of opportunity that arose. Not to worry, I shall do so next life...and thus the vicious cycle continues.
As long as the mind is distracted with the 'real' problems of the 'real' world - there is no rahat.
We are all trapped - the price we pay for the ether we breathe.
So many states that we go through - the final destination being one - but we usually end up in the other - death and then probably awareness kicks in - Darn - I should have used that window of opportunity that arose. Not to worry, I shall do so next life...and thus the vicious cycle continues.
As long as the mind is distracted with the 'real' problems of the 'real' world - there is no rahat.
We are all trapped - the price we pay for the ether we breathe.
A promise kept and a promise broken
Lalu’s promise to Shiva devoured
;Manoj Chaurasia
PATNA, 5 JULY: This might have come straight out of the fables. When RJD chief Mr Lalu Prasad Yadav was still in jail in connection with the fodder scam, he had a strange dream ~ he vowed before Lord Shiva to give up non-vegetarian food.
This took place some eight years back when Mr Prasad was lodged in the Ranchi jail.
Lord Shiva supposedly visited him in his dreams and asked him to give up non-vegetarian food as a condition to fulfill all his wishes and the result was startling. He managed to enjoy power for another five years, thanks to his wife Mrs Rabri Devi.
Out of power now ~ first in his home state Bihar and now in New Delhi ~ the frustrated RJD chief has “broken” his old promise and is back to relishing non-vegetarian food with great vengeance.
“A day back, I had fish and chicken but will have mutton very soon. I really loved them”, the RJD chief told reporters here yesterday saying he has already requested Lord Shiva to forgive him for breaking his promise.
“It has been eight years since I quit non-veg and I was not very happy with my decision. Hence I begged forgiveness and told my baba: ‘Hey Baba, maaf karin; ab bardast naikhe hoit (please forgive me as this is beyond my control)’ ”, he said.
He admitted he that pledged to quit non-vegetarian food while he was lodged in Ranchi jail in November 2001. It was during this time that Lord Shiva visited him in his dreams and told him: “Tum mans-machali khana chod do; sab thik ho jayega (things will be fine if you give up eating non-vegetarian food)”. “Right at that moment, I went to a Shiva temple located on the jail premises, surrendered before him and promised to follow his directive. A few days later, I was released on bail”, Mr Prasad said.
The stories relating to his gastronomical desires do not end here. Sources close to the RJD chief said the latter is so fond of non-vegetarian food, that he nominated his “cook” Mr Ali Anwar who would prepare “kebab” for him, a Member of the Bihar Legislative Council (House of the Elders).
For a long time, Mr Ali was known as kebab mantri.
His aides and local officials still recall how Mr Prasad during his stint as the chief minister would carry goat meat and varieties of fishes on his helicopters while returning from functions held in the rural areas.
His love for fish is gauged from the fact that he had even dug a big pond at his residence to keep the fishes of his choice.
;Manoj Chaurasia
PATNA, 5 JULY: This might have come straight out of the fables. When RJD chief Mr Lalu Prasad Yadav was still in jail in connection with the fodder scam, he had a strange dream ~ he vowed before Lord Shiva to give up non-vegetarian food.
This took place some eight years back when Mr Prasad was lodged in the Ranchi jail.
Lord Shiva supposedly visited him in his dreams and asked him to give up non-vegetarian food as a condition to fulfill all his wishes and the result was startling. He managed to enjoy power for another five years, thanks to his wife Mrs Rabri Devi.
Out of power now ~ first in his home state Bihar and now in New Delhi ~ the frustrated RJD chief has “broken” his old promise and is back to relishing non-vegetarian food with great vengeance.
“A day back, I had fish and chicken but will have mutton very soon. I really loved them”, the RJD chief told reporters here yesterday saying he has already requested Lord Shiva to forgive him for breaking his promise.
“It has been eight years since I quit non-veg and I was not very happy with my decision. Hence I begged forgiveness and told my baba: ‘Hey Baba, maaf karin; ab bardast naikhe hoit (please forgive me as this is beyond my control)’ ”, he said.
He admitted he that pledged to quit non-vegetarian food while he was lodged in Ranchi jail in November 2001. It was during this time that Lord Shiva visited him in his dreams and told him: “Tum mans-machali khana chod do; sab thik ho jayega (things will be fine if you give up eating non-vegetarian food)”. “Right at that moment, I went to a Shiva temple located on the jail premises, surrendered before him and promised to follow his directive. A few days later, I was released on bail”, Mr Prasad said.
The stories relating to his gastronomical desires do not end here. Sources close to the RJD chief said the latter is so fond of non-vegetarian food, that he nominated his “cook” Mr Ali Anwar who would prepare “kebab” for him, a Member of the Bihar Legislative Council (House of the Elders).
For a long time, Mr Ali was known as kebab mantri.
His aides and local officials still recall how Mr Prasad during his stint as the chief minister would carry goat meat and varieties of fishes on his helicopters while returning from functions held in the rural areas.
His love for fish is gauged from the fact that he had even dug a big pond at his residence to keep the fishes of his choice.
Monday, June 22, 2009
The Master Course The lesson of the day from Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami's trilogy: Dancing with Siva, Living with Siva and Merging with Siva
Convincing discussion on the reasoning behind celibacy and monogamity
Astral Magnetism
The force of kundalini flows as a river through men and women. Sexual intercourse gives that river an outlet, creates a channel, a psychic-astral tube between their muladhara chakras. After the first intercourse, awareness is turned outward into the external world and the man or woman is more vulnerable to the forces of desire. The ramification of the intellect can now be experienced more than ever before. If the force is contained within the marriage covenant, with blessings from the Devaloka and Sivaloka, rays similar to the astral tube established between the couple are established between each of them through the higher chakras with the Mahadevas and their devas. A holy state of matrimony has been entered into. Dancing with Siva, Hinduism's Contemporary Catechism states: "When a young virgin man and woman marry and share physical intimacy with each other, their union is very strong and their marriage stable. This is due to the subtle, psychic forces of the human nerve system. Their psychic forces, or nadis, grow together, and they form a one body and a one mind. This is the truest marriage and the strongest, seldom ending in separation or divorce. Conversely, if the man or woman has had intercourse before the marriage, the emotional/psychic closeness of the marriage will suffer, and this in proportion to the extent of promiscuity."
The higher rays and lower astral-psychic tubes that are created between husband and wife can contain the forces of desire within them. They also control the instinctive curiosities of the intellect, allowing its full power to manifest and create a productive and abundant life for the family which has continuity and consistency. A life of dharma can be lived.
The release of the sacred seed into the woman during sexual intercourse establishes, through the first chakra, a connecting psychic astral tube which can be clearly seen on the astral plane. It is through this psychic tube that desires, feelings and even telepathic messages can be passed from one to another. This connecting tube is generally about six inches in diameter.
Nowadays, because of promiscuity, masses of people are connected one to another in this way. A great bed of astral matter envelops them as they go from one partner to another. This causes the forces of intense fear to persist. From an inner perspective, their soul bodies are obscured by this astral matter, and it is most difficult for those living in the Devaloka to contact anyone on the Earth plane who is thus involved. Such individuals must fend for themselves, with little or no protection from the Devaloka or the Sivaloka, as do the animals, who do not have benefit of the intellect to guide their actions.
Any two people touching in other ways--kissing, embracing--also establishes a temporary connecting link of astral matter which penetrates their auras and completely covers their forms. This is sometimes called the great magnetism, for it appears in the Second World as a psychic mass connecting the two of them as wide as the length of their bodies. This astral matter is created from the diverse expulsion of emotional energies, blending their auras together. The psychic connection is magnetic enough to repeatedly pull them back together or cause emotional pain if they are separated. But unless the encounter is repeated, the astral matter will wear away in three or four days, a month at the most. In this way, touching or caressing someone causes an abundant release of magnetic force to occur.
Astral Magnetism
The force of kundalini flows as a river through men and women. Sexual intercourse gives that river an outlet, creates a channel, a psychic-astral tube between their muladhara chakras. After the first intercourse, awareness is turned outward into the external world and the man or woman is more vulnerable to the forces of desire. The ramification of the intellect can now be experienced more than ever before. If the force is contained within the marriage covenant, with blessings from the Devaloka and Sivaloka, rays similar to the astral tube established between the couple are established between each of them through the higher chakras with the Mahadevas and their devas. A holy state of matrimony has been entered into. Dancing with Siva, Hinduism's Contemporary Catechism states: "When a young virgin man and woman marry and share physical intimacy with each other, their union is very strong and their marriage stable. This is due to the subtle, psychic forces of the human nerve system. Their psychic forces, or nadis, grow together, and they form a one body and a one mind. This is the truest marriage and the strongest, seldom ending in separation or divorce. Conversely, if the man or woman has had intercourse before the marriage, the emotional/psychic closeness of the marriage will suffer, and this in proportion to the extent of promiscuity."
The higher rays and lower astral-psychic tubes that are created between husband and wife can contain the forces of desire within them. They also control the instinctive curiosities of the intellect, allowing its full power to manifest and create a productive and abundant life for the family which has continuity and consistency. A life of dharma can be lived.
The release of the sacred seed into the woman during sexual intercourse establishes, through the first chakra, a connecting psychic astral tube which can be clearly seen on the astral plane. It is through this psychic tube that desires, feelings and even telepathic messages can be passed from one to another. This connecting tube is generally about six inches in diameter.
Nowadays, because of promiscuity, masses of people are connected one to another in this way. A great bed of astral matter envelops them as they go from one partner to another. This causes the forces of intense fear to persist. From an inner perspective, their soul bodies are obscured by this astral matter, and it is most difficult for those living in the Devaloka to contact anyone on the Earth plane who is thus involved. Such individuals must fend for themselves, with little or no protection from the Devaloka or the Sivaloka, as do the animals, who do not have benefit of the intellect to guide their actions.
Any two people touching in other ways--kissing, embracing--also establishes a temporary connecting link of astral matter which penetrates their auras and completely covers their forms. This is sometimes called the great magnetism, for it appears in the Second World as a psychic mass connecting the two of them as wide as the length of their bodies. This astral matter is created from the diverse expulsion of emotional energies, blending their auras together. The psychic connection is magnetic enough to repeatedly pull them back together or cause emotional pain if they are separated. But unless the encounter is repeated, the astral matter will wear away in three or four days, a month at the most. In this way, touching or caressing someone causes an abundant release of magnetic force to occur.
These daily Master Course lessons are drawn from Gurudeva's 3,000 page trilogy on Hindu philosophy, culture and metaphysics, available in the full-color volumes of Dancing, Living and Merging with Siva at our Minimela online store.
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Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Tibet's Ashirwad
Click here to read the complete writeup - very well done.
My journey through Western Tibet was one of the more challenging experiences I’ve endured (physically, mentally and emotionally). It was as if I was experiencing joy and pain simultaneously because amidst this spiritually significant mountain and lake I witnessed a great deal of insincerity, disrespect and selfishness. I met quite a few pilgrims that had come all the way to Tibet to bathe in Lake Mansarovar, perform puja and attempt to complete the circumambulation of Mount Kailash yet they would treat others, especially Tibetans and Nepali sherpas with cruelty. I think the universe sent me to Kailash and Mansarovar to reinforce the teaching that ritual and pilgrimage means nothing if you don’t have a pure intention and at the end of the day all that really matters is having a good heart. Still, the sight of Kailash and Mansarovar is breathtaking and without a doubt the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen in my entire life.
My journey through Western Tibet was one of the more challenging experiences I’ve endured (physically, mentally and emotionally). It was as if I was experiencing joy and pain simultaneously because amidst this spiritually significant mountain and lake I witnessed a great deal of insincerity, disrespect and selfishness. I met quite a few pilgrims that had come all the way to Tibet to bathe in Lake Mansarovar, perform puja and attempt to complete the circumambulation of Mount Kailash yet they would treat others, especially Tibetans and Nepali sherpas with cruelty. I think the universe sent me to Kailash and Mansarovar to reinforce the teaching that ritual and pilgrimage means nothing if you don’t have a pure intention and at the end of the day all that really matters is having a good heart. Still, the sight of Kailash and Mansarovar is breathtaking and without a doubt the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen in my entire life.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Namah Shivaya Shantaya
Bihar boy’s film shines at Cannes
Adarsh Chauhan - May 19, 2009
GAYA — Gaya born Abhijeet Kumar’s film Namah Shivaya Shantaya has opened to rave reviews at the Cannes film festival on Monday. The film was screened at the 62nd Cannes Film Festival at the Indian pavillion 108, Village International, organised by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the industry body ASSOCHAM.
The film, based on the teachings from the book of the same name by Shrii Anandamurti, has at its core the renewal of a great and timeless message, still as relevant today as it was in times of old.
Bringing to life the story of Lord Shiva’s fight for justice, righteousness and peace in the fledgling society of his day, that message emerges, in essence, as that of unification: the coming together of all people as one; of all minds as one mind; and – ultimately – of all minds with the Oneness that pervades and encompasses all things for all time.
Abhijeet Kumar
Born on January 5, 1983 Gaya, Abhijeet did his B.A (Hons.) in Psychology from Magadh University, Bodh Gaya.
A natural artistic talent, Abhijeet Kumar began his film-making journey with a vision of higher-quality entertainment for society. An MA in Film and Television Production, he has produced and directed many critically acclaimed short films and features, and acted in numerous movies, television serials, commercials and plays.
With Namah Shivaya Shantaya, under adverse conditions presenting numerous creative and logistical challenges, he succeeded admirably in pulling off a wide variety of creative and production tasks: director, executive producer, actor, script translator (from the original English), and cast and crew coordination.
Abhijeet’s creative and managerial talents eventually got the film off the ground and completed within a very short span of time and with extremely limited resources.
Currently, Abhijeet Kumar runs his own film production company ‚ DIA Entertainment ‚ and is working towards his next film. He is planning to produce a film “Nalanda” based on the massacre by Muslim invaders at the ancient Nalanda University.
The other Indian films showcased at Cannes this year are - Hrithik Roshan starrer Kites, Teen Patti featuring Amitabh Bachchan as a math professor and Aamir Khan’s hit film Taare Zameen Par among others.
Adarsh Chauhan - May 19, 2009
GAYA — Gaya born Abhijeet Kumar’s film Namah Shivaya Shantaya has opened to rave reviews at the Cannes film festival on Monday. The film was screened at the 62nd Cannes Film Festival at the Indian pavillion 108, Village International, organised by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the industry body ASSOCHAM.
The film, based on the teachings from the book of the same name by Shrii Anandamurti, has at its core the renewal of a great and timeless message, still as relevant today as it was in times of old.
Bringing to life the story of Lord Shiva’s fight for justice, righteousness and peace in the fledgling society of his day, that message emerges, in essence, as that of unification: the coming together of all people as one; of all minds as one mind; and – ultimately – of all minds with the Oneness that pervades and encompasses all things for all time.
