A Shiva Bhakta's Spiritual Quest

The IMMORTALS of MELUHA

2011-11-22T16:07:00.000-08:00

Currently reading through this - and almost a year and a half late to the game.
But North America seemed to have missed the hype of this book

But it finally surfed up enough
The main character is LORD SHIVA
But what appeals to me is how some of our traditions and cultures have been explained.
Some facts, some fiction, some theory, some imagination - all intertwined to make it a splendid read.

And I have part 2 of this Trilogy already.

Will get to it soon as I have part 1 done.

5Rhythms Dance / Meditation

2011-11-22T09:23:00.000-08:00

The 5Rhythms are:

FLOWING – the fluid, continuous, grounded glide of our own movements
STACCATO – the percussive, pulsing beat that shapes us a thousand different ways
CHAOS – the rhythm of letting go, releasing into the catalytic wildness of our dance that can never be planned or repeated
LYRICAL – the rhythm of trance, where the weight of self-consciousness dissolves, where we lighten up and disappear into our own uniqueness
STILLNESS – the quiet emptiness, where gentle movements rise and fall, start and end, in a field of silence

The dis-ease of our times is that we have stopped moving:

Our bodies sit sedentary until they are stiff and rigid, and no longer a source of sensual pleasure;
Our hearts tighten around old hurts, limiting the flow of love until we feel a chronic loneliness, no matter how many relationships we have;
Our minds grow narrow and forget how to stretch, becoming attached to comfortable beliefs about right and wrong and the way things should be, until we are living life from the neck up.

Movement is the medicine for our malaise. Hundreds of thousands of people all over the world practice the 5Rhythms each day in studios and gyms, retreat centers and living rooms, schools and meditation halls. Why?

Because the 5Rhythms directly touch the essential human need to move and be moved, to connect gracefully and intimately with other human beings, to be part of a community of diverse yet like-minded souls.

As we practice the 5Rhythm moving meditation over time, the effects spiral through our bodies, hearts and minds:

We feel radiantly alive and calm at the same time
We move from thinking about life to intimately feeling life with our bones, our feet, our muscles, our blood
We enjoy the miraculous bodies we have, rather than lamenting their limitations
The tight spots in our hearts soften – so we can cry when we’re sad, jump when we’re joyful, reach out when we’re touched, love and be loved without hesitation
Our minds settle, and the jagged world of thinking, planning and strategizing fades into a sense of peaceful silence

"To sweat is to pray, to make an offering of your innermost self.

Sweat is holy water, prayer beads, pearls of liquid that release your past.

Sweat is an ancient and universal form of self-healing, whether done in

the gym, the sauna, or the sweat lodge. I do it on the dance floor.

The more you dance, the more you sweat.

The more you sweat, the more you pray.

The more you pray, the closer you come to ecstasy."

Gabrielle Roth

Keep moving. As we move, we stir things up. You may hit patches of fatigue, frustration or discomfort. Even if you can only wiggle a finger or nod your head to the beat, stay in motion that until something changes. Movement opens the door to the alchemy of this practice.

Pace yourself. No matter other people are doing, honor your own body and physical energy. If you rest in the beat when you get tired, you’ll be ready to ride the next wave of energy when it comes. Respect your body’s needs and limitations; there’s no need or reason to push.

Practice respect. Is your ‘partner’ sending signals that he/she wants to be left alone? Do people have to dance around you while you stop for a chat on the dance floor? Are you so lost in your own excitement, swinging yourself or a partner through the air, that people have to come out of their own meditation to avoid being whacked by one of your limbs? Mindfulness in relation to others is a basic tenet of meditation, especially here.

Practice silence. We spend many waking hours, too often our whole lives, listening to the endless thoughts in our head, socializing and talking as we skim the surface of ourselves. This meditation is an invitation to drop the words, speak with your body, turn your being into a moving work of art, let your very self become a dance. If you can’t resist talking, please go outside so others may enjoy the silence.

Stay present. As with any meditative practice, you will deal continuously with distractions. You may have the sudden urge to admire the décor, find a partner right away to entertain you, seduce someone, get lost in judgment about the temperature or the teacher or the music, compare yourself to that amazing dancer (coming out on top or in the cellar) – in other words, to get away from yourself. Just notice when you get distracted, and gently bring your attention back to your feet, the beat, the breath, the dance.

Release your expectations. You might be ready to play today, but what if no one else is in the mood? What happens when you have a hankering for a certain kind of music and the teacher has different plans? We might prefer dancing to our favorite song, in our favorite outfit, with our favorite partner, but clinging to ideas of “how it should be” cuts you off from what is actually happening.

It’s not just about the music. The teacher uses music to catalyze and support what’s happening on the dance floor. While a certain piece of music may evoke strong emotions for you, how you respond is up to you. The music is a platform for your practice. You don’t have to love it - just respond. Sometimes not liking something is a great way to access creative movements.

Stretch yourself. If you always dance alone, you might try including someone else in your dance. If you are constantly on the prowl for a partner, maybe it’s time to ‘go solo’. Slow down - or speed up - and see what happens. Experiment with different ways of moving. Of being still.

Solah Somvaar

2011-11-22T09:21:00.000-08:00

Just finished my 16 Mondays for Lord Shiva.
Completely blissed out - that Lord Shiva accepted my bhakti and I got to complete it.
Did not fast - but just reveling in the bhakti

Kirtans - the new rage

2011-11-22T09:14:00.000-08:00

Kirtans are being rejuvenated>

Have you seen Jai Uttal? Krishna Das?

What is contributing to Kirtans becoming the new rage??
Is ecstatic singing the way of achieving contact with transcendental conscience?

Kirtans East and West

Teed Rockwell • Published on November 14, 2011

In yoga centers all over America, people gather with a few instruments, usually harmonium, guitar, and/or tablas, and sing kirtan: Musical chanting of the Hindu names of God. Once these places taught only the physical postures of hatha yoga, now they are expanding to teach Americans the sacred chanting of bhakti yoga. These same people will also go to medium-sized concert halls by the hundreds (or even thousands) to hear (and sing with) the big names of kirtan—Jai Uttal, Deva Premal, Krishna Das, David Stringer, Suzanne Sterling. Jai Uttal has even made an introductory album for young people called Kirtan Kids, which features his six-year-old son Ezra and a chorus of children.

The annual Bhakti Fest in Joshua Tree, CA, in September, attracts ten of thousands for four continuous days of kirtan and hatha yoga. For the people who sing kirtan, it is often one of the most important events in their lives. What motivates these people to have so much commitment to travel for miles to sing simple tunes in a dead foreign language with friends and strangers? Why is this any more compelling to these people than Campfire songs, or the old “Sing Along with Mitch” television show.

I actually don’t have to ask “these people,” because I’m one of them. I find this rather surprising. When I was a bar musician, one of my first stirrings of artistic conscience was when I turned down a gig because the owner wanted me to lead sing-alongs. But there is something that happens when you chant these mantras that I, at least, can’t get anywhere else. When I saw the Robert Duvall movie The Apostle, or went to my brother’s church during his brief fling as a “Jesus Freak,” I couldn’t help wishing that there was some way I could experience this religious intensity without voting Republican and opposing gay marriage.

Kirtan is basically gospel music for Hindus, and enables those of us who have left the Abrahamic tradition to use ecstatic singing as a way of achieving contact with what I would call the transcendental essence. That doesn’t mean that my relationship with kirtan is completely paradox-free. Because my own kirtan band is starting to get gigs and record demos, I’m now having to deal with the ambiguous distinction between kirtan audience and kirtan performers.

As an audience member, I sing my heart out, and don’t worry about the fact that I’m not primarily a singer. But as a performer, I can’t stop worrying about technique, even though I know that technique is definitely not what this music is all about. Does that mean that I should stop worrying about tempo and tuning? Kirtankar Karnamrita Dasi tells this story: A great Indian singer told the doorman at a Krishna temple to stop singing kirtan, because he was wounding the raga and singing out of tune. The next day the eyes of the Krishna statue had turned red because he couldn’t sleep without hearing the doorman’s clumsy but heartfelt singing. Nevertheless, Dasi has a beautiful voice, and her kirtan albums are skillfully produced.

Kirtan Nation, the Sounds True compilation CD, reveals that the best kirtan musicians are both accomplished and creative. Musicians naturally want their music to sound good, and to take their music in new directions. But how far can you travel in new directions before you’ve lost your way? When is kirtan no longer “kirtan?”

Deva Premal is perhaps the most popular kirtan artist, but she often sounds to me like smooth jazz with Sanskrit lyrics. Kirtan usually makes some sort of musical nod to its Indian roots. Harmonium and/or tabla is used in almost all live concerts, and guest solos by Nepalese bansuri player Manose are very popular on recordings. But is this enough to make sure that kirtan remains a manifestation of bhakti yoga, and not just a recent trend in Lite Rock music?

Kirtan takes many forms in India. The Sikhs have their own unique form of kirtan based on verses from their sacred text, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Each verse is associated with a specific Hindustani raga, and Sikh services traditionally include chanting those texts in those ragas accompanied by tablas and harmonium. This tradition has emerged in American popular kirtan through the mother and daughter duo of Snatam and Prabhu Nam Kaur.
The primary source for Hindu kirtan, however, is Vrindaban, which tradition names as the place where Vishnu took his earthly form of Krishna. “Vrindaban is a regular kirtan factory” says tabla player Gangadhar Gerhard, who traveled to India with Jai Uttal in pursuit of bhakti yoga. “Walking through the streets in the evening, the sound of kirtan spilled out from homes on every block. I was struck how this was not about music. There was always some out-of-tune old man croaking at the top of his lungs. It was all about devotion, expressing what’s in your heart, not about making beautiful sounds. It opened my ears and my heart in a way Western music had never done.” Many other Americans came to Vrindaban to study Bhakti Yoga with Neeb Karori Baba, including Richard Alpert (AKA Ram Dass), Jai Uttal, Krishna Das, and Bhagavan Das. It was also where A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada studied and wrote before founding the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), popularly known as “the Hare Krishnas.”

For many Americans, the Hare Krishnas are an annoyance or a joke. Hearing kirtan while trying to recover lost luggage at an airport is not likely to be a profound experience. This shows the wisdom behind the Transcendental Meditation strategy of keeping each personal mantra secret, and chanting it only during meditation. Nevertheless, ISKCON has produced a community of devotees with a flourishing second generation. Karnamrita Dasi was the second child born into the American ISCKON community, and today she not only sings kirtan beautifully, but also eloquently explains the principles of bhakti yoga to her audiences. The Mayapuris are a group of charming young people who grew up singing kirtan together in an ISKCON community in Florida, and today perform and teach all over the world. Unlike most contemporary kirtan groups, they rely primarily on traditional instruments, including the barrel-shaped mridangam that most Westerners associate with “the Hare Krishnas.” The Mayapuris told me, however, that they only play in airports if their flight to a workshop or concert has been delayed. I have no doubt that their youthful enthusiasm actually manages to convey the spirit of kirtan even under those conditions.
The Americans who studied in Vrindaban with Neeb Karori Baba are among the most prominent western teachers of bhakti yoga and performers of kirtan. The one who still remains in Vrindaban today is Shyam Das. “Shyam Das chants and studies for hours in a hut with cow dung walls on a mountain” says Karnamrita Dasi “Every evening at sunset, he walks around this mountain in the sandy soil with no shoes, through peacocks, monkeys, and sadhus who live permanently outside. Everybody walks by and says only “Radhe Radhe.” No other conversation occurs, because everyone knows that this walk is a spiritual pilgrimage.” When Shyam Das performs, he makes no concessions to Western audiences. Most Western kirtan performers sing each melodic phrase twice, and have back up singers to accompany the audience, so that everyone has a chance to learn the Sanskrit. Like most Indian kirtankars, Shyam Das simply sings the melody while accompanying himself on harmonium, and lets the audience join in whenever they can. He has written numerous books on the history and philosophy of bhakti yoga, which he sees as a unique spiritual path. “Unlike Buddhism, bhakti yoga does not combat detachment, but rather cultivates a lover-like attachment to a personal god. And unlike Christian prayer, bhakti yoga does not involve making requests from God. Bhakti yogis simply praise God and ask nothing in return but the right to love him.” Does his scholarship and love of tradition make Shyam Das critical of the new developments in American kirtan? Quite the contrary. Shyam Das is revered as a teacher by Western kirtan artists, and performs with them in his traditional style on the same stage at the annual Bhakti Fest.

“Kirtan is always changing. It changed when it traveled from Uttar Pradesh to Bengal, and now New York kirtan is different from Los Angeles kirtan. Deva Premal is a close friend and frequently studies with me in Vrindavan. I tell her and all my western students that changes in style don’t jeopardize kirtan, only changes of heart. The only thing that’s wrong is when someone sings without an understanding of what kirtan is supposed to do for you. Kirtan cultivates a longing for the Supreme, and if the singer sings while feeling that longing, it is authentic kirtan. Once at the Bhakti Fest, I even sang the old MoTown song ‘I’m working my way back to you’ because that expresses perfectly the essential message of bhakti yoga: the longing to return to the essential essence from which we came.”

Teed Rockwell has studied Indian classical music with Ali Akbar Khan and other great Indian musicians. He is the first person to play Hindustani music on the Touchstyle Fretboard.

Houston - we have a pluse !

2011-06-17T07:04:00.000-07:00

Are you enlightened yet?
Come on, get on with the program

New Moon and FUll Moon

2011-05-16T23:04:00.000-07:00

From ORACLES OF INDIA
FULL MOON
is good for all types of power raising in your life including:
Calling in protection
Working with Divination
Planning anything
Releasing something or someone
Working on anything in the past

THE BEST RESULTS CAN BE OBTAINED
3 days prior to the full moon, the night of the full moon, three days following the full moon.

THE NEW MOON
Is good for new beginnings like:
Wishing for your own personal growth
Healing yourself or others
Starting a new venture (results start showing by the full moon)

Shirdi Wale Sai Baba

2011-05-09T20:18:00.001-07:00

Drive - just like old times

2011-05-08T09:20:00.000-07:00

Shiva is for real

2011-05-01T23:05:00.000-07:00

Well...we are all shiva bhaktas, joined by a common thread
He is for real.
We are onto something here...lets continue down this path.
He will take care of us.
He knows us and is watching us
Let us stay true.

Nadi Astrology by Anand

2011-04-25T01:15:00.000-07:00

Glad to hear about your interest in Nadi Astrology. For Now, I can say
that, the Main Place is VAITHEESWARAN KOIL Village Near CHIDAMBARAM In
TAMILNADU. I WILL GIVE YOU ALL THE DETAILS SOON, AS MANY MORE ARE
ENQUIRING. I WILL TRY TO ANSWER WITH ALL IN ONE LETTER SOON. .... PLEASE
BEAR WITH ME.... also I am not a new one, some people might have already
experienced me long time ago....... Dear Friends! I am getting Some
enquries regarding the Nadi jJyothish addresses and details of where I
got and Why I went to them so many times. First Point is I am myself an
Astrologer Researcher and I am myself Cameback from U.S.A. Left my IT
Job and went in Search of Spirituality All over India to Many Spiritual
Masters for learning and Seeking.......etc.... I am already well known
in yahoo groups...... Has anybody read Wing.Comdr. SHASHIKANT OAK's
Book on NAADI PREDICTIONS - A MIND BOGGLING EXPERIENCE (FUSION BOOKS)?
In that book he discusses his personal experiences in detail.......
Anyway, I have been to: 1)Koushika Nadi , at 22, Milladi Street -
Vaitheeshwaran Koil, (R-. SUNDARAMOORTHY IS THE READER, EXPENSIVE) -
3 TIMES, 6 KANDAMS, GNANA SHOOKSHMA KANDAM ALSO GOT DONE. ALL SHANTHI,
DEEKSHA DONE. 2 TIMES. 2)A. SHIVASWAMY (FAMOUS, BUT NOT READING NOW A
DAYS) - 18, Milladi Street, 1 TIME 3)AGASTHYA SHIVA NADI - 1 MILLADI
STREET - VAITHEESWARAN KOIL. - 2 TIMES 4) KAKABHUJANDER NADI -
KANCHIPURAM - TAMILNADU - BHASKARAN GURUJI - VERY EXPENSIVE NOW, Has Got
Website Also..... 5) VASHISHTAR NADI - IN SREE RANGAM - TAMAILNADU 6)
AGASTYA SHIVA NADI - HYDERABAD 7) AGASTYA NADI - HYDERABAD - rt'x'c
road, GNANA SHOOKSHAM KANDAM DONE IN DETAIL. I HAVE SPENT ALMOST 30000
Rupees On this, For My fAMILY AND mY RELATIVES ETC. ALL THESE READINGS
WERE DONE FROM 1999 - 2005. Now I am In Australia. Hence please
remember NADI can turn out to be an EXPENSIVE Thing. anyway it is UP TO
YOU. I Also heard Poosamutthu in Vaitheeswaran Koil is a Good, and
SapthaRishi Nadi also good, But most of the readers are Relatives
family.... So one has to do reasearch to get the good one. BUT THE
FAMOUS ARE R.SUNADRAMOORTHY AND POOSAMUTTHU. BUT IF YOU ARE SCEPTICAL,
THEN THEY WILL SEND YOU AWAY AND IT IS BETTER NOT TO GO.Sometimes they
read repetetively But I found Still They have got good information. One
in RTC 'X' ROADS - HYDERABAD also Reads Well....... Well anyways, It is
All my PERSONAL EXPERIENCE, I cannot say about others, I can only
Suggest to be ADVENTUROUS AND ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE. ANYWAY It is worth
it and You Will get Some Guidance about Your self and the Future
Events...........No doubt about it..... ABOUT THE NADIs Diffrerent
Types Depending on the Rishis, Like Agastya, Koushika, Vashishta,
Agastya Shiva Nadi, Saptha Rishi, KakaBhujander, Shiva Nadi etc etc, Etc
types Nadis are there in that Village. The Whole Village is a Nadi
Astrological, rare in the World. I will Explain you, In detail, what my
Experience has been and Who are Supposed to Be famous etc details, Next
time, that is in the Next Letter. It takes Lots of Time..... I live in
Melbourne..... All the Best, Anand www.fortunepredictions.com
<http://www.fortunepredictions.com>

Nadi Astrology

2011-04-23T18:50:00.001-07:00

http://eradini.blogspot.com/search/label/free%20nadi%20astrology

Historically the Naadi Shastra was spoken by Lord Siva to his wife Parvati a few thousand years ago, and transcribed onto palm leaves by the sage Kaushilka Rishi. Each leaf contains a concise description of a soul’s present lifetime, their previous life and possibly future life depiction. It also contains their previous life transgressions which have lead to difficulties in the present, as well as “remedies” to counteract the effects of these previous life bad karmas. It is literally a blueprint of your destiny. An questions regarding this can be answered in a book entitled “The Hidden Oracles of India” by Andrew & Angela Donavon – 2 English filmmakers who had their minds blown by this experience a few years ago. The Naadi reading left us in awe of the map of destiny, and how every action of previous lives, especially those that caused pain to others, lead to difﬁculties/lessons that we must endure in the present life. “What goes around most def comes around”. We were also grateful for the compassion of these higher beings & bygone sages for aiding us in alleviating the maleﬁc effects of our misdeeds, as well as guiding us to deeper spiritual insights and devotion. It also helped us gain clarity into the vision of our present life situation – what were were truly meant to do, in what time frame, as well as what negative tendencies & situations to avoid. A lot to swallow, believe me.

Kubera Mantra

2011-04-23T18:35:00.000-07:00

Love - the way out

2011-04-23T17:14:00.000-07:00

Spiritual progress is like technical progress. You may first ask yourself a few questions and obtain from yourself clear and precise answers. The goal in your life should be clear before you can achieve it. If you agree on a clearly outlined goal for your life, then start to ask yourself some of the additional questions below.

on the other side, if you still are focusing on your political, scientific, technical, sports or business - career or just wasting time for no particular reason, while at the same time attempting a spiritual progress, you may soon realize that these are different developments quite often going in opposite directions.

Let's go through a few points, it may help you to speed up your very own spiritual progress.

Make sure you can clearly answer each of the following questions with either YES or NO, anything else may hamper your spiritual progress and delay any further separation from God.

do I really want to become God-realized ?

If yes ..

do you really follow all the known steps to accomplish this goal within the shortest possible delay ?

if no ..

What is the reason you may want to continue suffering on this planet or beyond ?

What is the reason you may still refrain from loving all mankind and being loved by all ?

If you stay with a clear no, then be aware that there is never a justified reason to claim anyone else responsibility for any suffering or discomfort in YOUR life.

whatever you decide, is your free choice. It is your birthright to make your very own decisions and live accordingly.

Do I know what the word God-realization means ?

If unclear, learn more about God, about spiritual nature of a human soul. Read, study and become aware of the full meaning of this word. Become aware of the true origin of your soul and being, as well as your true destiny in eternal life.through continuous spiritual progress, your perception of the full meaning of this word may increase months after months, death, life without a physical body, loving all mankind in any situation whatever they do, may become normal for you, may become a permanent part of your growing spiritual being - made to the image of God.

Are you afraid of dying, if yes why ?

Life starts beyond physical existence. Life is becoming more and more intense beyond physical existence.

Become aware of your answers, think about and strive to realize the goal of your life.

If your goal is clearly of spiritual nature, if you can clearly and with the full power of mind and soul say

YES I want to return to God, I want to become a fully God - realized soul. A being of light and Love . Then you may ask

do I undertake all possible efforts to achieve this goal directly or is there still some hesitation in my spiritual efforts. The only reason for limited efforts on your spiritual progress may be lack of knowledge about God and Godrealization.

Become free of the distraction by others. Remember, it is the right of anyone, to live however he/she wants to live. Those souls without any conscious thought about God, may still need some of the physical lessons this planet hast to offer.

However they have no right to keep you from going your own spiritual way.

Some of your friends however may be afraid of losing you. The want to grab hold on you and keep you within the cycle of physical reincarnation. At least during the present incarnation.

This however is very selfish of such other persons. The only way you ever can help your friends, family-members, your society, even your home-country, if this is important to you,

is trough your spiritual progress.

The more you succeed on your spiritual path, the more Love and spiritual power you will develop, the more you may gently and lovingly help the entire Divine creation.

Life starts after achieving God-realization. Life starts when you have learned to truly Love at any time for eternity.

What in life are you still doing that may slow down or even prevent any spiritual progress. If there are still a number of different factors in your life, YOU and only YOU are in the position to change.

You may instantly change your attitude after becoming aware of any distracting factors in your life.

Just say YES to God, say YES to Love . And anything else will vanish in the fire of the almighty Divine Love .

Dissolve any current of future obstacle in Love, by constantly focusing on your spiritual goal, by constantly solving any situation in Love , nothing but Love .

some of the chapters of "on your wings of Love - on your way to God" may certainly help you on your way home. Learn and reread them until you have understood the full spiritual truth it contains. You may additionally read and study a few other spiritual books. Allowing you to get a different look at one and the same topic.

However remember, you may never become a saint by reading books, but only by living, by doing, by actively living and loving in your life.

You may at one point of your life wish to retire from mankind and spend some time in a peaceful and quiet retreat. This may be most helpful for most if not all serious God-seekers.

Spiritual progress may require a combination of retreat and involvement in daily life. Before you may achieve God-realization you certainly have learned to Love anyone anytime.

This is quiet simple. Just stop fighting, stop arguing by continuously loving. Love in all situations. And all goal may be achieved easier and more peacefully.

I love you

With Divine Love and Bliss

Hans

Overview Lessons for life

Everything is a miracle

2011-04-22T19:52:00.001-07:00

Everything is a miracle and sacred.
Give everything the due respect and life will be beautiful the way it is supposed to be

Teflon - Video watch with caution

2011-04-11T06:39:00.000-07:00

If your intentions are good, you can be teflon
Nothing really in this world has evil intentions.
Well...once we truly reside in the self, that is when we stop adding to our karmic sins

Arunachala Bhajan

2011-04-11T06:18:00.000-07:00

Jesus is for real

2011-03-24T23:36:00.000-07:00

The boy who met Jesus, and lived to talk about it. Read it here

Guru's guidance

2011-03-14T21:23:00.000-07:00

Gurus are around us - just pause and think of one.
The spiritual self of the guru is within you then

Posting by HairaKhan
Mahamuni Babaji is a very mysterious, reclusive, and divine Being. At any given time He is guiding and teaching souls on many planets and planes simultaneously. Many prophets of old, and of course more recently, received their mission and guidance from Him.

It is popular today for so many to say that they have seen Him, or that they spent time with Him in the Himalayas. They are victims of an overactive imagination and fantasy life. Some even deliberately exploit others in order to profit from His name. They will have to suffer many lives in the dark without spiritual guidance for their deceit.

Babaji has indeed appeared to some highly advanced yogis. He continues to do so. But my advice is to be very careful not to believe most of what you read or hear. Remember that even Sri Yukteswar (Autobiography of a Yogi) had trouble seeing Him before he had developed his (spiritual) vision enough.

That said, He is ever with us. Whenver you think of Him, or any Divine Being, they are instantly aware of your thoughts and devotion. And when we are able to still our minds in meditation, He is the very Light of our own awareness. Pray to Him for guidance and direction.

"Why do you seek my flesh and blood form when I am ever within the range of your Kutashta?" (spiritual sight)

-- Sri Lahiri Mahasay

Daily Spiritual Practice

2011-03-09T23:44:00.000-08:00

Why are we really spiritual aspirants?
Is it OK to call myself as one?
What is my end intent?
Am I really true to that?
Where is my mind and soul during this spiritual practice?
Will HE be happy and proud to have witnessed me at my spiritual practice?
How can I make that better?
Think....does following such a spiritual practice get me any benefits?

Mantras must be chanted or recited with unwavering devotion and motivation. Chanting them as a matter-of-course deprives them of power and is practically useless from the point of view of conscious growth, evolution and effect.

The following is a collection of practical, scripturally-

based, guidelines from the teachings of Sanatana Dharma that will help us to more fully develop our innate spiritual potential. Sadhana, or spiritual practice, must be performed regularly with sincerity, humility, openness, and determination. Just as we all perform our daily routines of eating, sleeping, and bathing without fail, similarly we should practice our daily spiritual sadhana without fail to refine ourselves and to advance in spiritual life. We should monitor our progress every day by asking ourselves if today we have improved ourselves and come closer to God.

By following a daily spiritual practice under the guidance of Sri Guru, we can continuously deepen our experience and realization of the Divine...."

VISIT HERE TO READ THE REST OF THIS INFORMATIVE ARTICLE:

http://www.dharmacentral.com/forum/content.php?36-Daily-Sadhana

Svyambu Lingam

2011-03-07T12:25:00.000-08:00

Video of a Svayambhu Lingam @ San Francisco's Golden Gate park
October 26, 1993 - CNN archives

http://wn.com/Shiva_Lingam

8 Forms of Lord Shiva

2011-03-07T11:54:00.000-08:00

There are 8 forms of Siva.

Siva Lingam, is arupa-rupa, a combination of form and formlessness. There is a form, a cylindrical structure, above the circular base,
extended to the right as we look. This cylindrical structure is a phallic symbol and the bottom, called Avadai, the female symbol.

Bhikshatana - the form of a beggar, with Brahma's skull, as begging bowl, and the garland of skulls. This is from the story
of Daruka forest. He wears the skin of elephant as an upper robe and skin of tiger as waist robe.

Nataraja, the dancing god of India. He is primarily in Thillai or Chidambaram, but his metal images are available in all Siva
temples, including Mother's Temple in the Asramam. He wears again a tiger's skin, fire and hand drum on his two hands, the third
hand showing the left leg and the fourth hand as abhaya mudra, the protection sign. Under his right leg is Muyalakan, the demon
symbolizing delusion, apasmaram.

Kalyana Sundara - a very pleasant pose with Sivakami, his consort

Kalabairva - the fierce Siva dissolving the worlds.

Lingothbava - the primordial Lingam, which shows its face, at the time of creation. This is usually seen on the back-wall of any Siva Lingam shrine.

Somaskanda - S + Uma + Skanda. Siva with Uma and Skanda in between. A family image.

Sri Dakshinamoorthy is a formless Space only - as per Ramana Maharishi - the ever present teacher in the hills of Arunachala.

This list varies from book to book. The Chidambara Mahatmyam and Kunchitanghristavam of Arul Nandi Sivam, mention this.

Ramana Darshan

2011-03-07T01:32:00.001-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvIlhN0frdY&feature=player_embedded#at=333

Simple life - and the connection with Ramana, Arunachala

2011-03-07T01:08:00.000-08:00

KATRINE from NORWAY writes
When living in the cave in Spain for a month last winter I had a vision of India....
It came through as a cross going through a spiral of energy (the whole mountain vibrated as this spiral - and it was energetically connected to Arunachala - I recognized the vibration from the front cover of a book about "Arunachala - the mountain of light" ...a friend gave me the book a year before as a thank you for helping her translate Papaji's "This" into Norwegian. When she rang my doorbell...instead of her face ....she held up the book with Arunachala on the front cover.......and that day the book "Talks" by Ramana Maharshi was on my kitchen table.......so the mountain came to him and both lay on the table radiating presence for several weeks.....

During the vision in the cave......I saw that "india" is everywhere....and that the presence of Arunachala....once we connect to it, it too is everywhere. There are places in nature where energy vortexes cross......sort of like earth chakras. There must be many more of them....the vision explained the incredible silence in the barranco where the cave was situated....I used to sit on the ledge behind the fire..playing my low Irish whistle and meditating........when walking to and from the little town I could always feel where the start of the presence begun....right around a particular bend in the trail.......

Here is a video my Irish musician friend Aidan made when he stayed by himself in the same cave (we found the cave in December of 2009 and we both had separate retreats there later)

Golfing with the Gods

2011-03-07T00:04:00.000-08:00

Golf with Jesus

One day, Jesus, Moses and an older gentleman were playing golf. The hole was a short Par-3, with a small pond right in the center. Moses walks up first, pulls out an 8-iron, and swings. The ball looks short, and is about to hit the water when Moses suddenly thrusts his arms out to both sides. The water in the pond parts, and the ball rolls along the bottom of the pond, up on the green, and eventually comes to rest about 6 inches from the pin.

Jesus takes the next shot, pulls out his 9-iron and swings. Again, the ball looks short, and looks like its going to hit the water as well. But instead, the ball bounces off the surface of the water, rolls along the top of the pond, on to the green, and stops about 3 inches from Moses's ball.

The older man is up next. He walks to the tee, pulls out his pitching wedge and takes half a swing. The ball slices sharply to the right, hits a tree and bounces left. It bounces off the second tree, and goes right in the pond with a resounding plop. In the pond, a fish swims by and picks up the ball as its sinking in the pond, and swims it to the surface. Just as the fish comes to the top of the pond, a bird flies by and plucks the fish out of the water. The bird flies around the green with the fish (still holding the ball) about 3 or 4 times, when he swoops down toward the green. And just before the bird hits the green, the fish drops the ball right in the hole. Jesus and Moses look astonished for a few moments, until Moses gets angry, and throws down his clubs. He gives Jesus a dirty look, and exclaims "That's it! I'm NEVER playing golf with your dad again!"

The Will of God is Everything. It can surpass infinite obstacles,make yea into nay and nay into yea.

Everything is in His will.

Everything

Om Arunachala Namaha

Ramana Maharshi
- Arunachala Ramana Blog
- David Godman’s Blog
- Ramanasramam Web Site
- SAT Website
- Arunachala Grace Blog
- Arunachala Heart Blog
- Carol’s Blog
- Harsha Sangha Blog
- https://richardarunachala.wordpress.com
- Arunachala Grace Blog
- Arunachala Heart Blog
- Yogi Ramsurat Kumar’s Tiruvannamalai News

First I'd recommend Cezar Teruel (attended 10 satsangs with him and they were all a blast) but he's always on the move and not always present in Tiru:
http://www.gurusfeet.com/guru/cesar

Second, if you want to experience the grace of silence first hand without all the talking and mind games... Go and have the Darshan of Shiva Shakti Ammaiyar:
http://www.gurusfeet.com/guru/siva-sakthi-ammaiyar

IMHO she's the real deal, but only available for 15 minutes in the morning from 10 to 10:15 am.

Third, there's Ganesan:
http://richardarunachala.wordpress....uvannamalai/

Mantras - invaluable

2011-03-06T20:06:00.001-08:00

The intellect may not understand but the subtle body understands the depth of Mantras. The vibrations that are produced do good to all the subtle layers of existence. This energy creates benevolence, benefits the whole mankind, washes away our bad karma, promotes harmony in the world and desires get fulfilled. These bring us close to self- realization and also to achieve success in the world.

Feedback?

2011-03-06T18:20:00.000-08:00

Just wondering, how do people react to this blog?
Frank opinions?
Please share...
Is it worth your while when you accidentally bump into this blog?

Mother's milk

2011-03-04T11:52:00.000-08:00

The wonders of breast milk.
How amazing is that?
How can a 'simple' human produce such an amazing life source?
Little do we know -

Here is the magic mantra for Friday - for overall wellness and prosperity
lalitham sridharam
lalitham baskaram
lalitham sudharshanam

Human breast milk has a long history in health care as the ancient Egyptians blended it with honey to make a medicine. It has been used medicinally for thousands of years. The antibacterial and healing properties of breast milk are often overlooked, even by the nursing mothers themselves. Breast milk, if properly expressed and stored, is a sterile solution and can be used in a variety of ways to promote healing and clean wounds. Breast milk contains strong antibodies and antitoxins that many people believe promote healing and better overall health.

yogi ramaiah

2011-03-03T23:43:00.000-08:00

http://www.arunachala.org/newsletters/2008/?pg=jul-aug#article.1

From my boyhood I had great devotion (bhakti) towards Sri Rama Namam. Till I was nineteen years old I was generally of a rajasic temperament and was fearless. I used to listen attentively whenever elders recited stories of God or taught dharma; and I used to make friendship with such elders. Once I heard of the life of Kabir from an old gentleman and at once I became sorrowful that I had wasted my life till then. "How to get undistracted devotion (ananya bhakti)?" "How can I become fit for God's mercy (kripa)?" These were my desires. Though I was not a bhakta from childhood like Kabir, I got vairagyam and wanted to do penance (tapas) like Valmiki, until the body is covered with ant hills. I then knew that penance meant meditating on Rama Namam continuously like the constant flow of oil, and to be in samadhi, forgetting this body. Thus I acquired bhakti and vairagyam. Subsequently love for the body (dehabhimanam) disappeared.

Formerly I had many friends, but the feeling of friendship for them left me. I couldn't leave the continuous dhyanam (meditation) even for a minute. I used to feel sorry that the nights were being wasted in sleep. I used to feel that I was meditating even in my sleep. I used to be in meditation when I awoke. I used to get up at 3 o.clock in the morning, bathe and, sitting in a secluded place, would meditate till 8 o.clock. From 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. I would read Bhagavatam. After meals I would listen to Bhagavatam read by a Brahmin. In the evenings, I would go outside the town and meditate sitting alone. Even if such a place be the pathway used by men and cattle, I would neither know of or hear anything during meditation. I used to offer puja, imagining the form of Vishnu in my heart.

When Brahmanantha Thirtha Swami was at Nellore, I went and prayed to him to give me upadesa and teach me yoga so that I could meditate upon Rama and conquer the mind. He then gave me Rama Tarakam Mantram and asked me to meditate on it, observing pranayama, for a little while, at the time. He said that to practice pranayama vigorously, solitary living and food restrictions are necessary.

I was then meditating by focusing my attention towards the middle of the eyes. In a short time, Chitkalas (guiding spirits) began to appear in a variety of ways, but they disappeared after some time. Then a flame like the sun began to appear. This would appear even when meditating with eyes closed, but there would be nothing when opening my eyes. I thought that Surya Bhagavan was appearing. Knowing that the vision was from inside, I began to practice vigorously. After some time the vision assumed a clearer form like the moon. Later on in the place of this moon a jyoti began to appear. While in this condition, the drik (subject) and drisyam (object) would disappear and I would feel that the atma was Poornam, the Perfect survivor. At that time this condition would not last continuously, but would only recur from time to time. I then got extra vairagyam. It was at that time that I left my home.

Without telling anybody I wanted to go to Dandaka Forest and do penance like Valmiki and the rishis. Before traveling north, I got down from the train to meet my Guru at Bapatla, in the Guntur District. As soon as he saw me he asked whether I had left home after informing my people. I told him the truth, that is, that I did not inform anyone. He then told me, "You cannot stay there (Dandaka Forest) and do penance. There are many difficulties there. Have an asramam in your village and do penance there. I will come and see you occasionally. Go back home to your village." Before leaving to return to my home, he gave me upadesam.

When I first got vairagyam I started a water pandal for distribution of water on Narasimha Jayanti days. It is still going on. I started my own asramam and named it Rama Asramam. It has been useful for meditation and also other purposes. Within two years of my spiritual life there was a break in yoga. I felt very sorry for this break and with firm determination, giving up all things, I joined this Rama Asramam in 1922. By constant meditation, sitting on an asana, I used to become fatigued. To get over this fatigue I would immediately do pranyama. While doing this and learning from books, such as Jnana Vasishtam, Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavatam, that yoga should be practiced keeping the lakshyam at the tip of the nose, I began to do likewise. Practicing like this for some time and seeing nothing at the end of the nose I began to feel discouraged. Summoning confidence, however, from my firm belief that what is written in the sastras can never be untrue, I gave up interest in food and sleep and assumed a meditative posture. I was always doing dhyana, dharana and pranayama. Gradually I achieved breath retention. Now and then I used to feel the sushumna, subtle force, rise up. Since then a jyoti began to appear. For some months there was no body sense and the Self was all pervading. Ahamkara disappeared. It was realized that it was not I that was meditating, the I was the witness of the ahamkara, that I really am Atman and that this is my true form. The external vision decreased by constant concentration of the Self.

There was no desire to eat anything. In spite of bodily difficulties the mind was always happy. I was thinking of Rama in saguna aspect and offering puja to Hari in my heart.

As the external vision decreased, I wanted to go to experienced gurus with Brahma Nishta and tell them about my experiences and to find out what their experiences were. By enquiry I found out that there were many who had read books only, without experiencing the Self and I could not find any with Brahma Nishta. In my boyhood when I came on a pilgrimage to Arunagiri I saw Bhagavan. Since then, at times, I used to think of him. Learning that Bhagavan knows Telugu, I went to him, offered my respects, sat in his presence and was looking at him. I found that he was introverted, his eyes were not moving, breath appeared to have stopped . no movement was visible in him. Seeing that, I also turned my vision inside. As I had acquired dharana siddhi at the tip of the nose, I found it easy to turn my vision inside. When the vision is turned to the drik (subject) inside, the drisya (objects) are not seen. Self was all pervading and perfect (purna). In this state I was sitting for two hours. I came to the conclusion that when the mind was subdued and the objects are not seen, the subject and object are merged in the Self, and that Self is all pervading and perfect. Ganapathi Sastri had come there and I questioned him about this. The sastri replied that the subject and object are different. I couldn't agree with what he said. Bhagavan immediately said that when the mind is subdued there is only one thing, and that the subject and object are not different. I felt very happy on hearing this and concluded with certainty that he was the Guru and that he had realized the truth.

I then told Bhagavan about my eyes and he replied that they would get right after some time and that there was no danger. As it was Kartika Deepam time and, as there was a big crowd of people, Bhagavan said that if I went to see him in the night it would be more convenient. I agreed and went away. When I went there in the night, the doors were closed and all inside were asleep. Thinking it would not be proper to disturb them in their sleep I lied down on the pial outside. As it was the winter season the cold was severe, mosquitoes began to bite and I was unable to sleep. At about three in the morning Bhagavan came outside and saw me. I prostrated. Bhagavan who was all kindness said that I had been put to much trouble and asked me to come inside and sleep by his side. That night I asked him some questions:

Q. What is Nirvikalpa Samadhi?
A. That which has no sankalpam to Nirvikalpa.
Q. In Samadhi, will there not be even the Brahma Bhava?
A. If there is Bhava, it will not be Nirvikalpa.
Q. What is meant by Rama?
A. That in which everything takes its origin, exists and disappears, is Rama.

I then determined that all practices are only means to attain this final stage. I was giving up my former spiritual practices little by little. I felt immensely attracted to Bhagavan and felt quite at home in Ramanasrmam. Bhagavan was all love. After meeting Bhagavan I did not go to any other Guru.

I then read the life of Maharshi. By reading it one acquires vairagyam and dispassion. Just to see him is upadesam; to sit in his presence gives peace. This is my firm belief.

After some time, with Bhagavan's permission, I went back to my native place. I would come twice every year to see him. I heard blessed words from him regarding his experiences.The Swami himself would look after my food arrangements. Just as a father would nuture motherless children, he was always filled with limitless kindness. As I have no strength to walk any distance, I always stay in my cottage or with the Maharshi. And as speech may cause chitta chalanam (thought movement), I observed mounam (silence).

Some time later I came to see Bhagavan again and was in the Asramam for some days. One day I told him about my experience of that time. I told him that at the time of meditation only, the whole thing would appear to be one, and then at other times the subject and object appear to be different, and I asked him how this difference would disappear. He told me that there was still dehavasana, i.e., attachment to the body, and asked me to carry on with my meditation till it disappeared entirely.

I then asked him to tell me how to concentrate. He then said: "When a man dies the funeral pyre is prepared with fuel and the dead body is laid on the pyre. The pyre is lit. First the skin is burnt, then the flesh, and then the bones, until the whole body is converted into ashes. What remains thereafter? Only the spirit. But by Self inquiry the spirit also disappears."

"When this dehavasana goes, ahamkara also vanishes and the Self alone remains."

He had composed "Upadesa Saram" in Tamil. I prayed that he might translate it into Telugu. He rendered it in dwipada (couplets) form in Telugu. I then stayed in the Asramam for some days, went abroad for some time, and then returned to my Asramam. I then gave up everything. When I returned to Tiruvannamalai I would sometimes stay in the Mango Tree Cave near Mulaipal Thirtham.

After Bhagavan had composed "Ulladu Narpadu" in Tamil (.Reality in Forty Verses.), I prayed to him to teach it to me in Telegu. He rendered it into Telegu prose and taught it to me. Reflecting on what he taught me the mind was subdued and dissolved in the Self. Now nothing different from Self is seen.

12 Jyotirlingas - Om Namah Shivay

2011-03-02T14:45:00.000-08:00

From bottom left - SOMNATH, MALLIKARJUNA, MAHAKALESHWAR, OMKARESHWAR, BAIDHNATHESWAR, BHIMASHANKAR, RAMANATH, NAGANATH, VISHWANATH, TRYAMBAKESHWAR, KEDARESHWAR, GUSMESWARA

Shiva Worship during Shiva Ratri

2011-03-02T14:25:00.000-08:00

According to Hindu mythology, Shivaratri or 'Shiva's Great Night' symbolizes the wedding day of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati. Many however, believe, Shivaratri is the night when Lord Shiva performed the Tandava Nritya - the dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction. Celebrating the festival in a customary manner, devotees give a ritual bath to the Lingam with the panchagavya - milk, sour milk, butter and dung. Celebrations of Shivaratri Festival mainly take place at night. 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. The festival holds special meaning for the ladies. They pray to Mata Parvati also called 'Gaura', the giver of 'suhag' for good husbands, marital bliss and a long and prosperous married life.

On a Shivratri day, Shiva temples are thronged by devotees, mainly women, who come to perform the traditional Shivalinga pooja and seek blessings from the God. At times there is so much rush in the temples that devotees have to wait for their turn to observe pooja. Devotees of Lord Shiva observe the Shivaratri Festival by following the prescribed rituals with sincerity and devotion. All through the day, devotees abstain from eating food and break their fast only the next morning, after the nightlong worship. Ritual baths of Shivalinga in the numerous Shiva temples by Shiva worshipper, mainly women, is another significant feature of Shivratri customs and traditions. Devotees strongly believe that ritual worship of Lord Shiva on the auspicious day of Shivaratri absolves them of past sins and they are blessed with Moksha.

Shivaratri Rituals:

Ritual Bath of Shivalinga:

Following the rituals prescribed in the Shiva Purana, every three hours, Shivalingam is given a special bath with milk, yoghurt, honey, sandalwood paste and rose water. Puja, meditation and chanting of ‘Om Namah Shivaya' accompany the ritual bath. Following the bath, vermilion paste is applied on the linga. Traditionally, leaves of a forest tree Aegle marmelos (bilwa, maredu, wood apple) are used for Shiva puja. Thereafter, Bilwa leaves, which have to be a stalk with three leaves, is kept on top of the Shivalinga. Ber or jujube fruit is a special offering to the god on this day. Beetle leaves are also offered by some. Some also offer bilwa leaves in the belief that the Goddess Lakshmi resides in them. Others believe it is offered for its cooling effects on the hot-tempered deity. Many devotees also decorate the linga with flowers and garlands and offer incense sticks and fruit.

Significance of Puja Items:

According to the Shiva Purana, there is a special significance of the six essential puja items used in the Shiva worship.

Bathing of Shivalinga with water, milk and honey and wood apple or bel leaves added to it, represents purification of the soul.

The vermilion paste applied on the linga after the ritual bath represents virtue. Offering of fruits symbolizes longevity and gratification of desires. Burning of incense sticks yields wealth.

The lighting of the lamp symbolizes attainment of knowledge. Offering of betel leaves marks satisfaction with worldly pleasures.

All-Night Shiva Worship:

Worship of Lord Shiva continues all through the night on Shivaratri Festival. Devotees stay awake all night and spend the night in Shiva temples in worship of Lord Shiva. Singing of hymns and verses in praise and devotion of Lord Shiva besides the intense chanting of Om Namah Shivay, the mantra that is said free people from all their sins, continue through the night on Shivaratri.

Special worship of Shiva by priests continues through the nightlong prayer vigil. During this ritual worship, Lord Shiva is offered special food made from the fruits of the season, root vegetables and coconuts. Those observing the Shivaratri Fast break their fast the next morning by consuming the prasad offered to Shiva.

Historical significance of Shivaratri:

Shivaratri Pooja has been given tremendous significance in Hindu mythology. It is said that ritual worship of Lord Shiva on a Shivaratri day pleases Lord Shiva the most. Devotees further believe that by pleasing Lord Shankara on the auspicious Shivaratri day, a person is absolved of past sins and is blessed with Moksha or salvation.

Benifits of Shivaratri Puja:

According to Shiva Purana, sincere worship of Lord Shiva yields merits including spiritual growth for the devotees. It also provides extensive details on the right way to perform Shivratri Puja.

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.

Besides, worship of Lord Shiva on Shivratri is also considered to be extremely beneficial for women. While, married women pray to Shiva for the well being of their husbands and sons, unmarried women pray for a husband like Shiva, who is considered to be the ideal husband.

Tradition of Drinking Thandai:

Since Lord Shiva is regarded as an ascetic god, Maha Shivratri is very popular with ascetics. Thandai, a drink made with bhang (cannabis), almonds, and milk, is essentially drunk by the devout on the day as cannabis is said to have been very dear to Shiva.

Fast on the day of Shivratri:

Shivaratri Fast is considered to be the most important fast for the devotees of Lord Shiva. Shiva Purana goes on to say that if a devotee observes Shivaratri Vrata with sincerity, pure devotion and love he is blessed with the divine grace of Lord Shiva. Every year devotees observe Maha Shivaratri fast with devotion and sincerity. Though many go on a diet of fruits and milk, some do not consume even a drop of water all through the day and night of Shivaratri Festival.

Benefits of Mahashivratri Vrat:

According to Hindu mythology, observance of mahashivratri Vrat with discipline helps a devotee to control the two great natural forces that afflict a man, rajas guna (the quality of passionate activity) and tamas guna (the quality of inertia). When a devotee spends an entire day in the Feet of Lord and worships with sincerity, his motion is controlled and evils like lust, anger and jealousy, born of Rajas are ignored and subdued. Besides, when a devotee observes vigil throughout the night (jaagran) he manages to conquer the evils of Tamas Guna too. It has also been mentioned that when a devotee observes a round of worship every three hours, the Shivaratri Vrata becomes perfect.

Devotees of Lord Shiva believe consider Shivratri fast to be extremely auspicious and rate it equal or more than performing an Ashwamedha Yagna. Some believe that a devotee who observes a Shivaratri Fast with sincerity and utters the name of Lord Shiva with perfect devotion is absolved from all sins. Such a devotee reaches the abode of Lord Shiva and lives there happily. He is also liberated from the cycle of birth and death.

Shiv-Sati Vivaah:

In the absence of Sati, the condition of Shivji was becoming very peculiar. He used to remember SATI day and night and used to discuss about her only. While dying SATI had made a resolution that she would take birth at King of Mountain Himalaya's palace and would re-marry Shiva. Whether Jagdamba's resolution can go in vain. She took birth in same palace and she was called Paarvati. When she became young her parents started looking a match for her. One day "Naarad Muni" suddenly reached to the palace of King Himalaya and after seeing the girl, he told only Lord Shiva is the perfect match for her. Knowing there daughter is literally SATI and has taken birth in there home they became very happy.

One day suddenly the anxious SHIVA in absence of Sati went for Tapasya in the same state. Hearing this, King Himalaya along with his daughter went to Shiva and requested that he should take the service of her daughter. In starting Shiva hesitated but later on seeing the Bhakti (devotion) of Paarvati he agreed. There after Paarvati daily cleaned the space where Shiva sat for Tapasya and tried to keep in mind each and every wish of Lord Shiva. Despite of the fact that Paarvati was very young and beautiful, Lord Shiva was always devoted in his Tapasya.

On the other hand a devil name Taarak was disturbing Gods a lot. Knowing the fact that only Shiva-Paarvati's son only can kill him, they were making efforts so that they can marry. To make Shiva attract towards Paarvati they requested Kaamdev to help them, But Kaamdev also failed in this mission in fact he was finished (Bhasma) by Shiva and then Shiva returned to Kailash.

Paarvati was disappointed being refrained not able to do service of Shiva but she decided to do Tap. Her mother advised her not to do so but she didn't listen to her and that's why her name become UMA (means don't do Tapasya). She left her home and started doing Tapasya at the same peak where Shiva used to. From then onwards the place is called "Gauri Shikhar". Then she spent her 1st year by eating only fruit, that's why she was called Arpene. In this way she did Tapasya for 3000 years.

At last Lord Shiva became soft hearted. For taking the test of Paarvati HE first sent Seven Rishies (Saints) to her and followed them in Vatu vesh. After complete verification and satisfaction He saw that Paarvati was fully devoted and dedicated towards him and couldn't resist HIMSELF from coming in His original looking. HE suddenly came in HIS original form and granted wish (Vardaan) of Parigarahn to Paarvati and became invisible. Seeing her Tap (labour) becoming successful SHE returned home and told the whole thing to HER Parents. After hearing this, there was no limit to the parents happiness that her daughter's Tap (Labour) gave her the desired result (was fruitful). On the other hand Shiva sent Saptarishis to King Himalaya with marriage proposal and in this way marriage auspicious date was also fixed. Through Naaradji, Shiva invited all the Gods with honor and on the decided date Brahma, Vishnu, Indra and all Gods along with there group reached Kailash. Here Himalaya had made gala arrangements for the marriage and Shiva also reached with Baarat (marriage procession) to this auspicious marriage.

At first/in beginning seeing the VIKAT form of Shiva and his companions Bhut Pret (devils army) Maina (Paarvati's mother) became scared and started hesitation in her daughter marriage. But when she saw, Shiva's RUP of 16 yrs which attracts crores of Kaamdev she forgot everything and alongwith her daughter she gave her soul also to Shiva. The marriage was performed very joyously and king Himalaya made Kanyadaan. Lord Vishnu and other Gods presented different gifts to them. Brahmaji perform/monitered the marriage ritually. Then every body left home happily.

Jai Bhole Naath - Maha Shivaratri day

2011-03-02T14:18:00.001-08:00

Shiva Stuthi

Namaa miisha mishaana-nirvaana rupam
vibhum vyaapakam brahma-veda-svaroopam
nijam nirgunam nirvikalpam niriham
chidaakaasha maakaasha-vaasam bhaje ham

(I bow to the Ruler of the Universe, whose very form is Liberation,
the omnipotent and all pervading Brahma, manifest as the Vedas.
I worship Shiva, shining in his own glory, without physical qualities,
Undifferentiated, desireless, all pervading sky of consciousness
and wearing the sky itself as His garment.)

niraakaara monkaara-moolam turiiyam
giraa gnaana gotiita miisham giriisham
karaalam mahaa-kaala-kaalam krpaalam
gunaagaara samsara paaram nato ham

(I bow to the supreme Lord who is the formless source of “OM’
The Self of All, transcending all conditions and states,
Beyond speech, understanding and sense perception,
Awe-full, but gracious, the ruler of Kailash,
Devourer of Death, the immortal abode of all virtues.)

tushaa raadri-sankaasha-gauram gabhiram
manobhuta-koti prabha sri sariram
sphuran mauli-kallolini-charu-ganga
lasad-bhaala-balendu kanthe bhujangaa

(I worship Shankara, whose form is white as the Himalyan snow,
Radiant with the beauty of countless Cupids,
Whose head sparkles with the Ganga
With crescent moon adorning his brow and snakes coiling his neck.)

chalatkundalam bhru sunetram visalam
prasannaa-nanam nila-kantham dayaalam
mrgadhisa charmaambaram mundamaalam
priyam sankaram sarvanaatham bhajaami

(The beloved Lord of All,
with shimmering pendants hanging from his ears,
Beautiful eyebrows and large eyes,
Full of Mercy with a cheerful countenance and a blue speck on his throat.)

pracandam prakrstam pragalbham paresham
akhandam ajam bhaanukoti-prakaasam
trayah-shula-nirmulanam shula-paanim
bhaje ham bhavaani-patim bhaava-gamyam

(I worship Shankara, Bhavani’s husband,
The fierce, exalted, luminous supreme Lord.
Indivisible, unborn and radiant with the glory of a million suns;
Who, holding a trident, tears out the root of the three-fold suffering,
And who is reached only through Love.)

kalaatitata-kalyaana-kalpanta-kaari
sadaa sajjanaa-nanda-daataa purarih
chidaananda-sandoha-mohaapahaari
prasida praslda prabho manmathaarih

(You who are without parts, ever blessed,
The cause of universal destruction at the end of each round of creation,
A source of perpetual delight to the pure of heart,
Slayer of the demon, Tripura, consciousness and bliss personified,
Dispeller of delusion…
Have mercy on me, foe of Lust.)

na yaavad umaanaatha-paadaaravindam
bhajantiha loke parevaa naraanam
na taavat-sukham shaanti-santaapa-naasham
praslda prabho sarva bhutaa-dhivaasam

(Oh Lord of Uma, so long as you are not worshipped
There is no happiness, peace or freedom from suffering
in this world or the next.
You who dwell in the hearts of all living beings,
and in whom all beings have their existence,
Have mercy on me, Lord.)

na janaami yogam japam naiva pujam
nato ham sadaa sarvadaa sambhu tubhyam
jaraa janma-duhkhaugha taatapya maanam
prabho paahi apan-namaamisha shambho

(I don’t know yoga, prayer or rituals,
But everywhere and at every moment, I bow to you, Shambhu!
Protect me my Lord, miserable and afflicted as I am
with the sufferings of birth, old-age and death.)

rudrastakam idam proktam viprena haratosaye
ye pathanti nara bhaktya tesam sambhuh prasidati

(This eightfold hymn of praise was sung by the Brahman to please Shankara.
Shambhu will be pleased with whomever heartfully recites it.)

Arunachala, Dakshinamurthy, Ramana Maharishi

2011-02-28T11:08:00.000-08:00

Little do I know..
Dakshinamurthy = Ramana Maharishi
Enuf said.

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.

Dakshinamurthy stotram

Mouna Vyakhya prakatitha, para,
Brahma thathwam yuvanam,
Varshishtha anthevasad rishiganai,
Ravrutham brahma nishtai,
Acharyendram kara kalihtha chin,
Mudram ananda roopam,
Swathmaramam mudhitha vadanam,
Dakshinamurthim eede.

I praise and salute that Dakshinamrthy,
Who faces the south,
Who explains the true nature of the supreme Brahman,
Through his state of silence,
Who is young in looks,
Who is surrounded by disciples who are old Sages,
Whose minds are fixed on Brahman,
Who is the greatest of teachers,
Who shows the Chinmudhra[1] by his hand,
Who is personification of happiness,
Who is in the state of extreme joy within himself,
And who has a smiling face.

#1 Viswam darpana drusyamana nagari,
Thulyam nijantar-gatham,
Pasyannathmani mayaya bahirivoth,
Bhutham yatha nidraya,
Ya sakshath kuruthe prabodha samaye,
Swathmanameva dwayam,
Thasmai sri guru murthaye nama idham,
Sree Dakshinamurthaye

The world is like a reflection (not real). We can discern the truth after self illumination. I pray to the guru Dakshinamurthi by whose grace the truth can be illuminated within me

The above stanza tells us that the world which is outside us is same as
our soul but we see them as different entities due to the veil of
ignorance. As soon as we wake up, we realize that the dream is false and
even while seeing our image in the mirror, we know that we are not
seeing us in the mirror but our image. When we get knowledge from the
guru we are in the wakeful state without the veil of ignorance.

#2 Beejasyanthari vankuro jagadhidham,
Prang nirvikalpam punaha
Mayakalpitha desa kala kalanaa,
Vaichithrya chithrikrutham,
Mayaveeva vijrumbhayathyapi maha,
Yogeeva yah swechaya,
Thasmai sri guru murthaye nama idham,
Sree dakshinamurthaye

The world was projected like a tree from a seed, by the will of the supreme. I pray to that Guru Dakshinamurthi (who can take this projection and put it back into the seed form)

When the net of illusion is lifted and when we reach the stage of manifestation, we would find that what we think as different is but one and the same.

Yasyaiva sphuranam sadathmakamasath,

Kalparthagam bhasathe,

Sakshaath thathwamaseethi veda vachasa,

Yobodhyathyasrithhan,

Yath saksht karanath bhavenna punara,

Aavrithir bhavambhonidhow,

Thasmai sri guru murthaye nama idham,

Sree dakshinamurthaye., 4

By His illumination the false world appears real. But He can teach me “I am God – I am part of the supreme truth” – I pray to that Guru Dakshinamurthi for that enlightenment.

He who exists as the real light of truth,
And shines in the false world of appearance,
And He who teaches disciples the great saying,
“Thou art that”^[2] after realizing its import,
Gets away from this cycle of life and death.
Salutation to the God facing the south,
Who is the greatest teacher.

Nanachidhra ghato dhara sthitha maha,

Deepa prabha bhaswaram,

Jnanam yasya thu chakshuradhi karana,

Dwara bahi spandathe,

Jaanameethi tham eva baandham anubathi,

Yethath samastham jagat,

Thasmai sri guru murthaye nama idham,

Sree dakshinamurthaye., 5

The world appears real by manifesting through all my senses. I pray to Guru Dakshinamurthy to illuminate my mind with the truth

Our body prevents us from seeing the truth(the light from outside) that we are the Brahman and lets out
light though the sensory organs and makes us deceive ourselves by feeling that we are happy.
This simile of a pot with holes for the body occurs in many places in Indian philosophy.

Deham pranam api indryanyapi chalaam,

Budhim cha soonyam vidhu,

Stree balandha jadopamasthvaha mithi,

Brandha brusam vadhina,

Maya sakthi vilasa kalpitha maha,

Vyamoha samharine,

Thasmai sri guru murthaye nama idham,

Sree dakshinamurthaye., 6

Some intellectuals claim the world is real. I pray to Guru Dakshinamurthy to destroy that delusion within me

This is a sample of the approach of negation in identifying the truth about the concept of self. Senses, the body etc cannot be the absolute truth as they are transient.

Rahu grastha divakarendu sadrusho,

Maya samachadanath,

Sanamthra karanopa samharanatho,

Yo abhoot sushuptha pumaan,

Pragaswapsaamithi prabodha samaye,

Yaa prathyabignayathe,

Thasmai sri guru murthaye nama idham,

Sree dakshinamurthaye., 7

After a solar eclipse, we realize the sun is still there. My mind is dark now, let me realize the light behind, and realize that the state of ignorance was unreal, I pray to Guru Dakshinamurthy to help me with this.

Balyadishwapi jagaradhadishu thadha,

Sarva sva avasthasthaswapi,

Vyavrutha swanuvarthamanamaha,

Mithyanth sphurantham sada,

Svathmaanam pragatikarothi bajatham,

Yo mudraya bhadraya,

Thasmai sri guru murthaye nama idham,

Sree dakshinamurthaye., 8

We seem to go through changes (states of mind, aging process). But we are the same, and I pray to Guru Dakshinamurthy to help me realize the ONE truth with the help of Gyana Mudra.
http://0.tqn.com/d/healing/1/0/S/p/mudra_gyan.jpg

The truth as represented by the concept of Brahman, exists always.

Viswam pasyathi karya karana thaya,

Swa swami sambandatha,

Sishyacharya thaya thadaiva pithru,

Puthradhyathmana bedatha,

Swapne Jagrathi va ya esha purusho,

Maya Paribramitha,

Thasmai sri guru murthaye nama idham,

Sree dakshinamurthaye., 9

His maya imposes the relationships and states of minds – that amplifies the realism. I pray to that Guru Dakshinamurthy to help me through that.

Bhoorambaamsya anilo ambhara,

Maharnadho himamasu puman,

Ithyabhathi characharathmakamidham,

Yasyaiva murthyashtakam,

Nanyath kinchana vidhyathe vimrusathaam,

Yasmath parasmath vibho,

Thasmai sri guru murthaye nama idham,

Sree dakshinamurthaye., 10

He makes the universe manifest, by his grace alone the manifestation disappears. All that remains is Brahmin, so I pray to that Guru Dakshinamurthi to send me his grace

Sarvathmathvamithi sphutikruthamitham,

Yasmadamushamin sthave,

Thenasya sravanath thadartha mananath,

Dyanascha Sankeerthanath,

Sarvathmathva maha vibhuthi sahitham,

Syadheeswarasthvam svatha,

Siddhyeth thath punarashtadha parinatham,

Chaisvaryamvayhatham., 11

The concept of the Athma,
Which is explained in this poem of praise,
Hearing which, understanding which,
Meditating which and singing which,
One would attain the state of the godliness,
And the great state of self realization,
And also you would get the eight powers of occult,

GOD plays COD?

2011-02-27T01:31:00.000-08:00

Are we just a character in one of the maps - with God living life through us vicariously. We representing the good and the bad and everything else that the Gods want us to play?
Shiva and Parvati having a nice conversation, gazing out at the praja.

We think we are real ....we believe in our characters, but the They know.
We are just characters in the map of Call of Duty

Meditation Tips & Hints

2011-02-17T08:18:00.000-08:00

Posted by: "Vikrant" free_for_blue
Sun Feb 13, 2011 5:37 am (PST)

Aug30 - Meditation tips from namashivaya.blogspot.com ............ PLEASE READ TILL THE END ...

1. Allow yourself to be exactly the way you are.
The moment we stop deeply, and relax completely, we can look inside. Then we will discover the infinite presence and essence of our eternal being who is always present. By letting you and your ego be exactly as they are, you stop getting caught in the mind's eternal trap of desire. You discover pure freedom. Some people will need to sit silent for weeks, months or even years (if their mind is deeply chaotic) to alleviate this trap of thinking.
However the moment the thinking and desiring program ceases, an amazing bliss will occur in that instant. When you have become the master and your mind the servant, something very magical happens. Your first real taste of unbounded freedom and unlimited potentiality is unleashed. To master this state of being, look inside for roots of peace and compassion and your life will automatically grow it's wings of freedom!

2. Accept the Universe exactly as it is.
Do not let the mind get attached to what meditating should feel like, look like or be like. Let go of all "shoulds" in your life and simply be here now. This day is as it should be, your life is EXACTLY as it should be, just as your thoughts and feelings are as they should be about it right now. However the more you can accept what's happening to you right now, the deeper you can relax about it. Acceptance always makes one relaxed and at ease. If self-acceptance comes in a trickle or a downpour, then that is right for you. Acceptance is the key to releasing all suffering and issues of avoidance or attachment.
As you practice embracing everything inside and outside you, remember whatever you have trouble accepting, is here to serve your highest purpose by pushing you towards a deeper experience of acceptance. If you encounter a serious negative emotional pull that is totally overwhelming, stop buying into it's dramatic story and step out of the game. Become aware! Pure awareness always burns through the mind's illusions...in an instant.
Depending on how long you've been ignoring certain issues in your life or running away from certain thoughts, the longer it may take you to actually relax, train and quiet the mind. Yet the very moment you let go of your life, and are infinitely patient and accepting of yourself the way you are, a completely over-flowing abundance of relaxation and energy will rise into you and through the world around you.

3. Explore everything with a childlike state of wonder.
When you're ready to take on a deeper meditation challenge, you are ready for self-inquiry. Start by asking the question, "Who am I?" Ask yourself, "Who is the one who is thinking this thought right now?" Dive into yourself!
Meditate on questions like, "Who is watching this experience now?" and "Who is hearing this interpretation of this experience now?" and "Who is experiencing this experience of living in this body?" and "Where is this thought coming from?" Notice what kinds of thoughts your mind creates to answer to this instantly enlightening ancient question.
When meditating, if you experience an increasing feeling of lightness, go with it! Ground it into your body with your breath. It's best to stay centered, in your body and integrate your experiences as they come, rather than get lost in the phenomena they produce. The greatest meditators blend heaven and earth at all times. They discover within each moment this deeper "knowing-ness" that they are this always connected to an Infinite Source of goodness inside.

4. Surrender to whom or what is present here now.
Surrender is the ultimate Key. We are imprisoned in the present moment for an eternity. Your body cannot escape the Now. The mind pretends it exists in the past and future by dreaming about them, yet the Truth contains you here. The moment you surrender to ANY internal battle in the mind and be present to the now, you'll notice the issue simply disappears! If you are having trouble surrendering, let your greatest fear arise in you. Face it directly. See if your fear is coming from a fear of loss, or a fear of separation from the Source. The meditative mind doesn't participate in such illusions because it is not attached to the gristle of each passing experience.

5. Know your a spiritual being without boundaries.
Understand a few things as you meditate for the next few months. You are not your thoughts or your body. You are also not your income, job, relationships, or lack of all the above. You are MUCH bigger than all of this. Do not participate in the drama of the mind! Your body is your temporary home, not your mind, thinking or head. Take time to be still, and totally present to the body. Listen to your breath, to your life. Feel your heart beat and see the awakening being inside!
We are always having an experience, be present to the one the most important one, the one that's happening NOW. If you're demanding to have a experience, you're cutting off this one and completely missing the river of your life-force. The moment you stop trying to make something Big happen, LIFE happens to you. If whatever you're doing doesn't work, do the opposite of what didn't work before. The more you can relax and simply be, the more abundant and full of life's infinite riches you'll become.

6. Watch The Mind!
This moment contains the entire Universe and is happening faster than you can think. The mind cannot keep up with the moment, there is too much happening in one moment to be contained by the mind. The mind is a very small container for this existence. Only when the mind surrenders to pure consciousness can the whole universe be contained within its grasp. Then it is gone. So watch the mind, be aware of its infinite agendas.
The mind will get caught in very subtle moments of the past and future. When you are totally in the moment, there truly is NO mind. Only a pure awareness remains. When you're sitting and being silent, being open to everything and resisting nothing, the Enlightening process suddenly begins. It happens in an instant. When the mind is completely at peace, when absolutely no worries, no concerns and no thoughts arise, notice what is there! The untainted being who is eternally present to the river of moments in existence slowly awakens!

7. Always, always, always be gentle with your self.
Be extremely gentle with yourself. Especially if this is your first attempt at meditating. If you ever get lost in the process always remember and repeat this ancient secret Zen saying, "Simply Being With What Is." If you can't stay focused on anything for more than 7 seconds, its O.K, you've just been stuck in the habit of not pulling back on the reigns of the mind. Relax, and be patient with yourself. