Conversations with Kavitha

•"When one's practice gets less focused, we need to dwell upon: why do you practice? What is your desire for liberation? Why are you on a spiritual 'path?"

We need that extra jolt of spiritual energy to recharge and proceed.

That was exactly what I needed, a satsang of sorts.
Had the most invigorating discussion with Kavitha - who is another Shiva lover. I have been to her blog and found it a tad academic at times, devoid of the spirtual fervor of a sadhak, but to my utter surprise, she had the intensity for my Shivjee - akin to what Mirabai had for Krishna. She had taken the mantras, shlokas and japa to the next level...

She had achieved a 'realization' of sorts, that she was exuberantly discussing around this mantra...

Om namo panchamukha vigneshwara mahamantrasya sada shiva rishihi devi gayatri chandaha...

that I couldn't get. But the genuineness of her intensity blazed forth in its utter brightness blinding everything around me, as I tried to grasp some of it and imbibe within, the inspiration that would take me to the next hump. She was sharing, and I was privvy to her own private world - that she shared on her blog albeit in an indirect way, that was not so apparent to me....but that was so clearly visible as her devotion for Shivjee emerged from within her heart
(I made a mental note to go back and read them again...)

THis is how she explained the above verse

the form of the 5 faced deity - has been explained in various verses as THE ultimate form of the deity and it took me ages to realize the potency of the mantra i was reciting to Vigneshwara and Sada shiva these were all theoritical till now... its become emotional... ever since i realized what i was reciting...it took me ages to realize that panchamukha vigneshwara and sada shiva - both were ultimate forms of Ganesha and Shiva - 5 faced and 16 (or more) handed that very similar to the vishwarupa darshanam of Krishna in the gitaam also very close to believing that devi gayatri is also 5 face

She described this shloka that was utterly familiar to me,

om namastestu bhagavan vishveshwaraya, mahadevaya, trayambakaya tripurantakaya trigaknikalaya kalagnirudraya neelakanthaya mrityunjaya sarveshwaraya sadashivaya shriman mahadevaya namaha
but I felt distant as she described the poetry in the word rudram and on the syllables....

her passion for the maha mrityunjaya mantra....

specially when the additional echo is added at "sunganDHIM pushtivardhanam

you know... when you keep reciting this.. you start to sway a little.. because its so rhtyhmic

you sing.. you dont recite anymore and in my mind i am dancign (bharatnatyam)... what ever little i know with the lord.. how "romantic" can it get

I woke up once again to the magic of the mantras, as they were intended by whoever authored them...

We discussed many deviations, it became a wrestling match at times, America and India, values and lifestyles, we admitted to our views of blogging... she preferred to call me by my given name, while I preferred my alias to be the shield over my emotions and thoughts....

Bottom line, she had transcended to the next level of SHiva Bhakti, and found Shivness in everything. She described her love for Shivjee with all the intensity and yearning she felt and I could feel some of it.

it fills the heart with so much love..yearning for him...

passion that nothing else matters really

THe intensity had crossed over to me too...we were intertwined via her poetry ...., I looked at the half moon over the silhouette of the roof. I could see magic in that too, my perspective had changed. I called it a night with the recurrent wish of dreaming of Bholenath, in all His glory.

The morning found me still preserving the bounce....

The time is here and now

Click here to read the SLOW IT DOWN wave going on in Europe.

THoughts to help with enlightenment

I like to dwell on a thought mantra - develop a focus for the thought pattern.

The mantra lately has been - FEEL THE LOVE OF GOD.
Feel the Love of GOD Showering upon me....

As it turns out - this one got tagged with a few others

1.I thank the ONE for everything I have and for everything that he gives to me and all of this below that I am going to get

2.I am at total peace with hardly a worry in this world – in the absolute present – the past was and the future is going to – but I am in the present and @ peace. I am in the oneness that we call moksha.

3.I am part of God and I always have his blessings and brilliant love radiating upon me – there is nothing to worry about. Everything I need in this world will be given to me.

4.I am free of all negative energy loving everyone- knowing that we are part of the same whole - and benevolent towards everyone.

(There are additional 5 that are a bit too personal)

Facts & Realities

These are facts of life - that we end up shirking.

The reality is all of us eventually die.
The reality is all of us are aspects of God and connected in that way.

Dalai Lama - Its not all about raking in the $$$

alai Lama urges crowd to focus on being happy
600 to 700 protest leader's U-M visit

BY TINA LAM • FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER • April 21, 2008



The United States and other wealthy countries need to downscale their lifestyles and try to focus more on inner contentment, the Dalai Lama said Sunday.

There simply aren't enough natural resources on the planet to support all 6 billion people on Earth imitating western lifestyles. Because there are limitations on external material resources, but not on internal ones, it's better to seek contentment and peace rather than material things, he said.

The Dalai Lama gave two lectures Sunday at Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor, one on Buddhist texts and, in the afternoon, a lecture on the environment. Both were attended by more than 7,000 people.

----------

He said that although environmental problems like pollution may seem insurmountable, changes over the last 30 years or so have given him hope.

Among those on hand for the lecture were former U-M football coach Lloyd Carr and Bill Ford, chairman of Ford Motor Co. Actor Richard Gere was in the front row for the morning teachings.

In the morning session, the Dalai Lama urged listeners to cherish others rather than themselves.

He sat cross-legged on stage, wearing a visor to protect his eyes from the bright lights, talking about the purpose of life: to live happily.

Happy lives happen when people are altruistic and compassionate toward others. Money and power will not bring happiness, he said.

"Many sufferings are the result of cherishing one's own self-interest," he said. "You must cherish others in the same way you cherish your own body."

-------------
Contact TINA LAM at 313-222-6421 or tlam@freepress.com.

Mantra for every purpose

1) Sun: Om Hraam Hreem Hroum Sah Suryaya Namaha |
The above Mantra should be recited for escaping from problems in Job, Politics, Health, diseases related to Head, Paternal related things.

2) Moon: Om Sraam Sreem Sroum Sah Chandraya Namaha |
This is the Mantra for escaping from mental worries, problems from Maternal things, diseases related to stomach and blood.

3) Mars: Om Kraam Kreem Kroum Sah Bhoumaaya Namaha |
This is the Mantra for getting dynamic nature, winning on others, success in vehicles, land or house property dealings, escaping from accidents, improving relations with the spouse.

4) Jupiter: Om Jraam Jreem Jroum Sah Gurave Namaha |
This is the Mantra for achieving general success in life and getting protection in all matters. It increases respect from others and social contacts. It gives stability in job or business.

5) Saturn: Om Khraam Khreem Khroum Sah Senaye Namaha |
This Mantra makes one to escape from procrastination, trauma, ill-health, all major problems in life.

6) Mercury: Om Braam Breem Broum Sah Budhaaya Namaha |
This is the Mantra to improve Business dealings and Communications skills. This will sharpen the intelligence.

7) Venus: Om Dhraam Dhreem Dhroum Sah Sukraaya Namaha |
This Mantra makes one to improve relations with women, artistic talents, acquiring jewelry and money.

8) Rahu: Om Bhraam Bhreem Bhroum Sah Rahave Namaha |
This Mantra makes one to get rid of any confusion in mind, legal problems, problems from evil spirits.

9) Kethu: Om Praam Preem Proum Sah Kethave Namaha |
This Mantra makes one to come out of defamation, allergic diseases, problems from evil spirits, and sudden happening of bad events.

The main aim of Mantras is to provide whatever the human beings long for. For example, the sound ‘Sreem’ represents Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Hence the Mantra: ‘Om Sreem Om’ will bring monetary success to a person who recites it daily for at least 2 hours.

If you want to attract others and get the things done by them, then ‘Kleem’ is the right sound for you. This sound spells charm. So the Mantra: ‘Om Kleem Om’ will increase your magnetism.

If you want to become more dynamic and energetic and you want to get rid of general diseases, you can chant: ‘Om Hreem Om’. Here ‘Hreem’ is a energy reservoir.

If you are worried about the intelligence and education of your children, let them recite: ‘Om Iym Om’. Here ‘Iym’ represents Saraswathi, the goddess of Education.

A lot many people face illhealth and suffer a lot, because of the deeds committed in their previous births. For them, to get rid of health problems, and live a full life sanctioned by God, they should recite ‘Om Joom Saha’. This is called Mrityunjaya (Winning on Death) mantra and should be recited for atleast 2 hours daily.

Horoscope Analysis

Going through a bad phase - Click on the hyperlink above and read about Ganesha's analysis of Britney.

Every upswing and downswing can be corelated to the retrograde planets.

Guru Ridicule???

I am just sick and tired of this negative portrayal of Hinduism in the worldwide media.
Jesus rocks and has achieved world wide fame and following, but every religion has similar convergence and I sometimes think why hasn't the Hindu religion been adopted to the extent.
Yes, the Hare Rama Hare Krishna movement didn't help and spanners were thrown into the wheels in motion....I don't consider myself a hard liner religious zealot by any means, but I do think Hinduism has a lot to offer the world and we are not letting this happen purely by such negativism that is so rampant. Look at the American textbooks writeup about HInduism, which took quite a bit of effort to correct, they were obviously written up from a very biased perspective. I just don't have the time to deal with stuff that is so casually thrown out in putting down religion, but religion is a sensitive issue and 5th amendment should be exercised with utmost caution.

Deepak has re-packaged Hinduism and made it very palatable for the western audience. He is well entrenched in Hollywood and has tremendous connections that could be certainly leveraged to set the right messaging. Hinduism has been at the tipping point for long and we don't want to see another setback via "Love Guru".

‘Love Guru’ producers shouldn’t placate Hindus: Deepak Chopra
Thaindian.com, Thailand - Apr 8, 2008
New York, April 8 (IANS) While insisting that the producers of “The Love Guru” should not have placated Hindu protesters by agreeing to pre-screen the ...

The Love Guru invites hate from hardline Hindus
3 Apr 2008, 0028 hrs IST,Chidanand Rajghatta,TNN

Print Save EMail Write to Editor

Courting controversy: A poster of The Love Guru

WASHINGTON: "His karma is huge," say the promos, but his take on the Hindu dharma is offensive, say the critics. Stand by for yet another flaming controversy on religion and free expression.

( Watch: 'Love Guru' brews a storm )

Weeks before the formal release of comedian Mike Myers' The Love Guru on June 20, some Hindu activists in the US are girding up to protest the movie's portrayal of their faith and its preachers. "From the information available about the movie, it appears to be lampooning Hinduism and Hindus and using Hindu terms frivolously," says Rajan Zed, a Hindu priest from Nevada who is at the forefront of the growing protests.

Information there is aplenty - and depending on one's own outlook, you can either see it as a laugh-a-minute spoof of garden variety Hindu guru types or a deeply offensive parody of the faith. In trailers and promos posted on the film's website and on popular social networking sites, Myers is shown playing Guru Maurice Pitka, a 38-year-old, 5 feet 8 religious figure who greets people with the expression "Mariska Hargitay" and expounds pop philosophy.

Pitka is an American purportedly raised by gurus in an ashram in India who returns to USA in order to break into the self-help business. His first challenge: To settle the romantic troubles and subsequent professional skid of a Toronto Maple Leafs hockey star (Myers is Canadian) whose wife has left him for a rival. The over-the-top portrayal of the Love Guru is embellished with quotes such as "Don't come a knockin', if the asana is a rockin' and impossible yoga postures. Myers heartily mocks several aspects of the guru business, including its emphasis on lineage (Pitka's guru is Guru Tugginmypudha played by Ben Kinglsey).

Not funny, say Hindu priests. "Guru is never to be ridiculed under any circumstance. Respect for the giver of knowledge is a foundational and essential element found within Vedic culture," says Paradheya Das of Sri Krishna Vedic Cultural Association in Sacramento (California). Aware of the gathering storm, Paramount Pictures, the studio behind the movie, has promised a pre-screening for offended groups. Love Guru ... is a satire created in the same spirit as Austin Powers," Paramount said in a statement, noting that the film features spiritual teacher Deepak Chopra and Hindu actor Manu Narayan. "It is our full intention to screen the film for Rajan Zed and other Hindu leaders once it is ready."

Guardian

Myers' Love Guru upsets Hindu leaders Guardian, UK - Apr 11, 2008 "I watched the trailer for the movie Love Guru and was shocked that any respectable movie producer would so blatantly ridicule a great world religion, ...

Resentment against movie The Love Guru broadens in USA Thaindian.com, Thailand - Apr 11, 2008 Washington, Apr 11 (ANI): Opposition is growing against the upcoming Hollywood movie The Love Guru over denigrating Hindu traditions. ...

Watch Trailer: 'The Love Guru' Beliefnet.com, NY - Apr 10, 2008 In the upcoming comedy "The Love Guru," releasing June 20, 2008 from Paramount Pictures, Mike Myers plays Pitka, a self-help guru--billed as "the second ...

Resentment Against Movie "The Love Guru" Broadening Quickly NewsBlaze, CA - Apr 10, 2008 Censure of the upcoming Hollywood movie "The Love Guru" over the signals of its denigrating Hindu traditions is mushrooming in both Hindu and non-Hindu ...

Mike Myers Shares His 'Love Guru' Wisdom And His Love For Justin ... MTV.com - Apr 9, 2008 The chameleonlike funnyman recently unveiled the first trailer for "The Love Guru," a highly anticipated summer comedy that has him lost in a beard, ...

Myers' Latest Spoof Hits 'Ohm' HappyNews.com, TX - Apr 11, 2008 Still, weeks before the movie is even ready for screening, some in the Hindu community feel that ''The Love Guru'' has the potential to ridicule important ...

The Love Guru invites hate from hardline Hindus Times of India, India - Apr 2, 2008 Weeks before the formal release of comedian Mike Myers' The Love Guru on June 20, some Hindu activists in the US are girding up to protest the movie's ...

Driving on 280 yesterday

As my mind churned through a million thoughts, tensed about the upcoming meeting, mulling over logistics around home and work, I decided to just step back from it all - figuratively speaking - and lo and behold suddenly noticed the wonderful clouds shining in the bright sun against a true-blue sky.

Wow!

For a moment, I cast the thoughts of my mind away and enjoyed the scenery of I-280, which is *very* pretty, but has dulled my vision after repeated onslaught on the senses.

I think that is what enlightenment is all about - detachment

Deepak Chopra's health store

As I was walking down Broadway the other day, I ventured out to the Ed Sullivan theatre where David Letterman does his song and dance every night.

I see Deepak's store right across the street. On a whim I decided to go check it out. I walk in there and it is such a pleasant welcoming store. Lots of spiritual books, videos playing, CDs and a friendly store manager staying away from your sight, letting you do your browsing / checking out. I would have bought some *great stuff*, but I still have a lot of catching up to do within my collection itself, let alone add to it. Yoga was being taught in the floor below - very trendy - and I see Deepak Chopra's office there. I peer inside, and he is of course missing in action. Turns out, he is there once a month or so. Deepak BTW has made it big...adds to the cachet value of all the desis. It is desi-power at its best.

This is definitely the place you want to visit if you are in midtown, NY

Kamakhya - Vaishno Devi of the East

Make sure you make it part of your travel agenda. Kamakhya to become `Vaishno Devi` of the east

The famous pilgrim centre of Kamakhya in Assam would now be given a facelift to make it the `Vaishno Devi of the North-East` for religious tourists from across the world. The Assam government has firmed up plans to develop this seat of the mystique tantra cult, also regarded in religious texts as the seat of the `shakti pith`, as the centre point of its unexplored religious tourism circuit. "Kamakhya has all the ingredients of becoming another Vaishno Devi. It is not only the greatest shrine of the tantric cult but also appeals to tourists for the beauty of its scenic surroundings," Commissioner and Secretary of Assam government`s tourism department Suresh Chandra Panda told here.

Miracles at Thiruvannamalai

Bhagwan himself has said umpteen times about the sacredness of Arunachala.
So why is he reminding us again? Have we all forgotten his message?
Everything happens for a reason, and it is not for us to question why?

The following news broadcast was shown on the Tamil television channel "Jaya TV" on February 21, 2008. An electrician working for TNEB saw a siddha on the sacred hill of Thiruvannamalai in South India. He tried to film him with his cell phone, but the siddha suddenly flew off like a rocket. I don't know the authenticity of the clip. But I believe yogis are really powerful

Problems in Life?

Every situation has a solution.
The solution lies within us and the answers are out there - for us to reach out.

For example - job problems, singles looking to get married ASAP...the mantra, japa is out there. Go and find it now.
Here are some examples
http://siddhashram.blogspot.com/2008_01_01_archive.html

You can post your request for help here
http://www.orkut.com/CommTopics.aspx?cmm=28820715
http://www.siddhashram.org/current.shtml

Free Tibet!

Free Tibet

My heart reaches out to the Tibetans who have endured decades of "ghor atyachaar" by the Chinese.

I am glad the Olympics are happening, much as I enjoy good sports, I hate to make that a weapon, but this is beyond sports, about life and live-li-hood that has been snatched away by the Chinese.

FREE TIBET

Lord Shiva Shlokas

Yatra Rudhra Vasameth, thatra ramae na Vyadhi Durbhiksha, thaskarah
Where we remember Rudra, nobody feels the effects of diseases, theft and drought

Uma Sahayam Parameswaram Prabhum Trilochanam Neelakantham Prasantham
Dhyatwa Munirgachchati Bhoota Yanim Samastha Sakshim Thamasah Parasthah

Oh Lord of the Universe! You are with Uma Devi, your beloved consort. You are Eswara, the Lord of the Universe, You are with radiant eyes, with blue neck, giving peace to the Universe, cause and witness of the whole creation, and are beyond the ignorance. We all bow to your supremacy, for peace and happiness.

How was your Shivaratri?

Well, Shivaratri is behind us...how was it for you? Would love to hear your comments.

There was a big confusion with some of the Temples in the US celebrating it on March 5th and some celebrating with India on March 6th. Some of the folks I know were fasting on Pradosham (day before) and also Shivaratri. So as it turned out, I fasted both days. I had water and sabudana khichdi on the evening of the first day, the second day was relatively easy - just had juice and sabudana khichdi. Didn't feel too hungry, was relatively energetic, but the speaking voice didn't have the normal energy...

I did the pooja, with lots of flowers from the yard, with some of 2% milk, and also found some oranges in the backyard for the prasad. Pretty good I thought, my own creative way to do pooja of our Lord Shiva. Did my normal pranayama meditation, visualizing on the form of Shivji asking for his blessings. I also have an electronic prayer book with mantras and pictures that I go through every Monday, and I leveraged it both days to immerse myself in Shiva Bhakti.

If I grade myself, I would give myself a C, as there were too many thoughts going about in the head, whereas it would be really good to spend the day in Bhakti thoughts. Also, if I got a headstart in visualizing the form of Shiva in the 10 days before Shivaratri, I think it would be lot more effective. Maybe next year.

I did notice that I tried to ignore things happening around me, as I said the Shiva mantra and focused upon his form at times, and that is the true meaning of Enlightenment, where you can continue the day to day activities living in bliss, not affected by what is around you, but performing your dury. Mine was a bit psuedo, but I got a taste of it neverthless. I noticed that I would go into a trance (half asleep) stage at couple occasions, as I focused upon the mantra - but nothing significant - more related to drowsiness (lack of caffeine). At one time as I sat in the backyard, eyes closed doing my pranayama with the California sun falling upon me, birds chirping away (almost spring here dude!), I hallucinated that I was jogging in a nice ashram like setting - around a pond, and that jolted me back to reality.

I recited the Sri Rudram for the very first time, and found the translation a bit strange and wonder if it is right - strange, very strange. Because this is not what I imagine Shiva to be. But I might be missing the point altogether. I intend putting the word doc in this link for you to read and let me have your comments.

Read this doc on Scribd: SRI RUDRAM

My blog and jyotirlinga site had lots of hits. strangely 939 on day 1 and 948 on day2, a bit amazed at how close the two numbers were. The blog is getting a lot more hits than the jyotirlinga site and I intend to revamp the content of the website - been static for too long, perhaps I could blog into the jyotirlinga site. I intend using DREAMWEAVER to make it a bit more professional looking.

And the visualisation is way better!

Thats all folks - your comments are very much appreciated.

Om Namah Shivay

Sri Rudram - a good time as any to recite

Sri Rudram is one of the most sacred and powerful mantra found in Krishna Yajurveda.

This is a prayer to Lord Shiva to ward away the evil arrows that are directed to us - the karmic arrows.

Chanting the first verse Om Namo Bhagwate Rudraya while doing pradakshina is good enough to clean up our sins.

Here is a link into the actual verse

http://www.advaita-vedanta.org/series/shri_rudram/shri_rudram_top.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shri_Rudram

Musings on Shiva Ratri

I have been mulling over this for some time now...
In my trips to the jyotirlingas it is fairly apparent that they are not well maintained, case in example Bhimashankar, which is a rickety ride off the highway - on a very poor road. The temple itself can be maintained and provide lot more facilities to the pilgrims.

Whereas, when I see the temples out west, case in example Pittsburgh Hindu Temple, The Ashland Hindu temple in Massachussets, these are rolling with $$ and are constantly spending in the upkeep of the temple. The temples are indeed a pleasure to walk into. It should be noted that I am not implying that the budget is misused in the west, it is a capitalistic society and the money is well spent with resultant benefits to the temple visitors.

But what I would like to propose here is to have sister temples with each jyotirlinga - that will be in charge of donating a % of their donations to the renovation of these famous Shiva Mandirs. We will need to be vigilant to ensure that it is well spent and create a process in place, but we do need to think of the upkeep of these famous Shiva mandirs that piligrims go to much pain to visit and do darshan at.

My 2 cents on the occassion of Shiva Ratri , but hope to translate this into a $1 soon.

When is MahaShivaratri 2008

When is Mahashivaratri in 2008

Source: http://www.mypanchang.com/

1. USA / Canada: March 5th
2. Europe: March 5th
3. Gulf countries: (DharmaSindhu): March 5th
4. Gulf countries: (NirnaySindhu): March 6th.
5. Mauritius: (Same Gulf Countries rule apply): March 5th (As per Dharmasindhi), March 6th (As per Nirnaysindhu).
6. India, China, Japan,
7. Australia, Newzeland, Fiji: March 6th

How to be a spiritualist during the holy shivaratri?

Arise, awake!’ is Shivaratri’s message

Sri Sri Ravishankar Shivaratri is the day of Lord Shiva. Shiva is the lord of meditation and therefore the lord of awakening. Shiva Tatva means to be awakened. Shivaratri is thus an occasion to awaken one’s self from all sorts of slumber. Related Stories Mahashivaratri: The night of the rebel God Shivaratri is not a night to be slept over. One should try and be up through the night. It signifies being aware of everything you have and being grateful about it. Be grateful for the happiness which leads to growth, and also for sadness which gives a depth to life. This is the right way of observing Shivaratri. For the pious, the following method of Shiva worship is advisable – sit down in lotus posture, do some Pranayam to stabilize your breath, then indulge in Dhyana, followed by chanting of “Om Namah Shivay”. It is the greatest mantra and the devout should drown himself in its Kirtan. Shivaratri worship leads to fulfillment of a devotee’s wishes. There are certain days and time frames in a year that enhance one’s mental and spiritual faculties. In such times, whatever one wishes, materializes. Shivaratri is one such day. All this is very scientific. Going to temples on this day is OK but you should remember that Shiva is everywhere. The meaning of Kailasa (legendary abode of Shiva in Himalayas) is celebration. So where there is happiness and celebration, Shiva is present. Whether in Sanyasa or Sansara, you can’t escape Shiva. Feeling his presence all the time is the essence of Shivaratri. That is the real Sanyasa. No worship is complete without offering something to the deity. Shiva is a very simple lord, he is innocent – bholanath. One just needs to offer bel-patra to him. But in this simplicity is a deep message. Bel-patra offerings signify the surrender of all three aspects of one’s nature – Tamas, Rajas and Sattva. You have to surrender the positives and negatives of your life to Shiva and become carefree! The greatest offering is your self. To offer one’s self is the key to happiness in life. Afterall, why do you get sad? It is mainly because you are not able to achieve something in life. At such times you should surrender everything to the all knowing God. The greatest power is in surrender to the divine. It’s like a drop owning the ocean. If a drop remains separate, it will perish. But when it becomes the ocean, it is eternal! (The above is an excerpt from an exclusive conversation that Sri Sri Ravishankar had with Zee News.)

Maha ShivaRatri on March 5th 2008

When is Maha ShivaRatri?

Are you ready with your Kalpa? Click here to select your choices of Shiva Kalpa

This is typically conducted during Magh Purnima prior to ShivRatri till Phalgun Shukla Or Any months Pradosh

Sai Miracles

A great experience of Sai's miracle in our life - Contributed byChandrika, T.Nagar, Chennai.This is the greatest experience I have faced in mylife - The Blessing & Miracle of Shirdi Sai, TheGreat.My husband and I were going for a walk one earlymorning around 5 am a few years back and it was pitchdark with very few lights on the street. Suddenly onebike came and two men were on it with face covered andonly their eyes could be seen. They got down from thebike and asked for an address. We said we do not knowand started walking. They followed us and one guy helda sharpened knife on my throat. He wanted to take mychain. My husband held my hand tight and was about torun. I was in panic and words were not coming out ofmy mouth. Then suddenly my husband started shouting atthe top of his voice 'SAIRAM, SAIRAM, SAIRAM, SAIRAM'They just stood stunned for a fraction of a second.Due to the noise made by my husband, the lights wereswitched on in one house. The two guys then startedthe bike and ran away. I was shaking with fear. Theinmates of that house took us inside and to ourgreatest surprise we could see Sai Baba in the frontroom with the wordings 'WHY FEAR WHEN I AM HERE' Istarted crying with joy. They gave us milk and gaveSai's udhi and then we came back home.

How to repay Lord Shiva?

I was rather touched by the sincere and devotional question - a question from the bottom of her blessed soul. Read on....
, suchitra wrote:
Namaskar Shiva Bhaktas,

From a time, that I don't remember, I have been worshipping Lord
Shiva.Soemtimes for some gain, sometimes , jsut like that. He has
always heard me and fulflled whatever I have asked from him. Now I
feel so guilty that I have always asked and never repayed. What is the
best way to repay him and reciprocate the feelings?

--- Here is the equally sincere response from "Dr.B.G.Y Sastry" ----

Namaste to all.

Bhakti is eternal.

The question, though appears as childish, it is full of devotion and made me to recollect Sri Kalahasti, which is the example of types of devotional puja by a concentrated human, animal and even a snake.

I would like to say some thing on this.

When the entire Universe is in the Lord and of the Lord, what HE expects from us and from his own property?
HE is the father of the entire Universe. Father always give whatever the children are in need. Does he expect any thing back? Never.

We all pray Lord Siva in different sthothra.

For instance:

1. NaagEndra haaraaya trilOcanaaya,
bhasmaanga raagaaya mahESvaraaya,
nityaaya Suddhaaya digambaraaya,
tasmai “na” kaaraaya namaSSivaaya.

2. tridaLam triguNaakaaram,
triNEtranca triyaayudham,
trijanma paapasamhaaram,
Ekabilvam Sivaarpitam.

If we read the first one above, it is clear about the posture of Lord.
He is adorned with “Bhasma” and not with ornaments.

The second one says about the effect of offering one “Bilwa leaf”.
There are many like this. What is that we should know?
Lord does not aspire for any pomp and splendor. One leaf of “Bilwa” with full devotion and Bhakti is enough to attain Him.

Siva's name literally means "auspicious" and it is an appropriate description of him. He is often portrayed as an ascetic or a yogi in Hindu mythology and art. Siva is also called Mahadeva or the Great God because through his many incarnations the whole of reality is explained or understood. Siva represents the Sun as the inherent power behind all creation. He is illuminating force of the mind and the world through the senses. He is the Atman, the highest Self. He is also often depicted with his wife, Parvati, who represents the Moon. The two representing a perfect whole and unity of man / woman – male / female energy or in Hindu terms, Siva / Shakti. Siva is often wrongly depicted merely a fearsome deity, through the terrible form of Rudra, the God of destruction and transformation. As Rudra, he brings the destruction that is necessary for the light of truth to be born out of chaos and ignorance. But Siva also gives the courage and strength necessary to endure the hardship and pain of this necessary transformation.

The best way to repay Him is only chanting "Om NamahSSivaaya"

Let us all live at the feet of "Jyothirlinga Swarupa".

8 Tips To Quiet The Mind

From here


8 Tips To Quiet The Mind
From time to time, we can find ourselves having difficulty calming the mind. Control of our thoughts can elude us, and can be very frustrating. But, there are techniques available to help a busy mind find peace and calmness.

Here is a list of 8 techniques that can be used to calm the waters of your mind:


1 - Visualize a lit Candle in your mind and keep the flame still

2 - Focus on your breathing, using deep, long, and sustained breaths

3 - Repeat the mantra in your mind “I desire to return to my source”

4 - Pick a constant sound in the room, like the air conditioner, and focus on the sound

5 - If thoughts about the days business or duties come to your mind, visualize them being released to the sun

6 - Listen, and pick out, three distinct sounds that your body makes internally

7 - Visualize a beautiful flower, and count each and every petal while taking in all the details of the unique flower petal

8 - Draw each letter of the word “peace” one letter at a time, and then pause in between the letters and observe the empty space. If your mind begins to wonder in the empty space, begin drawing the next letter.

What’s your favorite technique for calming the mind?

Watching the mind

There are so many perspective in the advaitic path.
I was reading three books in paralle, one by Osho, one by Nisargadatta and another by Arthur Osborne. Not the smartest thing to do , but I was anyway.

What made sense to me as I read these books was that the MIND DOES NOT EXIST.
I can reach out and touch myself, the hands, the eyes exist, but no mind.

Thus, I experimented in trying to just reach my mind and observe whats going on with it.
Nothing new, this is what gyanis have kept reiterating.

I couldn't help but think back to late nights when I am working away quietly, there comes a period wherein I feel that I am watching myself, as if I am someone else and I am watching what I am doing. I guess, this is the period when I am normally asleep and the awareness kicks in. Thus, when I don't sleep the awareness automatically kicks in. I am waiting for that to occur again.

In the meantime, I just focus on myself, listen very intently for the birds chirping away in the glorious California sun as I meditate. Apparently, California is very conducive to spiritual seekers (I read somewhere) don't know how. But I think I may be making progress, just a tad. Sometimes I get up after a session with total disgust how the mind ruled me. But baby steps is what I am going to take.

Blog's purpose?

This blog does not seem to serve any purpose, just verbal diarrhea at a very mediocre level.
Just pure introspection is what is needed for benediction. Kay-valya is what Osho calls it. Just reading about it is also not good enough (a necessity though) but putting it to practice every minute with an obsession certainly is.

Char Dham Video

Charon Dham darshan - in 10 minutes flat.

I must say, having just done the Himalayas Char Dham, I was burnt out mentally and physically going through the process. I am trying to figure out the value of this yatra, when immense benefit can be derived by just internalizing and knowing the atman within the self. I think this is of immense value if we can focus within with bhakti during this yatra, otherwise this may not get us much benefits. Or maybe I am missing something and the spiritual evolution accelerates just by completing this yatra. I am yet to notice any perceptible change.

According to the Hindu scriptures, the Char Dham (meaning "four sacred spots" comprising of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath) yatra is the most sacred of all the pilgrimages. Undertaking a journey to Char Dham in Garhwal (Uttarakhand) will not just wash away one's sins but ensure release from the cycle of birth and death. The honour conferred on these places is not surprising. The Char Dham Yatra shall be visited from Left to Right – beginning from Yamunotri, going to Gangotri, Kedarnath and culminating the journey at Badrinath. This route follows the Hindu tradition of parikrama or clockwise circumambulation.

Puri, Rameshwaram, Dwarka, and Badrinath—grouped together by the great 8th century reformer and philosopher Shankaracharya (Adi Sankara), into the archetypal All-India pilgrimage circuit to the four cardinal points of the subcontinent.