Abhijeet Kumar
Born on January 5, 1983 Gaya, Abhijeet did his B.A (Hons.) in Psychology from Magadh University, Bodh Gaya.
A natural artistic talent, Abhijeet Kumar began his film-making journey with a vision of higher-quality entertainment for society. An MA in Film and Television Production, he has produced and directed many critically acclaimed short films and features, and acted in numerous movies, television serials, commercials and plays.
With Namah Shivaya Shantaya, under adverse conditions presenting numerous creative and logistical challenges, he succeeded admirably in pulling off a wide variety of creative and production tasks: director, executive producer, actor, script translator (from the original English), and cast and crew coordination.
Abhijeet’s creative and managerial talents eventually got the film off the ground and completed within a very short span of time and with extremely limited resources.
Currently, Abhijeet Kumar runs his own film production company ‚ DIA Entertainment ‚ and is working towards his next film. He is planning to produce a film “Nalanda” based on the massacre by Muslim invaders at the ancient Nalanda University.
The other Indian films showcased at Cannes this year are - Hrithik Roshan starrer Kites, Teen Patti featuring Amitabh Bachchan as a math professor and Aamir Khan’s hit film Taare Zameen Par among others.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Online registration - Amarnath Yatra
this year, the annual amarnath yatra is allowed by the government from 7th june to 5th august. for those who are not aware of these dates etc., they may be known that the amarnath caveshrine in the kashmir valley gets submerged under snow during winter and when the snow melts during summer, it becomes possible for the trekkers to trek through many ice clad mountains spending time at a height of nearly 15000 feet and pass through icy glaciers to reach the cave where a naturally formed shivling of ice is found inside the cave.
while there are two paths to reach this amarnath cave shrine through the more famous pahalgam route (though long) through which one can have darshan of seshnag, the other path through baltal (very short) is preferred by those who cannot trek, for the distance is very small and to and fro trekking from baltal to the amarnath cave and back to baltal can be completed between a morning and an evening. furthermore, there are two helicopters running continuously from morning to evening from baltal to the cave which hardly takes 7 minutes.
registration for the yatra begins from 20th may at all branches of jammu and kashmir bank or can be done easily through their website www.jkbank.com
1.55 lakh people, so far, register for Amarnath yatra
7 Jun 2009, 1343 hrs IST, PTI
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JAMMU: With the annual Amarnath yatra set to commence from June 15, over 1.55 lakh people have so far registered themselves for the
pilgrimage.
"Over 1.55 lakh devotees have been registered for Amarnath pilgrimage at 110 registration counters across the country and online till today. The highest number of 52,700, have been registered from Delhi zone," sources said.
Of the total registered, 71,700 people have been registered for pilgrimage via Baltal route, while 82,300 others will trek via Pahalgam route, they said.
As many as 31,400 pilgrims have been registered in Mumbai zone, 2,700 in south zone, 31,600 in Chandigarh-Mohile zone, 1,700 in Kashmir zone and 4,000 in Jammu zone.
The yatra to the cave shrine of Lord Shiva in South Kashmir was postponed from June 7 to June 15 in view of heavy accumulation of snow on the routes leading to Amarnath.
The two-month long pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high shrine will conclude on August 5.
Last year, over 4.5 lakh pilgrims had participated in the yatra.
while there are two paths to reach this amarnath cave shrine through the more famous pahalgam route (though long) through which one can have darshan of seshnag, the other path through baltal (very short) is preferred by those who cannot trek, for the distance is very small and to and fro trekking from baltal to the amarnath cave and back to baltal can be completed between a morning and an evening. furthermore, there are two helicopters running continuously from morning to evening from baltal to the cave which hardly takes 7 minutes.
registration for the yatra begins from 20th may at all branches of jammu and kashmir bank or can be done easily through their website www.jkbank.com
1.55 lakh people, so far, register for Amarnath yatra
7 Jun 2009, 1343 hrs IST, PTI
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JAMMU: With the annual Amarnath yatra set to commence from June 15, over 1.55 lakh people have so far registered themselves for the
pilgrimage.
"Over 1.55 lakh devotees have been registered for Amarnath pilgrimage at 110 registration counters across the country and online till today. The highest number of 52,700, have been registered from Delhi zone," sources said.
Of the total registered, 71,700 people have been registered for pilgrimage via Baltal route, while 82,300 others will trek via Pahalgam route, they said.
As many as 31,400 pilgrims have been registered in Mumbai zone, 2,700 in south zone, 31,600 in Chandigarh-Mohile zone, 1,700 in Kashmir zone and 4,000 in Jammu zone.
The yatra to the cave shrine of Lord Shiva in South Kashmir was postponed from June 7 to June 15 in view of heavy accumulation of snow on the routes leading to Amarnath.
The two-month long pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high shrine will conclude on August 5.
Last year, over 4.5 lakh pilgrims had participated in the yatra.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
How do you explain a Hindu?
Posted by: "Sudhir-Architect" ar_sudhirkumar
Sat May 9, 2009 5:39 pm (PDT)
Hindu - How do you explain it?
Next time you can give this answer if you are asked to explain a HINDU:
Four
years ago, I was flying from JFK NY Airport to SFO to attend a meeting
at Monterey , CA . An American girl was sitting on the right side, near
window seat. It indeed was a long journey - it would take nearly seven
hours. I was surprised to see the young girl reading a Bible unusual of
young Americans.
After some time, she smiled and we had few acquaintances talk. I told her that I am from India .
Then suddenly the girl asked: 'What's your faith?'
'What?' I didn't understand the question.
'I mean, what's your religion? Are you a Christian? Or a Muslim?'
'No!' I replied, 'I am neither Christian nor Muslim'.
Apparently she appeared shocked to listen to that. 'Then who are you?'
'I am a Hindu', I said.
She
looked at me as if she was seeing a caged animal. She could
not understand what I was talking about. A common man in Europe or US
knows about Christianity and Islam, as they are the leading religions
of the world today. But a Hindu, what?
I explained to her - I am born to a Hindu father and Hindu mother. Therefore, I am a Hindu by birth.
'Who is your prophet?' she asked.
'We don't have a prophet,' I replied.
'What's your Holy Book?'
'We don't have a single Holy Book, but we have hundreds and thousands of philosophical and sacred scriptures,' I replied..
'Oh, come on at least tell me who is your God?'
'What do you mean by that?'
'Like we have Jesus and Muslims have Allah - don't you have a God?'
I
thought for a moment. Muslims and Christians believe one God
(Male God) who created the world and takes an interest in the humans
who inhabit it. Her mind is conditioned with that kind of belief.
According
to her (or anybody who doesn't know about Hinduism), a religion needs
to have one Prophet, one Holy book and one God. The mind is
so conditioned and rigidly narrowed down to such a notion that anything
else is not acceptable. I understood her perception and concept about
faith. You can't compare Hinduism with any of the present
leading religions where you have to believe in one concept of god.
I
tried to explain to her: 'You can believe in one god and he can be
a Hindu.. You may believe in multiple deities and still you can be
a Hindu. What's more -you may not believe in god at all, still you can
be a Hindu. An atheist can also be a Hindu.'
This
sounded very crazy to her. She couldn't imagine a religion
so unorganized, still surviving for thousands of years, even
after onslaught from foreign forces.
'I don't understand but it seems very interesting. Are you religious?'
What can I tell to this American girl?
I
said: 'I do not go to temple regularly. I do not make any
regular rituals. I have learned some of the rituals in my younger days.
I still enjoy doing it sometimes.'
'Enjoy? Are you not afraid of God?'
'God is a friend. No- I am not afraid of God. Nobody has made any compulsions on me to perform these rituals regularly.'
She thought for a while and then asked: 'Have you ever thought of converting to any other religion?'
'Why
should I? Even if I challenge some of the rituals and faith
in Hinduism, nobody can convert me from Hinduism. Because, being a
Hindu allows me to think independently and objectively,
without conditioning.
I remain as a Hindu never by
force, but choice.' I told her that Hinduism is not a religion, but a
set of beliefs and practices. It is not a religion like Christianity or
Islam because it is not founded by any one person or does not have an
organized controlling body like the Church or the Order, I added. There
is no institution or authority.
'So, you don't believe in God?' she wanted everything in black and white.
'I
didn't say that. I do not discard the divine reality. Our scripture, or
Sruthis or Smrithis - Vedas and Upanishads or the Gita - say
God might be there or he might not be there. But we pray to that
supreme abstract authority ( Para Brahma) that is the creator of this
universe.'
'Why can't you believe in one personal God?'
'We
have a concept - abstract - not a personal god. The concept
or notion of a personal God, hiding behind the clouds of secrecy,
telling us irrational stories through few men whom he sends as
messengers, demanding us to worship him or punish us, does not make
sense. I don't think that God is as silly as an autocratic emperor who
wants others to respect him or fear him.' I told her
that such notions are just fancies of less educated human imagination
and fallacies, adding that generally ethnic religious practitioners in
Hinduism believe in personal gods.
'Good that you agree God might exist. You told that you pray. What is your prayer then?'
'Loka Samastha Sukino Bhavantu.. Om Shanti , Shanti , Shanti ,'
'Funny,' she laughed, 'What does it mean?'
'May all the beings in all the worlds be happy. Om Peace, Peace, Peace.'
'Hmm ...very interesting. I want to learn more about this religion. It is so democratic, broad-minded and free' she exclaimed.
'The
fact is Hinduism is a religion of the individual, for
the individual and by the individual with its roots in the Vedas and
the Bhagavad-Gita. It is all about an individual approaching a personal
God in an individual way according to his temperament and inner
evolution - it is as simple as that.'
'How does anybody convert to Hinduism?'
'Nobody
can convert you to Hinduism, because it is not a religion, but a set of
beliefs and practices. Everything is acceptable in Hinduism because
there is no single authority or organization either to accept it or to
reject it or to oppose it on behalf of Hinduism.' I told her - if you
look for meaning in life, don't look for it in religions; don't go from
one cult to another or from one guru to the next.
For
a real seeker, Loving each and every creation
of the God is absolute and real. 'Isavasyam idam sarvam' Isam (the God)
is present (inhabits) here everywhere - nothing exists separate from
the God, because God is present everywhere... Respect every living
being and non-living things as God. That's what Hinduism teaches you. That is
where you can find the meaning of life.
Hinduism
is referred to as Sanathana Dharma, the eternal faith. It is based on
the practice of Dharma, the code of life. The most important aspect of
Hinduism is being truthful to oneself. Hinduism has no monopoly on
ideas. It is open to all & moreover Natural. Hindus believe in
one God (not a personal one) expressed in different forms. For them,
God is timeless and formless entity.
Ancestors of
today's Hindus believe in eternal truths and cosmic laws and these
truths are opened to anyone who seeks them.
The British coin the word
'Hindu' and considered it as a religion.
I
said: 'Religions have become an MLM (multi-level-marketing) industry that has been trying to expand the market share by
conversion. The biggest business in today's world is Religions.
I am a Hindu primarily
because it professes Non-violence - 'Ahimsa Paramo Dharma' - Non
violence is the highest duty. I am a Hindu because it doesn't condition
my mind with any faith system.
A man / woman who change's his / her
birth religion to another religion is a fake, and does not value his /
her morals, culture and values in life. Hinduism was the first religion originated.
I am proud of my religion and proud of who I am.
OmNamo shiva....... .......
Thanks & Regards,
Sudhir Srinivasan
Architect
Sat May 9, 2009 5:39 pm (PDT)
Hindu - How do you explain it?
Next time you can give this answer if you are asked to explain a HINDU:
Four
years ago, I was flying from JFK NY Airport to SFO to attend a meeting
at Monterey , CA . An American girl was sitting on the right side, near
window seat. It indeed was a long journey - it would take nearly seven
hours. I was surprised to see the young girl reading a Bible unusual of
young Americans.
After some time, she smiled and we had few acquaintances talk. I told her that I am from India .
Then suddenly the girl asked: 'What's your faith?'
'What?' I didn't understand the question.
'I mean, what's your religion? Are you a Christian? Or a Muslim?'
'No!' I replied, 'I am neither Christian nor Muslim'.
Apparently she appeared shocked to listen to that. 'Then who are you?'
'I am a Hindu', I said.
She
looked at me as if she was seeing a caged animal. She could
not understand what I was talking about. A common man in Europe or US
knows about Christianity and Islam, as they are the leading religions
of the world today. But a Hindu, what?
I explained to her - I am born to a Hindu father and Hindu mother. Therefore, I am a Hindu by birth.
'Who is your prophet?' she asked.
'We don't have a prophet,' I replied.
'What's your Holy Book?'
'We don't have a single Holy Book, but we have hundreds and thousands of philosophical and sacred scriptures,' I replied..
'Oh, come on at least tell me who is your God?'
'What do you mean by that?'
'Like we have Jesus and Muslims have Allah - don't you have a God?'
I
thought for a moment. Muslims and Christians believe one God
(Male God) who created the world and takes an interest in the humans
who inhabit it. Her mind is conditioned with that kind of belief.
According
to her (or anybody who doesn't know about Hinduism), a religion needs
to have one Prophet, one Holy book and one God. The mind is
so conditioned and rigidly narrowed down to such a notion that anything
else is not acceptable. I understood her perception and concept about
faith. You can't compare Hinduism with any of the present
leading religions where you have to believe in one concept of god.
I
tried to explain to her: 'You can believe in one god and he can be
a Hindu.. You may believe in multiple deities and still you can be
a Hindu. What's more -you may not believe in god at all, still you can
be a Hindu. An atheist can also be a Hindu.'
This
sounded very crazy to her. She couldn't imagine a religion
so unorganized, still surviving for thousands of years, even
after onslaught from foreign forces.
'I don't understand but it seems very interesting. Are you religious?'
What can I tell to this American girl?
I
said: 'I do not go to temple regularly. I do not make any
regular rituals. I have learned some of the rituals in my younger days.
I still enjoy doing it sometimes.'
'Enjoy? Are you not afraid of God?'
'God is a friend. No- I am not afraid of God. Nobody has made any compulsions on me to perform these rituals regularly.'
She thought for a while and then asked: 'Have you ever thought of converting to any other religion?'
'Why
should I? Even if I challenge some of the rituals and faith
in Hinduism, nobody can convert me from Hinduism. Because, being a
Hindu allows me to think independently and objectively,
without conditioning.
I remain as a Hindu never by
force, but choice.' I told her that Hinduism is not a religion, but a
set of beliefs and practices. It is not a religion like Christianity or
Islam because it is not founded by any one person or does not have an
organized controlling body like the Church or the Order, I added. There
is no institution or authority.
'So, you don't believe in God?' she wanted everything in black and white.
'I
didn't say that. I do not discard the divine reality. Our scripture, or
Sruthis or Smrithis - Vedas and Upanishads or the Gita - say
God might be there or he might not be there. But we pray to that
supreme abstract authority ( Para Brahma) that is the creator of this
universe.'
'Why can't you believe in one personal God?'
'We
have a concept - abstract - not a personal god. The concept
or notion of a personal God, hiding behind the clouds of secrecy,
telling us irrational stories through few men whom he sends as
messengers, demanding us to worship him or punish us, does not make
sense. I don't think that God is as silly as an autocratic emperor who
wants others to respect him or fear him.' I told her
that such notions are just fancies of less educated human imagination
and fallacies, adding that generally ethnic religious practitioners in
Hinduism believe in personal gods.
'Good that you agree God might exist. You told that you pray. What is your prayer then?'
'Loka Samastha Sukino Bhavantu.. Om Shanti , Shanti , Shanti ,'
'Funny,' she laughed, 'What does it mean?'
'May all the beings in all the worlds be happy. Om Peace, Peace, Peace.'
'Hmm ...very interesting. I want to learn more about this religion. It is so democratic, broad-minded and free' she exclaimed.
'The
fact is Hinduism is a religion of the individual, for
the individual and by the individual with its roots in the Vedas and
the Bhagavad-Gita. It is all about an individual approaching a personal
God in an individual way according to his temperament and inner
evolution - it is as simple as that.'
'How does anybody convert to Hinduism?'
'Nobody
can convert you to Hinduism, because it is not a religion, but a set of
beliefs and practices. Everything is acceptable in Hinduism because
there is no single authority or organization either to accept it or to
reject it or to oppose it on behalf of Hinduism.' I told her - if you
look for meaning in life, don't look for it in religions; don't go from
one cult to another or from one guru to the next.
For
a real seeker, Loving each and every creation
of the God is absolute and real. 'Isavasyam idam sarvam' Isam (the God)
is present (inhabits) here everywhere - nothing exists separate from
the God, because God is present everywhere... Respect every living
being and non-living things as God. That's what Hinduism teaches you. That is
where you can find the meaning of life.
Hinduism
is referred to as Sanathana Dharma, the eternal faith. It is based on
the practice of Dharma, the code of life. The most important aspect of
Hinduism is being truthful to oneself. Hinduism has no monopoly on
ideas. It is open to all & moreover Natural. Hindus believe in
one God (not a personal one) expressed in different forms. For them,
God is timeless and formless entity.
Ancestors of
today's Hindus believe in eternal truths and cosmic laws and these
truths are opened to anyone who seeks them.
The British coin the word
'Hindu' and considered it as a religion.
I
said: 'Religions have become an MLM (multi-level-marketing) industry that has been trying to expand the market share by
conversion. The biggest business in today's world is Religions.
I am a Hindu primarily
because it professes Non-violence - 'Ahimsa Paramo Dharma' - Non
violence is the highest duty. I am a Hindu because it doesn't condition
my mind with any faith system.
A man / woman who change's his / her
birth religion to another religion is a fake, and does not value his /
her morals, culture and values in life. Hinduism was the first religion originated.
I am proud of my religion and proud of who I am.
OmNamo shiva....... .......
Thanks & Regards,
Sudhir Srinivasan
Architect
Monday, April 27, 2009
Life Source
There is an energy source that we owe our life to.
This energy pervades the entire universe.
We are dipping into this energy source daily for nourishment.
Energy ==> We owe it to 'someone' to go about our duties ==> Once we absorb the energy, it lends credence to everything around us.
That is payback that the life source expects after we have touched upon that energy source.
All this is pure theory...Man Mohan Desai yarn as some would say
From here
Chakra Meditation Techniques
The chakras should be in harmony with each other, not too closed or too open for the optimum balance in our lives, there are various meditation techniques in use that help to balance our chakras.
Some people like to use crystals in conjunction with the chakras, placing particular crystals on specific points to enhance or heal. This can be either using crystals of the same colour as the chakra to recharge it or using stones like clear quartz to purify the point.
Chakra Meditation Techniques
The Space Suit
One of the first exercises to try is to put on a 'space suit'. This is a way of forming a protective layer around you, fortifying your aura to reflect negative energies. To do this, relax and imagine that you can 'see'/feel your aura moving and pulsing around you, try and form this into shapes likes walls, shields, overalls. Some like to imagine it more as donning a suit of armour or pulling on a pair of overalls.
Chakra Meditation Techniques
Energy Apples
Concentrate on whatever chakra you wish to energise, try to imagine a small pulse that grows in mass and colour. Now sweep your hand over the area scooping some of the mass in your hand. Concentrate on this mass using both hands to shape it into a ball whilst visualising your desires (you should feel the increase of energy in your fingertips). Some people then like to 'eat' this energy as though it were an apple, others like to sweep it back over the chakra they borrowed it from and feel it being reabsorbed, others again like to make a wish and blow on it feeling it disappear into the world.
Chakra Meditation Techniques
The Body
Lie on the ground in a relaxed position and let thoughts of everyday life dissolve. Try and tune into your aura encasing you in swirling strands of energy, then concentrate on the red chakra, feel it grow and open up colouring your entire aura with its reddish haze. Then move onto your orange chakra, feeling it open up until the red in your aura is replaced by orange, continue through each of your chakras until you come to the white chakra this is also known as the many coloured lotus, imagine this opening up and pouring white light into your aura making you feel completely purified and re-energised
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Shirdi Kay Sai Baba
This is a Saibaba sketch by Vikas Nandlal from Mumbai, done on paper with pencil,water colors and retouched in software. The sketch is named OM SAI GANESH.
There is so much bhakti emanating from this sketch. Sai was indeed an enlightened soul and was on earth with a mission. Shirdi's fame took off probably in the late 70s but was still a sleep town when I had visited in the mid 80s. But is now a major 'metropolis', the fame has spread far and wide and not a local anymore. Partially because, your wishes are granted. Bombay cricketers, film industry moguls all are said to frequent Shirdi with a prayer for Sai Baba.
Here is what Vikas says "I have sketched this painting on description of Saibaba as provided by stauch Shiv and Saibaba devotee 'Shivamma Thayee' who had met Sai in HIS physical presence and had described Sai to have deep penetrating blue eyes.
As we all know,Lord Shirdi Saibaba was also a Shivatma."
Full Moon @ Lord Shiva's Fire Mountain
This blog is a tad long, but makes wonderful reading.
This gal has a wonderful attitude as she goes globe trotting...wish we could adopt it
Here is the link - below the excerpts.
Why did i come here? Well, i am kind of a pilgrim and Shiva is my favourite deity. Another of the reasons is that when i was in the Amazon jungle, i had a medicine ceremony with an Australian musician named Jarrah Tree who was an apprentice to an Ayahuasca shaman. Jarrah is also a visionary painter who had painted Mt Arunachala with a beautiful Earth goddess rising from the top of it, i have a copy of the painting and have always wanted to visit. Also, Shiva has appeared to me as a teacher in my own visions. Flanked by this mountain which is really a boulder-strewn hill, Tiruvannamalai is an important Shaivite (devotee of Lord Shiva) town where Shiva is revered as Arunachaleswar, an aspect of fire. Each full moon thousands of pilgrims circumnavigate the base of the mountain by walking the 14km around it and i was to be joining them in the mission.
This gal has a wonderful attitude as she goes globe trotting...wish we could adopt it
Here is the link - below the excerpts.
Why did i come here? Well, i am kind of a pilgrim and Shiva is my favourite deity. Another of the reasons is that when i was in the Amazon jungle, i had a medicine ceremony with an Australian musician named Jarrah Tree who was an apprentice to an Ayahuasca shaman. Jarrah is also a visionary painter who had painted Mt Arunachala with a beautiful Earth goddess rising from the top of it, i have a copy of the painting and have always wanted to visit. Also, Shiva has appeared to me as a teacher in my own visions. Flanked by this mountain which is really a boulder-strewn hill, Tiruvannamalai is an important Shaivite (devotee of Lord Shiva) town where Shiva is revered as Arunachaleswar, an aspect of fire. Each full moon thousands of pilgrims circumnavigate the base of the mountain by walking the 14km around it and i was to be joining them in the mission.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Shiva Mahimna Stotram - Video
This one is very well done.
The mantras transcripted as the bhajan goes through the devotional rendition.
The mantras transcripted as the bhajan goes through the devotional rendition.
Rudraksha Forest
I was rather mystified having been inside a Rudraksha Forest - blue hued seeds.
Magnificient indeed
Thursday, March 26, 2009
The flow
Don't think too hard about things. The flow is meant to be experienced. Within it, care for yourself. You are part of the flow, an important part. Work with the flow. Work within the flow. Thrashing about isn't necessary. Let the flow help you care for yourself. Let it help you set boundaries, make decisions, and get you where you need to be when it is time. You can trust the flow, and your part in it. Jump into the river of life, and go with the flow.
Melody Beattie
You have the same force running through you that allows the planets to move, the earth to orbit, the seeds to sprout, and the flowers to open. There is not a separate God for each person. There is one universal intelligence flowing through all of us. This is the Divine Flow, the river of life.
Wayne Dyer
Melody Beattie
You have the same force running through you that allows the planets to move, the earth to orbit, the seeds to sprout, and the flowers to open. There is not a separate God for each person. There is one universal intelligence flowing through all of us. This is the Divine Flow, the river of life.
Wayne Dyer
Bhakti videos
|
Shiva Kavach Mantra
From here -
I listen to the maha mrutyunjaya and several other Shiva slokas. Tuesdays it is the Subramanyaashtakam or the Kanda Sashti kavacham. Wednesdays and its time for Ganesha Pancharatnam. Thursdays and without a doubt, it is Hanuman Chalisa (MSS version here). Fridays are for listening to this particular version of Mahishasura Mardhini Stotram. I have yet to make a habit for Saturday and Sunday mornings, but perhaps from this week, I will.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Top-10 Life Changing Yoga Vacations
The Shreyas resort has been highly recommended.
Definitely worth a visit and a relaxing time
Definitely worth a visit and a relaxing time
© Shreyas Retreat
Shreyas Retreat, Bangalore, India
If the idea of an ashram is both appealing and scary then Shreyas may be the best way to combine the lifestyle elements of an ashram without the austerity. Daily Hatha and Ashtanga yoga sessions are paired with opportunities to volunteer in the community, work on the organic farm, meditate and participate in sacred chanting—all traditional experiences of ashram life. However, the four-year-old resort's cottage and chalet accomodations, spa facilities, pool and landscaped gardens are pure luxury.
For more information: Shreyas Retreat
© Oberoi Hotels
Wildflower Hall, Shimla, India
High up in the Himalyas, this Oberoi Hotels resort might be just the place for your yoga practice to soar. The hotel's special yoga program includes a seven-night stay with private yoga, fitness and lifestyle consultations and then six one-on-one yoga sessions and five meditation sessions as well as booked time at the Banyan Tree Spa for massages and Ayurvedic treatments. It's a great choice for someone who wants serious daily yoga to complement a unique vacation in a peerless resort.© SwaSwara
SwaSwara, Kerala, India
In a happy coincidence, the yoga resort is located on Om Beach in the southern state of Kerala, the "land of coconuts." The relaxed beach vibe provides a counterpoint to the sleek villas built in local architectural styles and with local materials but fitted with air conditioning in the bedroom. Each villa has an upstairs deck for private yoga practice, and in keeping with this focus on a personal journey, each guest meets with Ayurveda doctors and therapists. There are various types of yoga and meditation classes as well as activities like interactive cooking and pottery that guests can choose from to tailor their own experience to find their "swasara," or personal rhythm.Sunday, March 22, 2009
The study of cosmic phenomenon
The study of cosmic phenomenon
by
D.V.R. Murthy
Very often non-believers criticise occultism as a pseudo-science. In fact, Occultism, if properly understood, is a science handed down by ancient seers to guide ourselves for happy living. Occultism is the exploration of the unknown with the aid of the known principles of science. Varahamihira, the famous Indian astrologer in his magnum opus Brihatjataka, explained the use of the occult sciences as follows: with the lighting of a lamp in a dark room, one can dispel the sheaths of darkness and set one's house in order. Similarly, a wise man with the help of the occult science can steer through the ocean of life by charting the course of incidents. Then, what is Occultism? Djwal Khul, the Himalayan Master, explained the concept of occultism to his disciple in a letter dated August 27, 1920. The Master said that the true study of occultism is the study of the why and how of phenomena. It is the finding out of the method whereby results are achieved and it involves close analysis of events and circumstances in order to discover their governing laws.
Although one comes across many incidents in day to day life, one does not view them as the result of some cosmic phenomenon. To cite an example, the blossoming of a flower. One is aware of the act of plucking a flower from a plant, but one does not think of the process of the blossoming of a flower from the stage of a bud to a full-blown flower. Similarly, the rising and the setting of the sun and the waxing and the waning of the moon are also considered cosmic phenomena. Occultism studies these incidents to explain the relationship between the cosmic phenomena and the flora and fauna on this globe. Occultism, therefore, includes the science of meditation, astrology, palmistry and other allied sciences. With the help of these sciences, an occultist makes an attempt to correlate two or more happenings. Especially, the purpose of astrology is to explain the influence of planets on human beings and to apply the same for the spiritual progress of
man.
The ancient seers of India by virtue of their spiritual power meditated upon Nature to understand it. They observed that the sun and the moon had a periodic rotation which would influence the flora and fauna on this globe. They concluded that the sun gives vitality to the beings of this earth while the moon activates that vitality. Esoterically they explained that the sun is the soul and the moon is the mind. Further they observed the solar system to study the influence of the other planets.
Many Rishis in India contributed their knowledge for the growth of the occult sciences. Prominent among them, Parasara; Garga, Jaimini, Kalidasa, and Varahamihira wrote many astrological compendiums recording their observations for the benefit of posterity. Although it may take several years for one to study astrology, one can make a sincere attempt to learn the science. In fact, astrology is like an ocean and one cannot delve too deep into it. As Varahamihira said, one does not need a river size boat to 'cross a river. A small wooden plank moulded into a boat is enough. Likewise, one can make a study of the occult sciences to cross the river of life.
Some Western scholars claimed that the occult sciences originated in the West be fore they were studied in India . Disputing the claim; the world famous palmist, Cheiro noted in his Language of the Hand: "Long before Rome or Greek or Israel was even heard of, the monuments of India point back to an age of learning beyond, still beyond. From the astronomical calculations that the figures in their temples represent, it has been estimated that the Hindus understood the precession of equinoxes centuries before the Christian era. In some of the ancient cave temples, the mystic of Sphinx silently tell that such knowledge had been possessed and used in advance of all those nations afterwards so celebrated for their learning. It has been demonstrated that to make a change from one sign to another in the zodiacal course, the sun must have occupied at the least 2,140 years, and how many centuries elapsed before such changes came to be observed and
noticed it is impossible even to estimate".
However, many modern men have doubts about the efficacy of the occult. The Dalai Lama in one context dismissed their doubts as baseless and cited a very instructive example. He said that if a metal detector cannot detect an object in one's pocket, it does not mean that the pocket is empty. The fault lies with the detector as it is not equipped to detect the object.
by
D.V.R. Murthy
Very often non-believers criticise occultism as a pseudo-science. In fact, Occultism, if properly understood, is a science handed down by ancient seers to guide ourselves for happy living. Occultism is the exploration of the unknown with the aid of the known principles of science. Varahamihira, the famous Indian astrologer in his magnum opus Brihatjataka, explained the use of the occult sciences as follows: with the lighting of a lamp in a dark room, one can dispel the sheaths of darkness and set one's house in order. Similarly, a wise man with the help of the occult science can steer through the ocean of life by charting the course of incidents. Then, what is Occultism? Djwal Khul, the Himalayan Master, explained the concept of occultism to his disciple in a letter dated August 27, 1920. The Master said that the true study of occultism is the study of the why and how of phenomena. It is the finding out of the method whereby results are achieved and it involves close analysis of events and circumstances in order to discover their governing laws.
Although one comes across many incidents in day to day life, one does not view them as the result of some cosmic phenomenon. To cite an example, the blossoming of a flower. One is aware of the act of plucking a flower from a plant, but one does not think of the process of the blossoming of a flower from the stage of a bud to a full-blown flower. Similarly, the rising and the setting of the sun and the waxing and the waning of the moon are also considered cosmic phenomena. Occultism studies these incidents to explain the relationship between the cosmic phenomena and the flora and fauna on this globe. Occultism, therefore, includes the science of meditation, astrology, palmistry and other allied sciences. With the help of these sciences, an occultist makes an attempt to correlate two or more happenings. Especially, the purpose of astrology is to explain the influence of planets on human beings and to apply the same for the spiritual progress of
man.
The ancient seers of India by virtue of their spiritual power meditated upon Nature to understand it. They observed that the sun and the moon had a periodic rotation which would influence the flora and fauna on this globe. They concluded that the sun gives vitality to the beings of this earth while the moon activates that vitality. Esoterically they explained that the sun is the soul and the moon is the mind. Further they observed the solar system to study the influence of the other planets.
Many Rishis in India contributed their knowledge for the growth of the occult sciences. Prominent among them, Parasara; Garga, Jaimini, Kalidasa, and Varahamihira wrote many astrological compendiums recording their observations for the benefit of posterity. Although it may take several years for one to study astrology, one can make a sincere attempt to learn the science. In fact, astrology is like an ocean and one cannot delve too deep into it. As Varahamihira said, one does not need a river size boat to 'cross a river. A small wooden plank moulded into a boat is enough. Likewise, one can make a study of the occult sciences to cross the river of life.
Some Western scholars claimed that the occult sciences originated in the West be fore they were studied in India . Disputing the claim; the world famous palmist, Cheiro noted in his Language of the Hand: "Long before Rome or Greek or Israel was even heard of, the monuments of India point back to an age of learning beyond, still beyond. From the astronomical calculations that the figures in their temples represent, it has been estimated that the Hindus understood the precession of equinoxes centuries before the Christian era. In some of the ancient cave temples, the mystic of Sphinx silently tell that such knowledge had been possessed and used in advance of all those nations afterwards so celebrated for their learning. It has been demonstrated that to make a change from one sign to another in the zodiacal course, the sun must have occupied at the least 2,140 years, and how many centuries elapsed before such changes came to be observed and
noticed it is impossible even to estimate".
However, many modern men have doubts about the efficacy of the occult. The Dalai Lama in one context dismissed their doubts as baseless and cited a very instructive example. He said that if a metal detector cannot detect an object in one's pocket, it does not mean that the pocket is empty. The fault lies with the detector as it is not equipped to detect the object.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Schizophrenia
From here
DO YOU BELIEVE IN GOD?
One of my relatives is suffering with the problem of ghost haunting for past 20 years. It was sent to him by somebody and since then there is no cure that we could find. The chap riding on him is a Muslim fellow named Nasiruddin Siddakki. He would perform Namaz whenever the guy is on him. He would not remember anything about it afterwards. My relative is a true honest, clear hearted and out of the world fellow, who can not even dream of harming someone. He has no big ambition and ready to sacrifice everything for the family. Therefore we can not even dream that he is doing some acting. When ghost is not on him, he is perfectly innocent and normal man. At present he is staying with me for past 6-7 months. His fellow ghost is also with him.
Eversince he has come to stay with us, we are witnessing a lot of things we never dreamt off. The ghost did not wish to stay here. We just brought him here for treatment with some so called god-men. But one fine day he could see our own deities. He was talking to them. They were telling him to do no harm to us and threatening him of dire consequences. There were Lord Shiva, Baba Hanuman, Ma Durga, Sai Baba. He was talking to them in front of our eyes. And this we have witnessed not only once, but many a times. Everytimes the Ghost has tried to frighten us, they are all there. COULD YOU BELIEVE THIS?
What I want to emphasize is that GOD EXISTS, IN ALL FORMS THAT YOU SEE THEM. They help you whenever you are in need. They help even without calling for it.
Also Ganga is our holy river. The GANGAJAL has divine powers. At times when GODS are not available or not helping due to some reason and the Ghost has entered his body, we use holy water of Gangajal and ghost is set on fire. He will start begging and cry of burning. These things have helped us through rough times.
Though we could not find someone who could really get us out of this mess for last 20 years, the so called God-men are all crooks; they will make you spend money. We have visited many of them.
DO YOU BELIEVE IN GOD?
One of my relatives is suffering with the problem of ghost haunting for past 20 years. It was sent to him by somebody and since then there is no cure that we could find. The chap riding on him is a Muslim fellow named Nasiruddin Siddakki. He would perform Namaz whenever the guy is on him. He would not remember anything about it afterwards. My relative is a true honest, clear hearted and out of the world fellow, who can not even dream of harming someone. He has no big ambition and ready to sacrifice everything for the family. Therefore we can not even dream that he is doing some acting. When ghost is not on him, he is perfectly innocent and normal man. At present he is staying with me for past 6-7 months. His fellow ghost is also with him.
Eversince he has come to stay with us, we are witnessing a lot of things we never dreamt off. The ghost did not wish to stay here. We just brought him here for treatment with some so called god-men. But one fine day he could see our own deities. He was talking to them. They were telling him to do no harm to us and threatening him of dire consequences. There were Lord Shiva, Baba Hanuman, Ma Durga, Sai Baba. He was talking to them in front of our eyes. And this we have witnessed not only once, but many a times. Everytimes the Ghost has tried to frighten us, they are all there. COULD YOU BELIEVE THIS?
What I want to emphasize is that GOD EXISTS, IN ALL FORMS THAT YOU SEE THEM. They help you whenever you are in need. They help even without calling for it.
Also Ganga is our holy river. The GANGAJAL has divine powers. At times when GODS are not available or not helping due to some reason and the Ghost has entered his body, we use holy water of Gangajal and ghost is set on fire. He will start begging and cry of burning. These things have helped us through rough times.
Though we could not find someone who could really get us out of this mess for last 20 years, the so called God-men are all crooks; they will make you spend money. We have visited many of them.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Ramakrishna
This is probably what being in touch with our inner awareness is like
From the wiki
Ramakrishna became more contemplative. He began to look upon the image of the goddess Kali as his mother and the mother of the universe. He became seized by a desire to have a darshana (vision) of Kali—a direct realization of her reality—and believed the stone image to be living and breathing and taking food out of his hand. At times he would weep bitterly and cry out loudly while worshipping, and would not be comforted, because he could not see his mother Kali as perfectly as he wished. People became divided in their opinions—some held Ramakrishna to be mad, and some took him to be a great lover of God.[28] One day, brought to the point of suicide by this longing, he had the experience of goddess Kali as the universal Mother,[29] which he described as "... houses, doors, temples and everything else vanished altogether; as if there was nothing anywhere! And what I saw was an infinite shoreless sea of light; a sea that was consciousness. However, far and in whatever direction I looked, I saw shining waves, one after another, coming towards me."[30]
Monday, March 09, 2009
Have you thought of a Parad Lingam for your pooja room?
parad means purified mercury, mercury cannot be solidified if it is not purified
This Shiva Lingam made from mercury is absolutely non-toxic and not hazardous in any way. The mercury is purified and solidified through an esoteric Tantric process.
THere are a few available on ebay, wonder how they are manufactured...priced very reasonable.
Parad is regarded as the sperm (seed) of Lord Shiva and in Ayurveda it as a flowing metalloid (fluid metal).It is said in Brahma Purana that he who worships Parad Shivling devotedly, whether one is male or female, Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya or Shudra gets full wordly pleasures, and at last attains supreme destination (salvation). During life-span they get glory, honour, high office, name and fame, sons, grandsons and learning. Parad Shivlinga is a very rare Tantrik article.
It is belived that even by touching the energised Parad Shivling, one's sins are removed. It is recommended by our saga's to adore and worship parad Shivling,. this lead them to be infused with extra ordinary ,velour invincibility, adding to their fame and popularity far and wide, causing and spreading almost whole over the world.
It is best recommended for Peace, prosperity and happiness. It is not only matchless but also unparallel in whole world. Mercury has property of liquidity which in itself involves difficult process of solidification. But by the grace and compassion of Lord Shiva parad shivling is made for the benefit of people of the world for peace and prosperity.
Benefits of Parad Shivlinga :-
o Prosperity to the house or office
o No shortage of food, money or clothes.
o Brings peace to the premises.
o If kept in the bedroom, it brings harmony among the couple.
o If kept during a religious gathering, it brings knowledge by evoking Goddess Saraswati.
o Enlightens the students with knowledge and sharpens their memory.
o Fill it with Ganges water and sprinkle it on a person or in a premises. Malefic planetery effects and black magic evils disappear.
o Removes ill-effects of Brahmhatya, Gau-hatya and Bal-hatya (Dosha due to killing of a priest, cow or a child in the previous births.
The largest Parad Shivalingam (1500 Kgs)is located at Siddha Ashram, Ujjain in central India. An opportunity to worship this Parad Shivalingam ....
Original article here.
Some google search, and I found that you can even buy a chotu version for personal usage. Here !
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Merits of Marijuana?
I have not personally tried it, and don't intend to.
But I understand why the folks in Santacruz are sorta obsessed with it.
Buddy of mine bought a 10 acre piece of land in Santacruz and discovered it rampant with marijuana bushes...could have paid for the price ticket of the lot?
Here are some merits as espoused by the article below - there are talks of legalization in California, and I think may be a step in the right direction.
Definitely worth a try! Read on....
Marijuana is said to stimulate the dopamine pathway from the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens, playing a key role in controlling emotions, laughter etc…
There are a diverse array of documented adverse effects of using marijuana which may range from unexpected behavioral changes, altered social relationships to decreased coordination, cardiovascular and cognitive function and the active ingredient in Marijuana, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, has been reported to accumulate in brain and testicular tissues. However, its judicial use can make it an excellent natural product with high medicinal and commercial value as various studies indicate that marijuana has some significant medicinal properties. It has antispasmodic, anticonvulsant and antiemetic activities and is thus valuable in glaucoma treatment, tremor reduction, alleviating nausea and treating severe weight loss associated with AIDS or chemotherapy in cancer patients. There are some reports suggesting that Marijuana relieves spasticity produced by multiple sclerosis (MS) and partial spinal cord injury but nothing conclusive is known so far! There is very little information about its therapeutic value in epilepsy and certain neurological disorders.
Marijuana is also one the most natural raw materials with high industrial value. It is used for making paper, clothing and also in the food industry. Hemp paper is of highest quality papers and before prohibition laws, it was frequently used for making money and some of the finest books, for instance, the Gutenberg Bible and the old dollar bills were made of hemp paper! Hemp seeds can also be pressed to obtain vegetable oil which is rich in some amino acids!
Click here -> Marijuana Lunch: Come one, Come All..
TestCountry.com - San Diego,CA,USA
Last month, there was a festival in India called ‘Shiv-ratri’ which stands for ‘The night of Lord Shiva’. What is most interesting about this festival is ...
But I understand why the folks in Santacruz are sorta obsessed with it.
Buddy of mine bought a 10 acre piece of land in Santacruz and discovered it rampant with marijuana bushes...could have paid for the price ticket of the lot?
Here are some merits as espoused by the article below - there are talks of legalization in California, and I think may be a step in the right direction.
Definitely worth a try! Read on....
Marijuana is said to stimulate the dopamine pathway from the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens, playing a key role in controlling emotions, laughter etc…
There are a diverse array of documented adverse effects of using marijuana which may range from unexpected behavioral changes, altered social relationships to decreased coordination, cardiovascular and cognitive function and the active ingredient in Marijuana, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, has been reported to accumulate in brain and testicular tissues. However, its judicial use can make it an excellent natural product with high medicinal and commercial value as various studies indicate that marijuana has some significant medicinal properties. It has antispasmodic, anticonvulsant and antiemetic activities and is thus valuable in glaucoma treatment, tremor reduction, alleviating nausea and treating severe weight loss associated with AIDS or chemotherapy in cancer patients. There are some reports suggesting that Marijuana relieves spasticity produced by multiple sclerosis (MS) and partial spinal cord injury but nothing conclusive is known so far! There is very little information about its therapeutic value in epilepsy and certain neurological disorders.
Marijuana is also one the most natural raw materials with high industrial value. It is used for making paper, clothing and also in the food industry. Hemp paper is of highest quality papers and before prohibition laws, it was frequently used for making money and some of the finest books, for instance, the Gutenberg Bible and the old dollar bills were made of hemp paper! Hemp seeds can also be pressed to obtain vegetable oil which is rich in some amino acids!
Click here -> Marijuana Lunch: Come one, Come All..
TestCountry.com - San Diego,CA,USA
Last month, there was a festival in India called ‘Shiv-ratri’ which stands for ‘The night of Lord Shiva’. What is most interesting about this festival is ...
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Sri Yantra
Have you thought of getting a SRI YANTRA for the pooja room?
It will ward off all negativities and reinforce the positive.
From here
consecrated Yantra but after that you have to do the mantra path(Divine Chantings) to reap benefits. Otherwise the Yantra will not work. This practice can be performed on Diwali,Poornima (Full moon day), Wednesday of a rising moon period.
Firstly obtain a consecrated Shree yantra.The Yantra can be made of Rock Crystal,Gold,Silver,copper or Brass. Early morning in a clean sacred place spread a yellow cloth and then draw a swastika with vermilion on it. Thereafter place the Yantra on this figure. Next offer 108 beads of Kamalgattas(Dried lotus beads) on the Yantra each time chanting thus:
"Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Mahaalakshmyei Shreem Hreem Shreem Namah"
After that place the Yantra in your place of worship or work. On the same day light a holy fire and offer the beads one by one by chanting the same mantra. The ashes must be dispersed in the river the following day. After this light an incense stick every morning and say the mantra for five minutes. You will be astonished with the results.
It will ward off all negativities and reinforce the positive.
From here
consecrated Yantra but after that you have to do the mantra path(Divine Chantings) to reap benefits. Otherwise the Yantra will not work. This practice can be performed on Diwali,Poornima (Full moon day), Wednesday of a rising moon period.
Firstly obtain a consecrated Shree yantra.The Yantra can be made of Rock Crystal,Gold,Silver,copper or Brass. Early morning in a clean sacred place spread a yellow cloth and then draw a swastika with vermilion on it. Thereafter place the Yantra on this figure. Next offer 108 beads of Kamalgattas(Dried lotus beads) on the Yantra each time chanting thus:
"Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Mahaalakshmyei Shreem Hreem Shreem Namah"
After that place the Yantra in your place of worship or work. On the same day light a holy fire and offer the beads one by one by chanting the same mantra. The ashes must be dispersed in the river the following day. After this light an incense stick every morning and say the mantra for five minutes. You will be astonished with the results.
Arunachala - Ramana Maharishi's views on Arunachala as the perpetual guru
om gurave namah
Om Arunachaleshwaraya Namah
Om Namo Bhagavate Sri Ramanaya
'This is Arunachala-Siva, the ocean of grace that bestows liberation when thought of''.
'O Arunachala, you root out the ego of those who think of you in the heart as ''Arunachala'''.
Arresting the activities of the soul who thinks of it even once,
drawing it to face itself, the One, making it thus motionless like itself,
'O Arunachala, the moment I thought of Arunai [the holy town of Arunachala] I was caught in the trap of your grace. Can the net of your grace ever fail?'
Because we identify the body as 'I', Lord Siva, the Supreme Reality, out of his immense compassion for us, identifies this hill as 'I i.e HIM
so that we may see him, think of him and thereby receive his grace and guidance.
'Only to reveal your [transcendent] state without speech [i.e. through silence], you stand as a hill shining from earth to sky,
The whole hill is sacred. It is Siva himself. Just as we identify ourselves with a body, so Siva has chosen to identify himself with his hill. Arunachala is pure wisdom (jnana) in the form of a hill. It is out of compassion to those who seek him that he has chosen to reveal himself in the form of a hill visible to the eye. The seeker will obtain guidance and solace by staying near this hill.
How many are there like me who have been destroyed by thinking this hill to be the Supreme.
Arunachala shines as the form of his Guru; function of the real Guru is to destroy all our defects, including the root-defect, the ego, to bestow all good qualities upon us and to rule over us. To give verbal instructions it is necessary for the Guru to be in human form, but to give satsang and subtle inner guidance he may be in any form. Therefore, for the devotees of Sri Bhagavan there will never be any need to search for another outer Guru, because all the necessary help and guidance is ever available for us in the form of the teachings of Sri Bhagavan and the satsang of Arunachala. Sri Bhagavan used to say about the power of pradakshina, there is no doubt that he considered it to be an act having great spiritual efficacy. In fact he used to say that the benefits which can be gained by meditation and various other forms of mind-control only after great struggle and effort, will be effortlessly gained by those who go round the hill. 'This hill is the storehouse of all spiritual power. Going round It benefits you in all ways'
he has declared that mere thought of this name will bestow liberation. From this we can infer that Arunachala is the jnana-panchakshari, the five-syllable mantra that bestows jnana. 'One ''Arunachala'' is equal power to one crore ''Om Nama Sivaya'''.
Arunachala is truly the holy place. Of all holy places it is the most sacred! Know that it is the heart of the world. It is truly Siva himself! It is his heart-abode, a secret kshetra. In that place the Lord ever abides the hill of light named Arunachala. (Why Secret??? Arunachala is a secret kshetra. Because it is this place that bestows jnana and because most people have so many other desires and do not truly want jnana, Arunachala has always remained comparatively little known. But to those few who seek jnana, Arunachala always makes itself known through some means or other. Why Sacred??? Arunachala shines as the foremost and most powerful kshetra, because here Sakti, who has seemingly created all this manifold appearance, herself merges into the Lord. So for those mature aspirants who seek to put an end to the false appearance of duality, the most powerful help is to be found only in Arunachala-kshetra.' )
Friday, March 06, 2009
Nom
Nome - a leading American teacher of Ramana Maharshi’s Self-Inquiry From here
Satsang at SAT Temple
Satsang is held regularly, every Sunday morning at 10 AM. After meditation in the deep quiet that seems to envelope the hall, Nome will give a short discourse on the Nondual Truth. The listeners, absorbed in the discourse, are taken to spiritual—nondual—depths. After the discourse come questions by seekers and answers from Nome. Many questions are asked: about inquiry, about the nature of Reality, about how to deepen one’s practice. The answers plunge into the depths of the questioner, aiding the questioner to thoroughly examine his own identity, and to see what is always there, to see just who he is. Always is revealed the nondual truth of who we are, and the utter nonexistence of what is not real. Then will come a chant, often from the Upanisads, in Sanskrit then English. Finally, there is more meditation in the quiet of the Satsang Hall on what has been imparted.
The satsang hall is a place of real peace and silence. Many find this so. Old devotes that remember the silence of Sri Bhagavan’s presence, have commented that the SAT satsang hall is the place most like the old hall at Ramanasramam during the days of Ramana.
For directions to the SAT temple, go to http://www.satramana.org/html/directions_to_sat.htm
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Arunachala - The Shiva Lingam - Om Arunachala-eswaraya Namaha
Mantra -
Om Arunachala-eswaraya Namaha
From here
and here
The Arunachala hill is charged with spiritual energy that spiritual benefits get magnified manifold here. Spiritual activities conducted in Arunachala are thousand times more efficacious when compared to other places.
In the tenth verse of Sri Arunachala Patikam does Sri Bhagavan actually reveals how the thought of Arunachala works in the mind to root out the ego. In this verse he sings:
I have seen a wonder, a magnetic hill that forcibly attracts the soul. Arresting the activities of the soul who thinks of it even once, drawing it to face itself, the One, making it thus motionless like itself, it feeds upon that sweet [pure and ripened] soul. What a wonder is this! O souls, be saved by thinking of this great Arunagiri, which shines in the mind as the destroyer of the soul [the ego]. Sri Bhagavan assures that the thought of Arunachala will lead the mind to the path of Self-enquiry, the 'direct path for all', as indeed happened in his own case.
The power of the name Arunachala was once directly confirmed by Sri Bhagavan. In 1948 a certain devotee came to him from Bombay, and with him he brought a notebook in which he had written the name 'Arunachala Siva' many thousands of times. On the last page of this notebook the devotee wrote a prayer to the following effect, 'O Bhagavan, in the life of Sarada Devi [the wife of Sri Ramakrishna] it is written that she has said that if even an animal dies in Kasi it will attain liberation. Therefore, graciously bestow upon be the boon of death in Kasi.' and gave the notebook to Sri Bhagavan.
Bhagavan looked through the notebook and when he came to the last page he read out loud the devotee's prayer: at once he expressed the greatest surprise and exclaimed, 'Smaranat Arunachalam!'
The words 'Smaranat Arunachalam' mean 'by remembering Arunachala', and they occur in the very same Sanskrit verse that says that by dying in Kasi one will attain liberation. Bhagavan then turned to the revolving bookcase by his side and took out a book,probably the Arunachala Mahatmyam. Opening it as if at random, he read out a sentence in Tamil that said, 'One ''Arunachala'' is equal power to one crore ''Om Nama Sivaya'''.
'Om Nama Sivaya' is believed by Saivas all over India to be the most sacred and powerful mantra. After reading out a few other portions of this book that emphasized the unique greatness and power of Arunachala, Sri Bhagavan finally laid it aside and explained to the devotee that not everyone can see Chidambaram, not everyone can be born in Tiruvarur, and not everyone can die in Kasi, but anyone and everyone can think of Arunachala from wherever they may be, and thereby they will surely attain liberation.
Whenever Sri Bhagavan asked about the special sanctity of Arunachala, he used to explain that other holy places such as Kailas, Kasi and Chidambaram are sacred because they are the abodes of Lord Siva whereas Arunachala is Lord Siva himself.(5)
The whole hill is sacred. It is Siva himself. Just as we identify ourselves with a body, so Siva has chosen to identify himself with his hill. Arunachala is pure wisdom (jnana) in the form of a hill. It is out of compassion to those who seek him that he has chosen to reveal himself in the form of a hill visible to the eye. The seeker will obtain guidance and solace by staying near this hill.
In southern India, a magnet for seekers of spirituality (Feature)
November 26th, 2008 - 11:13 am ICT by IANS -
Thiruvannamalai, Nov 26 (IANS) Not many beyond Tamil Nadu know that every full moon day, this temple town attracts over 300,000 Indian and foreign visitors who come to trek 14 km clockwise around a mountain here.That hillock is called Arunachala, literally meaning “sun mountain”, made famous by Hindu saint Ramana Maharishi who made his home there.
Over 800 people from the US, Europe, Australia, Japan and other countries live in this town, 190 km south of state capital Chennai. Their quest for spirituality has brought them here.
For the last five years, the numbers have registered a steady growth.
Peter, a German who prefers to give out just his first name, lives here with his wife and two daughters. The children are kindergarten students whose second language is Tamil.
“The spiritual experience unravels and grows on us with every passing day and it cannot be explained in a few minutes. One has to live here to understand inner peace,” Peter told IANS.
He and his family help visiting German compatriots with the nuances of yoga and run an eatery that sells Indian and German vegetarian cuisine.
They also help supply bit roles in movies for people from Europe in Chennai where hundreds of films are made every year in four southern Indian languages.
However, most come here because of the serenity of the Arunachala hillock where quite a few hermits practise meditation.
Houses, restaurants, hermitages and shops selling bric-a-brac surround a Shiva temple and the oddly shaped Arunachala hillock.
The place traces its origin as a bastion of spirituality to Bhagwan Ramana Maharishi who made the town and its hill his home in 1896. The fame of this holy man clad in a loin cloth attracted many foreign devotees who began writing about Thiruvannamalai and its vicinity several decades ago.
The first was Frank Humphreys, a British cop who began writing about this town and its godman in 1911. The first of this series appeared in The International Psychic Gazette.
The next was Paul Brunton, a British philosopher who found spiritual bliss at the feet of Ramana, in 1931.
Wrote Brunton: “I find myself outside the rim of world consciousness. The planet which has so far harboured me disappears. I am in the midst of an ocean of blazing light. The latter, I feel rather than think, is the primeval stuff out of which worlds are created, the first state of matter. It stretches away into untellable infinite space, incredibly alive.”
Soon other internationally recognised writers like Somerset Maugham, Julian P. Johnson and Arthur Osborne followed. Maugham’s novel “The Razor’s Edge” (1944) described a fictional guru fashioned after Ramana Maharishi.
In more recent times, the serenity of Arunachala has attracted film personalities like Tamil music maestro Ilayaraja and thespian Rajnikant who regularly trek around the hill, many times in disguise to avoid being mobbed.
Their link to this town in turn has attracted droves of devotees most of whom come for monthly pilgrimages.
One of the devotees is Swami Devananda, a Canadian by birth and a practising Hindu since 1967.
“Christian missionaries spread a canard and create history around it with more lies. While I still expose these perfidies, I am here to find out the real meaning of divinity,” Devananda said.
Said Peter: “The real reason for the fame of this place is the hermitage of Ramana. In a nutshell that is the unique selling points of Thiruvannamalai where many seek spiritual answers.”
Even Tibetan Budhist spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has written about this place.
“The heritage of India is enriched with numerous saints and yogis. Ramana Maharishi represents that tradition and his spiritual greatness is guiding millions of people. Such masters light the path and bring solace to suffering humanity,” the Dalai Lama has been quoted as saying.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Live Just One Moment - Make that good
"Better than a hundred years of mischief
Is one day spent in contemplation."
"Better than a hundred years of ignorance
Is one day spent in reflection."
"Better than a hundred years of idleness
Is one day spent in determination."
"Better to live one day
Wondering
How all things arise and pass away."
"Better to live one hour
Seeing
The one life beyond the way."
"Better to live one moment
In the moment
Of the way beyond the way."
Buddha
When the stars align to screw you, make sure you don't leap at the sun.
- Anonymous
Is one day spent in contemplation."
"Better than a hundred years of ignorance
Is one day spent in reflection."
"Better than a hundred years of idleness
Is one day spent in determination."
"Better to live one day
Wondering
How all things arise and pass away."
"Better to live one hour
Seeing
The one life beyond the way."
"Better to live one moment
In the moment
Of the way beyond the way."
Buddha
When the stars align to screw you, make sure you don't leap at the sun.
- Anonymous
Do something good – something of value for everyone else – make it worthwhile
Revel in the sacredness of the inner awareness of the self
The thoughts dwell in the Shivness – every second
forget the scaredness, forget the desires
To do something good
Just one thing
To be good
To love
Shiv
Friday, February 27, 2009
Aghoras
Quoting pandit arjun
mainly due to the mis and false projection of aghoris in the movies
and in some books, laymen start to think that aghoris are bad and are
a secluded sect who live only in burial grounds and live only by
eating the flesh from the burning pyre.
have wandered extensively in the himalayas and knowing the various
nagas and aghoris in uttar pradesh and uttaranchal, let me say that
aghoris are a form of lord shiva who can even grant salvation or
liberation (mukti) to a person. these are no ordinary people and are
highly powerful and have done strictest meditation for longer periods
before starting to bless those who approach them. originally, when
an aghori wanted to bless the soul that is going on and on in several
wombs taking various births and deaths, the aghora becomes himself as
kalabhairava or lord shiva himself and gives his blessings to the
body on the burning pyre and takes little flesh from that burning
pyre as an offering made to the god (prasad or bhog) and grants
liberation. this is no secret and many people who knew aghoris in
north india are aware of this. some amateurs and others without
knowledge started venturing into eating the flesh as a mark of aghora
eating style which is wrong. branding aghoras as such bad people is
disrespect.
gita suggests how learnt or those who wish to realise the self shall
have equal respect to a brahmin, a cow or a person who eats dog
flesh.
let me also inform for the benefit of all that if any native
approaches an aghora with a wish or a desire even if it is material,
a mere positive blessing word from him will get the native what he
wants. truly aghoris are powerful enough to grant any and everything
including mukti which only gods can grant. members may be aware that
even sages are not powerful enough to grant or boon mukti to the
natives and only gods can grant mukti.
with best wishes and blessings
pandit arjun
www.rudraksharemedy.com
mainly due to the mis and false projection of aghoris in the movies
and in some books, laymen start to think that aghoris are bad and are
a secluded sect who live only in burial grounds and live only by
eating the flesh from the burning pyre.
have wandered extensively in the himalayas and knowing the various
nagas and aghoris in uttar pradesh and uttaranchal, let me say that
aghoris are a form of lord shiva who can even grant salvation or
liberation (mukti) to a person. these are no ordinary people and are
highly powerful and have done strictest meditation for longer periods
before starting to bless those who approach them. originally, when
an aghori wanted to bless the soul that is going on and on in several
wombs taking various births and deaths, the aghora becomes himself as
kalabhairava or lord shiva himself and gives his blessings to the
body on the burning pyre and takes little flesh from that burning
pyre as an offering made to the god (prasad or bhog) and grants
liberation. this is no secret and many people who knew aghoris in
north india are aware of this. some amateurs and others without
knowledge started venturing into eating the flesh as a mark of aghora
eating style which is wrong. branding aghoras as such bad people is
disrespect.
gita suggests how learnt or those who wish to realise the self shall
have equal respect to a brahmin, a cow or a person who eats dog
flesh.
let me also inform for the benefit of all that if any native
approaches an aghora with a wish or a desire even if it is material,
a mere positive blessing word from him will get the native what he
wants. truly aghoris are powerful enough to grant any and everything
including mukti which only gods can grant. members may be aware that
even sages are not powerful enough to grant or boon mukti to the
natives and only gods can grant mukti.
with best wishes and blessings
pandit arjun
www.rudraksharemedy.com
Monday, February 23, 2009
Jai Ho and PINKI blessed by lord Shiva : Sukhwinder
Well-known singer Sukhwinder, who has sung Jai ho from the film Slumdog, feels that Jai ho's popularity and victory is blessed by lord Shiva because it's not a song but a prayer to the almighty.
Today when the whole country is celebrating Slumdog's historic Oscar win, Sukhwinder is busy with his Mahashivratri pooja. He feels that it s time to remember the almighty who has bestowed good luck to him.
Speaking exclusively to NDTVMusic.com he says,"Today is Mahashivratri and it s lord Shiva who blessed me and the whole team of A R Rahman to get this international honour. Jai ho is not just a song. It connects me spiritually to the Almighty. It has spiritual connection. I was confident that the song will win Oscar because you know the Oscar award ceremony has taken place on this spiritual day of Mahashivratri. "
Recalling one of his previous songs Chhaiya Chhaiya from the film Dil Se, he says "Chhaiyan Chhaiyan got international acclaim because it was blessed by Baba Bulleshah. I have a lot of faith in him. And now it's Jai Ho, which has Shiva's blessings."
Asked if he is disappointed for not being present at the Oscar Award ceremony, he says, "No, I am not disappointed because Jai Ho has achieved what we expected and the international glory has come to the country. I don't regret it in terms of my personal loss for not performing at the Oscars but yes I feel that had I performed there, it would have a matter of pride for our own countrymen. Indian music has already a had magical effect at the Oscars."
Everything Lord Shiva's blessing: Pinki's mother
Rampur Dabahi (PTI): It's all due to the blessings of Lord Shiva that a documentary on her daughter has got an Oscar, the elated mother of eight-year-old protagonist of "Smile Pinki", which won the honour at Los Angeles, said here on Monday.
"The entire village was performing 'hawan' to please Lord Shiva for the success of my daughter and this morning on Mahashivaratri, we got the good news of winning the award from the USA," Pinki's mother Simala Devi said in Hindi.
"It is all the blessings of Lord Shiva," she added.
"We are very happy in USA, we have got this opportunity because of our little daughter," Rajender Sonkar, Pinki's father, told PTI from Las Angeles.
I am happy with the honour my daughter has brought us. Now she is not a social outcast, Sonkar said, adding everything else, including a ticket to Hollywood, was beyond our expectations.
"USA is far away from Varanasi. But it hardly makes any difference, I will certainly welcome Pinki with my parents when she gets back," Pinki's sister Rani said in Bhojpuri.
Today when the whole country is celebrating Slumdog's historic Oscar win, Sukhwinder is busy with his Mahashivratri pooja. He feels that it s time to remember the almighty who has bestowed good luck to him.
Speaking exclusively to NDTVMusic.com he says,"Today is Mahashivratri and it s lord Shiva who blessed me and the whole team of A R Rahman to get this international honour. Jai ho is not just a song. It connects me spiritually to the Almighty. It has spiritual connection. I was confident that the song will win Oscar because you know the Oscar award ceremony has taken place on this spiritual day of Mahashivratri. "
Recalling one of his previous songs Chhaiya Chhaiya from the film Dil Se, he says "Chhaiyan Chhaiyan got international acclaim because it was blessed by Baba Bulleshah. I have a lot of faith in him. And now it's Jai Ho, which has Shiva's blessings."
Asked if he is disappointed for not being present at the Oscar Award ceremony, he says, "No, I am not disappointed because Jai Ho has achieved what we expected and the international glory has come to the country. I don't regret it in terms of my personal loss for not performing at the Oscars but yes I feel that had I performed there, it would have a matter of pride for our own countrymen. Indian music has already a had magical effect at the Oscars."
Everything Lord Shiva's blessing: Pinki's mother
Rampur Dabahi (PTI): It's all due to the blessings of Lord Shiva that a documentary on her daughter has got an Oscar, the elated mother of eight-year-old protagonist of "Smile Pinki", which won the honour at Los Angeles, said here on Monday.
"The entire village was performing 'hawan' to please Lord Shiva for the success of my daughter and this morning on Mahashivaratri, we got the good news of winning the award from the USA," Pinki's mother Simala Devi said in Hindi.
"It is all the blessings of Lord Shiva," she added.
"We are very happy in USA, we have got this opportunity because of our little daughter," Rajender Sonkar, Pinki's father, told PTI from Las Angeles.
I am happy with the honour my daughter has brought us. Now she is not a social outcast, Sonkar said, adding everything else, including a ticket to Hollywood, was beyond our expectations.
"USA is far away from Varanasi. But it hardly makes any difference, I will certainly welcome Pinki with my parents when she gets back," Pinki's sister Rani said in Bhojpuri.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Shiva is dancing
Shiva is dancing, lost in the ecstasy of Self, sounding his
own cheeks.
His tabor is playing and the garland of skulls is swinging
in rhythm.
The waters of the Ganga are roaring among his matted
locks.
The great trident is vomiting fire, and the moon on his
forehead is fiercely flaming.
-Swami Vivekananda
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Lord Shiva Miracles
Here is a miracle directly stemming from bhakti for Lord Shiva
Easy to please, delivers all our wishes,
just deep bhakti is all we need
Love god Shiva gave me a baby
By EMMA MORTON
Health Editor
Published: 13 Feb 2009
rigTeaserImage
A WOMAN who was told she would never get pregnant following chemotherapy had a baby after visiting a Hindu fertility god.
Clare McVerry saw the statue of Shiva — also the god of love — on a holiday to India with partner Tony Clarke.
A week later she was pregnant.
Miracle ... Hindu god of fertility Shiva
Miracle ... Hindu god of fertility Shiva
WORLDWIDEFEATURES.COM
Doctors say it is a miracle she is a now mum to son Mitchell.
Clare, 41, had breast cancer in her 30s and needed chemotherapy which docs said had left her infertile.
And she has a weak spine after a car crash in her 20s, so medics said it was impossible for her to carry a child.
Clare, of Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, said yesterday: “After I saw Shiva I was filled with a powerful feeling.
Advertisement
“I bought a model statue for my mantelpiece.”
Mitchell was born in December 2007, a healthy 7lb 10oz.
Clare said: “It was the most amazing moment to hold him in my arms.
“When Mitchell grows up I will tell him how special the statue turned out to be.”
Clare’s consultant Dr Simon Bowman said: “He really is a miracle baby.
“But we can’t prescribe visiting a fertility god on the NHS.”
#
CLARE is supporting Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life 2009. Details at raceforlife.org.
The age of Green
This is definitely needed, perhaps the temples of the west can help drive the agenda on this and eventually percolate across the rest of the country
Which brings me to another thought - how about a resurgence of our ancient Hindu temples? I remember the floor of Kedarnath temple was so slick with oil (I think) all over the floor. Perhaps we need to think of how these offerings are recycled in some ways?
Perhaps, we need a commission in charge to outline policies toward this - a Religious Commission mandated with preservation of religion.
Look at the Somanath Temple above. Looks regale, but I wonder
Now look at the old Somnath Temple. There is a sense of history. How do we go forward in preserving the richness of these temples? But at the same time, be environmentally conscious about it? We have to make the religion attractive to future generations. And I like the new look to the Somnath temple, but why lose the old too. Perhaps there is a middle ground.
We need to showcase Hinduism in the best positive light - not that it matters since it has really withstood the test of time, a plethora of invaders superimposing their collective will on the psyche of Bharat, but we have remained unscathed...the core India preserves our history.
What is the solution on this? Need to think some more, but I do think I am onto something here.
What about the syambhu lingams that we find all over the world? Don't we need to preserve them somehow too?
Hindu Temples should go green
by David Masters
A senior Hindu leader is calling for Hindu temples around the world to go green.
Rajan Zed, president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, said Hindu temples should take the lead on environmental issues in their local communities.
Eco-friendly temples are a ‘toxic free’ sacred space, Zed said, being free from complicity in the destruction of God’s creation.
The ecological destruction caused by humankind is entering a crisis point, the Hindu statesman said, and Hindus should not stand by as ’silent spectators’.
Hindu scriptures are highly respectful for mother nature, Zed said.
To be eco-friendly, Hindu temples should become energy efficient, choose environmentally friendly products, limit the use of cleaning chemicals, purchase energy saving devices, switch off lights and computers when not in use, limit water usage, plant more trees, install renewable energy such as solar power or wind power, and use the temple grounds in environmentally friendly ways.
Religion is the most far reaching force in society, and could be a vital resource for promoting ecological responsibility, Zed concluded.
Hinduism is the world’s oldest religion, with around one billion adherents.
Largest Meditation Center in Western Hemisphere Opens November 8th: A Reflection of Changing Spirituality in America
In what could be a sign of America's changing spiritual composition, Mahima (a 39,000 square foot meditation center), will officially open its doors on November 8th. Mahima is being developed as a destination for spiritual growth to seekers from the West regardless of their religious affiliation. According to the Pew Research Center, the 4th largest religious group in the United States is "Unaffiliated" or those who are not associated with any religion at all. In addition, Unaffiliated is the number one (31%) religious tradition group in the 18-29 age demographic nationwide and 70% of those who are in this group believe in God or a Universal Spirit.
New York, NY (PRWEB) November 3, 2008 -- In what could be a sign of America's changing spiritual composition, Mahima (a 39,000 square foot meditation center), will officially open its doors on November 8th. Mahima, (located amidst 1,200 acres of green forests in the Cumberland Plateau of Tennessee), will be a resource for the science of yoga and will be the largest meditation center in the Western hemisphere. Prominent spiritual leader Sadhguru Vasudev, the founder of Isha Foundation and the Isha Institute of Inner Sciences (IIIS) will consecrate the center.
Invoking his mastery of the science of yoga, Sadhguru Vasudev will enshrine Mahima using his physical body and energy as a tool-- a process referred to as 'Prana Prathista (a Sanskrit term). This process will energize Mahima for over a thousand years, without the need for rituals or re energizing processes.
Mahima will not be a place of prayer, but a space with a vortex of energy where people can transform their lives to achieve freedom and a new dimension of perception. Of all the human pursuits, striving to transform oneself into a higher possibility is considered the most sacred
The basic purpose of the Isha Institute of Inner Sciences is to inspire, to stoke, and to nurture this innate search in every being, helping them realize the ultimate potential within.
The word yoga, literally means union. When you experience everything as a part of yourself, then you are in yoga
"Mahima will not be a place of prayer, but a space with a vortex of energy where people can transform their lives to achieve freedom and a new dimension of perception. Of all the human pursuits, striving to transform oneself into a higher possibility is considered the most sacred," said Sadhguru Vasudev. "The basic purpose of the Isha Institute of Inner Sciences is to inspire, to stoke, and to nurture this innate search in every being, helping them realize the ultimate potential within."
According to the Pew Research Center, 92% of Americans believe in God or a Universal Spirit yet, 70% say that many religions can lead to eternal life instead of just one. Also, the 4th largest religious group in the United States is "Unaffiliated" or those who are not associated with any religion at all. In addition, Unaffiliated is the number one (31%) religious tradition group in the 18-29 age demographic nationwide and 70% of those who are in this group believe in God or a Universal Spirit.
The significance of this data and the opening of Mahima could be an insight into possible future changes of American perspectives on religion and spirituality. Mahima is being developed as a destination for spiritual growth to seekers from the West regardless of their religious affiliation.
"The word yoga, literally means union. When you experience everything as a part of yourself, then you are in yoga," said Sadhguru Vasudev.
About the Isha Foundation:
Founded by Sadhguru in 1992, the Isha Foundation (www.ishafoundation.org) is an entirely volunteer-run, international nonprofit, non-religious organization dedicated to cultivating human potential. Isha Foundation is headquartered at the foothills of the Velliangiri Mountains near Coimbatore, India, and houses Dhyanalinga, a meditation shrine and multi-religious temple that includes a 13 ft powerful and unique energy form-- the first of its kind to be completed in over 2,000 years. At the core of the Foundation's activities is a customized system of yoga called Inner Engineering. Inner Engineering distills powerful, ancient yogic methods for a modern person, creating peak physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. This basis of total wellbeing accelerates inner growth, allowing each individual to reach his or her ultimate potential.
About Sadhguru Vasudev
Sadhguru Vasudev is a yogi, mystic, humanitarian and a prominent spiritual leader. In January 2007, Sadhguru participated in four panels at the World Economic Forum and spoke on issues ranging from diplomacy and economic development, to education and the environment. In 2006, he addressed the World Economic Forum, the Tallberg Forum in Sweden, and the Australian Leadership Retreat. He has also served as a delegate to the United Nations Millennium Peace Summit and the World Peace Congress. Sadhguru's vision and understanding of modern social and economic issues have led to interviews with BBC, Bloomberg, CNBC, CNNfn, and Newsweek International. His insights are regularly featured in India's leading national newspapers. A well-known public figure, he regularly draws crowds of more than 300,000 people for his public talks and "sathsangs" (group meditation).
CONTACT:
Shruti Tiwari
Mediasphere
848-250-6997
shruti @ mediasphere.us
Monday, February 16, 2009
Silence - merge witht the infinite
The four Sanakadi Rishis, when their eyes first beheld the form of Lord Dakshinamurti sitting under the banyan tree, perceived that He was the real Sadguru. Hence they approached and circumambulated Him and after having paid their due respects started putting forth queries of great spiritual interest.
Lord Dakshinamurti, the incarnation of Lord Shiva pleased about the earnestness of their pursuit and the wisdom and maturity in the queries that they put forth stated answering them. Thus the question and answer section stretched on to a whole year. But as and when there was an answer from the Lord, more doubts in the form of questions arose. The Lord then merged Himself into the supreme silence the impact of which caused their minds to involuntarily surrender to the impending silence. Their minds merged with the self with the resultant silence sans inner chattering. The doubts were thus dispelled with the self, the ultimate clarity showing forth with all its splendour.
Silence is thus the true Upadesa or the teaching suited for the most advanced. The silence of an enlightened master is infectious to minds marching ahead to unswervingly to the ultimate realization. When Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi narrated the story to Muruganar, a disciple, the latter questioned of the relevance of Dakshinamurti's verbal response to the queries. Bhagavan curtly emphasised the verbal discourse that took place before the ultimate teaching of abiding in silence. The truth then dawned to Muruganar that the Maharshi was none other than Lord Dakshinamurti.
Lord Dakshinamurti, the incarnation of Lord Shiva pleased about the earnestness of their pursuit and the wisdom and maturity in the queries that they put forth stated answering them. Thus the question and answer section stretched on to a whole year. But as and when there was an answer from the Lord, more doubts in the form of questions arose. The Lord then merged Himself into the supreme silence the impact of which caused their minds to involuntarily surrender to the impending silence. Their minds merged with the self with the resultant silence sans inner chattering. The doubts were thus dispelled with the self, the ultimate clarity showing forth with all its splendour.
Silence is thus the true Upadesa or the teaching suited for the most advanced. The silence of an enlightened master is infectious to minds marching ahead to unswervingly to the ultimate realization. When Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi narrated the story to Muruganar, a disciple, the latter questioned of the relevance of Dakshinamurti's verbal response to the queries. Bhagavan curtly emphasised the verbal discourse that took place before the ultimate teaching of abiding in silence. The truth then dawned to Muruganar that the Maharshi was none other than Lord Dakshinamurti.
Shivaratri - coming up February 23rd 2009
In India, it is celebrated Feb 23rd which is Monday.
But most Hindu temples in the US celebrate it on the 22nd.
Wonder why?
We celebrate on the 14th day prior to the new month.
In India, the celebration ends the early morning of February 24th
Following the method prescribed in Shiva Purana, priests perform ritual puja of Shiva Linga every three hours all through the day and night of Shivaratri Festival. During this pooja, chants of Om Namah Shivaya and sounds of bells reverberate in the temple. Following the bath with milk, yoghurt, honey, ghee, sugar and water that helps in the purification of the soul a vermilion paste is applied on the Linga as it represents virtue. These six items form an indispensable part of Shivaratri, be it a simple ceremony at home or grand temple worship
Shiva Purana further says that performing abhisheka of Shiva Linga with six different dravyas including milk, yoghurt, honey, ghee, sugar and water while chanting Sri Rudram, Chamakam and Dasa Shanthi pleases Lord Shiva the most.
According to the mythology, each of these dravya used in the abhisheka blesses a unique quality:
* Milk is for the blessing of purity and piousness.
* Yogurt is for prosperity and progeny.
* Honey is for sweet speech.
* Ghee is for victory.
* Sugar is for happiness.
* Water is for purity.
The first Puja at Shiva Temples is usually held early in the morning at around 4 am, when the lord is worshipped with milk and flowers. The second puja is held in the afternoon, which is the biggest one also called as the Maha Aarti. The last puja is held in the evening but devotees continue to flock the temple well after midnight onto the next day as well. Devotees apply three stripes of sacred ash also called Tripundra that symbolise spiritual knowledge, purity and penance or the three eyes of Lord Shiva. Others wear the seeds of the Rudraksh tree while worshipping the lord. On Mahashivaratri, cold water and bael leaves are offered to the Lingam.
Devotees of Lord Shiva throng Shiva temples across the country and spend 'the Night of Lord Shiva' by chanting verses and hymns in praise of the Lord.
After this, Bilwa leaves, which have to be a stalk with three leaves, is kept on top of the Shivalinga to cool the hot-tempered deity. Ber or jujube fruit is also offered to Lord Shiva, as it is symbolic of longevity and gratification of desires. Some devotees also offer the auspicious betel leaves to Lord Shiva marking satisfaction with worldly pleasures. Garlanding of Linga with flowers and garlands is also a part of the ritual Shivaratri Puja. Devotees also burn incense sticks as is said to yield wealth. Many also light lamps to symbolize attainment of knowledge. It is said that by offering water, hugging the Linga, lighting the diya and incense and ringing the temple bells, devotees call into focus all their senses, making them acutely aware of themselves and the universe to which they belong.
This ritual worship of Lord Shiva continues through the day and night of Shivaratri. Devotees stay awake and spent the night in Shiva temples by chanting ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ and singing hymns and verses in praise of Lord Shankar. Devotees observing vrat on Shivaratri break it only the next morning by partaking prasad offered to Lord Shiva
But most Hindu temples in the US celebrate it on the 22nd.
Wonder why?
We celebrate on the 14th day prior to the new month.
In India, the celebration ends the early morning of February 24th
Following the method prescribed in Shiva Purana, priests perform ritual puja of Shiva Linga every three hours all through the day and night of Shivaratri Festival. During this pooja, chants of Om Namah Shivaya and sounds of bells reverberate in the temple. Following the bath with milk, yoghurt, honey, ghee, sugar and water that helps in the purification of the soul a vermilion paste is applied on the Linga as it represents virtue. These six items form an indispensable part of Shivaratri, be it a simple ceremony at home or grand temple worship
Shiva Purana further says that performing abhisheka of Shiva Linga with six different dravyas including milk, yoghurt, honey, ghee, sugar and water while chanting Sri Rudram, Chamakam and Dasa Shanthi pleases Lord Shiva the most.
According to the mythology, each of these dravya used in the abhisheka blesses a unique quality:
* Milk is for the blessing of purity and piousness.
* Yogurt is for prosperity and progeny.
* Honey is for sweet speech.
* Ghee is for victory.
* Sugar is for happiness.
* Water is for purity.
The first Puja at Shiva Temples is usually held early in the morning at around 4 am, when the lord is worshipped with milk and flowers. The second puja is held in the afternoon, which is the biggest one also called as the Maha Aarti. The last puja is held in the evening but devotees continue to flock the temple well after midnight onto the next day as well. Devotees apply three stripes of sacred ash also called Tripundra that symbolise spiritual knowledge, purity and penance or the three eyes of Lord Shiva. Others wear the seeds of the Rudraksh tree while worshipping the lord. On Mahashivaratri, cold water and bael leaves are offered to the Lingam.
Devotees of Lord Shiva throng Shiva temples across the country and spend 'the Night of Lord Shiva' by chanting verses and hymns in praise of the Lord.
After this, Bilwa leaves, which have to be a stalk with three leaves, is kept on top of the Shivalinga to cool the hot-tempered deity. Ber or jujube fruit is also offered to Lord Shiva, as it is symbolic of longevity and gratification of desires. Some devotees also offer the auspicious betel leaves to Lord Shiva marking satisfaction with worldly pleasures. Garlanding of Linga with flowers and garlands is also a part of the ritual Shivaratri Puja. Devotees also burn incense sticks as is said to yield wealth. Many also light lamps to symbolize attainment of knowledge. It is said that by offering water, hugging the Linga, lighting the diya and incense and ringing the temple bells, devotees call into focus all their senses, making them acutely aware of themselves and the universe to which they belong.
This ritual worship of Lord Shiva continues through the day and night of Shivaratri. Devotees stay awake and spent the night in Shiva temples by chanting ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ and singing hymns and verses in praise of Lord Shankar. Devotees observing vrat on Shivaratri break it only the next morning by partaking prasad offered to Lord Shiva
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Download Ashtavinayak
These are the famous Ashtavinayak temples - divine spots of pilgrimage of Lord Ganesh.
Click on to enlarge and download
Monday, February 09, 2009
Download jpeg - The twelve jyotirlingas
Click on image to enlarge.
From bottom left - Somanath, Mallikarjuna, Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar, Baidhyanath, Bhimashankar, Ramanath, Naganath, Vishwanath, Tryambakeshwar, Kedareshwar, Gusmeshwar.
Animated Jyotirlinga presentation here
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Spirit Guides
Here is the original link
The term Spirit Guide generally makes reference to one or more entities who watch, teach, heal, and help you on your physical journey into spiritual awareness. They are above in higher frequency, while you experience the physical below.
Communication is generally telepathic, clairaudience, with archetypes and visual imagery, clairvoyance, observed during meditation, dream time, or just learning how to focus, look and listen to messages received. Some people call this method of connection, channeling. The more you practice, the easier it gets.
The number of spirit guides one has various within that person's experiences. The strongest connection is with the aspect of your soul referred to as your Twin Flame - dual aspects of a soul, above and below, programmed to seek reunion to feel complete, oneness. The twin soul reference to 'spirit guide' remains with you until you rejoin when leaving the physical body.
The term Spirit Guide generally makes reference to one or more entities who watch, teach, heal, and help you on your physical journey into spiritual awareness. They are above in higher frequency, while you experience the physical below.
Communication is generally telepathic, clairaudience, with archetypes and visual imagery, clairvoyance, observed during meditation, dream time, or just learning how to focus, look and listen to messages received. Some people call this method of connection, channeling. The more you practice, the easier it gets.
The number of spirit guides one has various within that person's experiences. The strongest connection is with the aspect of your soul referred to as your Twin Flame - dual aspects of a soul, above and below, programmed to seek reunion to feel complete, oneness. The twin soul reference to 'spirit guide' remains with you until you rejoin when leaving the physical body.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Slum dog millionaire rocks!
Just got back after watching SDM...what a roller coaster ride!
Life has lessons for us - all we need is to have our eyes open.
The dots connect...Steve Jobs himself has vouched for it.
Destiny, plays a major role.
Embrace the moment, sometimes decisions made from our conscious self is the best decision.
All the ingredients for a great curry thrown in her, emotional masala, tragedy, drama, the underworld don, sex, murder, rags to riches...you name it, the ultimate storyline that might ultimately win the Oscar.
Such creativity indeed has the hand of God in it!
Dev Patel is destined for greatness...what an overnight sensation, that truly is another story. Watch out Kal Penn
Friday, December 12, 2008
Mangala Kavach
This is ideal for Mangliks...
Get the planet Mangal on your side
Here is Rishi Markandey's mandir
ShrIgaNeshAya NamaH |
asya shrI AngAraka-kavacha-stotramantrasya kashyapa RiShiH,
anuShTup chhandaH, aNgArako devatA, bhaumaprIt-yarthaM jape viniyogaH |
raktAmbaro raktavapuH kirITI chaturbhujo meShagamo gadAbhRit |
dharAsutaH shaktidharashcha shuli sadA mamasyA dvaradaH prashAntaH || 1||
aNgArakaH shiro rakShenmukhaM vai dharaNIsutaH |
shravau raktAmbaraH pAtu netre me raktalochanaH || 2||
nAsAM shaktidharascha pAAtu mukhaM may raktalochanaH |
bhujau me raktamAlI cha hastau shaktidharastathA || 3||
vakShaH pAtu varANgashcha hRidayaM pAtu rohitaH |
kaTiM me graharAjashcha mukhaM chaiva dharAsutaH || 4||
jAnujaNghe kujaH pAtu pAdau bhaktapriyaH sadA |
sarvANyanyAni chANgAni rakShenme meShavAhanaH || 5||
ya idaM kavachaM divyaM sarvashatrunivAraNam |
bhUtapretapishAchAnAM nAshanaM sarvasiddhidam || 6||
sarvaroga-haraM chaiva sarvasampatpradaM shubham |
bhuktimuktipradaM nRINAM sarvasaubhAgyavardhanam |
rogabandhavimokShaM cha satyametanna sa.nshayaH || 7||
|| iti shrImArkaNDeyapurANe maNgalakavachaM sampUrNam ||
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Prayer - Get a wish come true!
Start your prayers and keep them simple.
Just think of all the good things you have had in your life and thank your God with the bottom of your heart until the tears well...
Get immersed in that gratitude and attain oneness with that mind of thankfulness.
And when you have spent time thinking about it...ask God for just one thing...
and repeatedly ask that one thing everytime...
Let me know how things go.
Bhakti...the deep bhakti of even a second...is worth a million lives of ritualistic pooja (I think) with the mind resting upon the gold sitting in the safe.
Think of the moment...what have we lost or gained in this moment..
All we have is this moment, lets live in it.
The other moments will take of itself.
Trust in God and Thank Him again.
I
A person once told Dr. Johnson, the famous English thinker, that he could seldom get time to recite the Name of God, what with the hundreds of things he had to do from morning till nightfall and even far into the night. Dr. Johnson replied with another question... He asked how millions of people found space to live upon the face of the earth, which is two-thirds water and the rest is too full of mountains, deserts, forests, icy regions, river beds, marshes and similar impossible areas. The questioner said that man somehow struggled to find living space. So too, said Dr. Johnson, man must somehow find a few minutes a day for prayer to the Lord.
Just think of all the good things you have had in your life and thank your God with the bottom of your heart until the tears well...
Get immersed in that gratitude and attain oneness with that mind of thankfulness.
And when you have spent time thinking about it...ask God for just one thing...
and repeatedly ask that one thing everytime...
Let me know how things go.
Bhakti...the deep bhakti of even a second...is worth a million lives of ritualistic pooja (I think) with the mind resting upon the gold sitting in the safe.
Think of the moment...what have we lost or gained in this moment..
All we have is this moment, lets live in it.
The other moments will take of itself.
Trust in God and Thank Him again.
I
A person once told Dr. Johnson, the famous English thinker, that he could seldom get time to recite the Name of God, what with the hundreds of things he had to do from morning till nightfall and even far into the night. Dr. Johnson replied with another question... He asked how millions of people found space to live upon the face of the earth, which is two-thirds water and the rest is too full of mountains, deserts, forests, icy regions, river beds, marshes and similar impossible areas. The questioner said that man somehow struggled to find living space. So too, said Dr. Johnson, man must somehow find a few minutes a day for prayer to the Lord.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Can you hear me now????
By Rajya Laxmi
All of Creation can be experienced metaphysically as music, SOUND or NAD BRAHAM in Sanskrit. The atoms of the chemical elements of the Periodic Table move at different vibratory rates to each other and therefore make different sounds. When these elements unite to make different chemical substances, harmonies and melodies are created. When these combine further to create even more complex and differentiated material, the music becomes ever richer, many rishis have called this music as primordial music or Hiranyagarbha where SRI DEVI is performing a SHIV TANDAV. Eventually all of these sounds combine to create a single great metaphysical sound or OM that rumbles and vibrates in a way that creates a stabilizing foundation for every process of the Earth and beyond.
It can be heard with the inner senses when one has a quiet mind or is in a meditative state. It is the most wonderful collection of sounds. Every inhale and exhale has a sound the SHE resides. Every planet and celestial body sounds its own notes and these combine in an extraordinary symphony of heavenly music. Hearing and experiencing it automatically expands one's consciousness. And this sound is absolutely wonderful. Nothing like it.
ASTRAL, PHYSICAL and ESTHETIC FIELD (BUFFER)
The astral realm exists immediately beyond the physical. It is a finer vibration than the physical and forces pour from it into the physical world, bringing life to matter. Energy is forever converting itself in to matter. An esthetic field exists between the astral and the physical. It contains areas of varying density and acts as a filter, allowing some types of astral energy to come through to the physical and restricting the flow of others as the Creation process requires. This is where the Law of Karma comes into picture. Other planes of existence extend beyond the astral plane, with each being of a finer vibration than the one before.
Nature and divine Spirits are metaphysical beings who inhabit and work with the energies of these non-physical worlds, bringing them to the physical in the ongoing work of Creation and Evolution. They are involved in every aspect of life and in every natural process. Every part of the world is alive and nature spirits are to be found everywhere: in the depths of the oceans, within the Earth and in the highest reaches of the atmosphere. The surface of the earth abounds with an almost incomprehensible variety of different beings, each type having its own special functions to perform. And as they walk they produce sound, when you become atune to this sound, it is like an orchestra with millions of artist performing at the same time to reach to a climax or SUM in Indian music.
All of Creation can be experienced metaphysically as music, SOUND or NAD BRAHAM in Sanskrit. The atoms of the chemical elements of the Periodic Table move at different vibratory rates to each other and therefore make different sounds. When these elements unite to make different chemical substances, harmonies and melodies are created. When these combine further to create even more complex and differentiated material, the music becomes ever richer, many rishis have called this music as primordial music or Hiranyagarbha where SRI DEVI is performing a SHIV TANDAV. Eventually all of these sounds combine to create a single great metaphysical sound or OM that rumbles and vibrates in a way that creates a stabilizing foundation for every process of the Earth and beyond.
It can be heard with the inner senses when one has a quiet mind or is in a meditative state. It is the most wonderful collection of sounds. Every inhale and exhale has a sound the SHE resides. Every planet and celestial body sounds its own notes and these combine in an extraordinary symphony of heavenly music. Hearing and experiencing it automatically expands one's consciousness. And this sound is absolutely wonderful. Nothing like it.
ASTRAL, PHYSICAL and ESTHETIC FIELD (BUFFER)
The astral realm exists immediately beyond the physical. It is a finer vibration than the physical and forces pour from it into the physical world, bringing life to matter. Energy is forever converting itself in to matter. An esthetic field exists between the astral and the physical. It contains areas of varying density and acts as a filter, allowing some types of astral energy to come through to the physical and restricting the flow of others as the Creation process requires. This is where the Law of Karma comes into picture. Other planes of existence extend beyond the astral plane, with each being of a finer vibration than the one before.
Nature and divine Spirits are metaphysical beings who inhabit and work with the energies of these non-physical worlds, bringing them to the physical in the ongoing work of Creation and Evolution. They are involved in every aspect of life and in every natural process. Every part of the world is alive and nature spirits are to be found everywhere: in the depths of the oceans, within the Earth and in the highest reaches of the atmosphere. The surface of the earth abounds with an almost incomprehensible variety of different beings, each type having its own special functions to perform. And as they walk they produce sound, when you become atune to this sound, it is like an orchestra with millions of artist performing at the same time to reach to a climax or SUM in Indian music.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Yantra - part of your spiritual practise
Got Yantra?
Check this link - explains with animation what a yantra is all about
Every step in our lives - we are to aspiring to get to the center.
Maha Mritunjay yantra is useful when Saturn, Mars is enjoined, in opposition or in aspect to each other in a birthchart or in transit to avoid any accident or accidental death. Maha Mritunjay yantra is worshipped, also after pooja, the yantra be dipped in water and the water is to be drink as "Charnamrit" to control and cure diseases. The water sprinkled in the house creates amity comfort in home. The pooja of Maha Mritunjay yantra is like that of Kali or Durga yantra. This yantra frees the fear of death, grave dangers, fatal diseases and makes him courageous and healthy. To avoid effects of souls and other calamities, Maha Mritunjay yantra, after pooja or being energised, is fixed on the outer Gates of the house.
Check this link - explains with animation what a yantra is all about
Every step in our lives - we are to aspiring to get to the center.
Maha Mritunjay yantra is useful when Saturn, Mars is enjoined, in opposition or in aspect to each other in a birthchart or in transit to avoid any accident or accidental death. Maha Mritunjay yantra is worshipped, also after pooja, the yantra be dipped in water and the water is to be drink as "Charnamrit" to control and cure diseases. The water sprinkled in the house creates amity comfort in home. The pooja of Maha Mritunjay yantra is like that of Kali or Durga yantra. This yantra frees the fear of death, grave dangers, fatal diseases and makes him courageous and healthy. To avoid effects of souls and other calamities, Maha Mritunjay yantra, after pooja or being energised, is fixed on the outer Gates of the house.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Conserving Semen - book "The Way of the Superior Man" by David Deida.
From book "The Way of the Superior Man" by David Deida.
There is a specific exercise you can perform throughout sex and also during the approach to orgasm. By doing this exercise you will convert the direction of the orgasm, so instead ejaculating out your penis, you will "ejaculate" up your spine, experiencing intense bodily bliss and emotional openness, far beyond the quick pleasure and depleted peace following an ejaculative orgasm.
To practice this exercise, you must learn to consciously contract the muscles of the floor of your pelvis. This area includes your genitals, anus, and perineum, which is the space between your anus and genitals. ..... In addition to contracting the floor of your pelvis, practice pulling it upward into your body and toward your spine. This upward pull will actually lift your scrotum slightly up toward your body. ....
While you are having sex, but before you are close to ejaculating, practice contracting your pelvic floor as just discussed. While you contract it and pull upward, breathe the energy up your spine. You will have to experiment to determine whether to inhale or to exhale the energy up your spine, although most people find that exhaling up the spine works best. If you combine the upward contraction of your pelvic floor with breathing up your spine, you should loose just a little bit of your erection as well as the need to ejaculate. As you continue making love, repeat this exercise as often as you need to in order to maintain relaxation and openness.
Even while practicing this technique, you may notice that you occasionally come very close to orgasm. At this point, stop moving, apply the upward contraction of your pelvic floor, and breathe the orgasm energy up your spine. In addition to the upward contraction of your pelvic floor while breathing up the spine, some men find it helpful to clench their fists and teeth while looking upward with their eyes, especially when the urge toward ejaculation is particularly strong. With practice, however, all the muscular action becomes very subtle and gentle, until the entire exercise is done primarily through your breath, feeling, and intention.
........
Therefore, if you have not breathed fully during the day, by the time you approach your sexual partner you will be filled with fantasies and ejaculative urge. So, a large part of avoiding premature ejaculation is to breathe fully, deeply, and with great force, throughout the day. ......
..... Sex intensifies the life force in your body. As you become more and more stimulated, your breath quickens and your body begins to writhe with energy, which tends to become focused in the genital region. Unless you are careful to move this energy with your breath, it will build up in your genitals and cause a pressure that wants to be released through ejaculation.
From here
There is a specific exercise you can perform throughout sex and also during the approach to orgasm. By doing this exercise you will convert the direction of the orgasm, so instead ejaculating out your penis, you will "ejaculate" up your spine, experiencing intense bodily bliss and emotional openness, far beyond the quick pleasure and depleted peace following an ejaculative orgasm.
To practice this exercise, you must learn to consciously contract the muscles of the floor of your pelvis. This area includes your genitals, anus, and perineum, which is the space between your anus and genitals. ..... In addition to contracting the floor of your pelvis, practice pulling it upward into your body and toward your spine. This upward pull will actually lift your scrotum slightly up toward your body. ....
While you are having sex, but before you are close to ejaculating, practice contracting your pelvic floor as just discussed. While you contract it and pull upward, breathe the energy up your spine. You will have to experiment to determine whether to inhale or to exhale the energy up your spine, although most people find that exhaling up the spine works best. If you combine the upward contraction of your pelvic floor with breathing up your spine, you should loose just a little bit of your erection as well as the need to ejaculate. As you continue making love, repeat this exercise as often as you need to in order to maintain relaxation and openness.
Even while practicing this technique, you may notice that you occasionally come very close to orgasm. At this point, stop moving, apply the upward contraction of your pelvic floor, and breathe the orgasm energy up your spine. In addition to the upward contraction of your pelvic floor while breathing up the spine, some men find it helpful to clench their fists and teeth while looking upward with their eyes, especially when the urge toward ejaculation is particularly strong. With practice, however, all the muscular action becomes very subtle and gentle, until the entire exercise is done primarily through your breath, feeling, and intention.
........
Therefore, if you have not breathed fully during the day, by the time you approach your sexual partner you will be filled with fantasies and ejaculative urge. So, a large part of avoiding premature ejaculation is to breathe fully, deeply, and with great force, throughout the day. ......
..... Sex intensifies the life force in your body. As you become more and more stimulated, your breath quickens and your body begins to writhe with energy, which tends to become focused in the genital region. Unless you are careful to move this energy with your breath, it will build up in your genitals and cause a pressure that wants to be released through ejaculation.
From here
How to make Bhasma?
Use pure cowdung and heated for days until it turns into white ash. On the day of Shivaratri (for that month) collect it and make it soft and chant shivjee mantras.
There are specific places that follow the right process for treatment and produce the right bhasma
The bhasma or vibhooti is the sacred ash from the dhuni or fire of a yogi or avadoota. It is believed that bhasma destroys all the sins and that it links us to the divine. It is called ‘Bhasma’ because it has the power to dissolve all the evils. Similarly, the the great heat of tapasya and the churning of the mind in meditation reveals the underlying subtle spirit of the atman.
Bhasma or Udi is also called “vibhooti”, because it gives spiritual power. The Sanskrit word, vibhooti means ‘glory’ , as it gives glory to one who applies it, protection from ill health and negative forces, and attracts the higher forces of nature. Another meaning of vibhooti is ‘healing power’, and it is widely used as a medicinal treatment in both ayurveda and Chinese and Tibetan medicine.
More here
There are specific places that follow the right process for treatment and produce the right bhasma
The bhasma or vibhooti is the sacred ash from the dhuni or fire of a yogi or avadoota. It is believed that bhasma destroys all the sins and that it links us to the divine. It is called ‘Bhasma’ because it has the power to dissolve all the evils. Similarly, the the great heat of tapasya and the churning of the mind in meditation reveals the underlying subtle spirit of the atman.
Bhasma or Udi is also called “vibhooti”, because it gives spiritual power. The Sanskrit word, vibhooti means ‘glory’ , as it gives glory to one who applies it, protection from ill health and negative forces, and attracts the higher forces of nature. Another meaning of vibhooti is ‘healing power’, and it is widely used as a medicinal treatment in both ayurveda and Chinese and Tibetan medicine.
More here
Friday, December 05, 2008
The chakras - figure out which you need to strengthen
Muladhara, the first chakra located at the base of the spine, relates to our survival instincts and animal nature. Svadhistana, the second chakra located in the lower back and sex organs, governs the energies of desire. Manipura, the third chakra located in the solar plexus, relates to personal power, inner strength, and ego. Anahata, the fourth chakra located in the heart, relates to unconditional love, compassion, forgiveness, trust, and balance. Vishuddha, the fifth chakra located in the throat, relates to communication, creativity, and self-expression. Ajna, the sixth chakra located in the forehead I believe, relates to intuition. The last chakra, Sahasrara, is located at the top of the head and relates to enlightenment and transcendence. Dave's actually got a video on youtube that talks all about it.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Recession (Depression?) in sight
This is the time when the rubber hits the road...
The US sneezes and the world catches pneumonia.
There is lot of introspection going on in the world - reality bites.
The gay abandon is curbed, reality bites and analysis paralysis is going on.
Bottom line though still is what you sow you beget.
This is the time to redo priorities, and re-energize ourselves.
The world can be challenging, but we will eventually find a way.
Grin and bear - and emerge stronger
A good horoscope analysis will also point out the pitfalls along the way.
That is why some of us go through a miserable period and some of us escape unscathed.
The US sneezes and the world catches pneumonia.
There is lot of introspection going on in the world - reality bites.
The gay abandon is curbed, reality bites and analysis paralysis is going on.
Bottom line though still is what you sow you beget.
This is the time to redo priorities, and re-energize ourselves.
The world can be challenging, but we will eventually find a way.
Grin and bear - and emerge stronger
A good horoscope analysis will also point out the pitfalls along the way.
That is why some of us go through a miserable period and some of us escape unscathed.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Friday, November 07, 2008
The politics of Mahabharatha
Perhaps the politics of Mahabharatha has led to the current success...
Didn;t we all....learn it all from Ramayana and Mahabaratha.
Chicago: Barack Obama, who may become the next US president after Tuesday’s election, learnt tales of the Mahabharata from his mother and has a soft corner for the Indian American community, says a former aide.New Delhi-born Raja Krishnamoorthi, who was the policy director in Obama’s campaign for the US Senate, said Obama had a soft corner for the Indian American community.“His mother, who visited South Asia, has taught him tales from the Mahabharata,” Krishnamoorthi, now deputy treasurer in the Illinois State Treasurer’s office, said.“He likes Indian food a great deal. I remember he came over once to my parents’ house for dinner and ate the Indian food with gusto. With an Obama presidency, I would not be surprised if dal makes its debut on the White House menu,” Krishnamoorthi said
Didn;t we all....learn it all from Ramayana and Mahabaratha.
Chicago: Barack Obama, who may become the next US president after Tuesday’s election, learnt tales of the Mahabharata from his mother and has a soft corner for the Indian American community, says a former aide.New Delhi-born Raja Krishnamoorthi, who was the policy director in Obama’s campaign for the US Senate, said Obama had a soft corner for the Indian American community.“His mother, who visited South Asia, has taught him tales from the Mahabharata,” Krishnamoorthi, now deputy treasurer in the Illinois State Treasurer’s office, said.“He likes Indian food a great deal. I remember he came over once to my parents’ house for dinner and ate the Indian food with gusto. With an Obama presidency, I would not be surprised if dal makes its debut on the White House menu,” Krishnamoorthi said
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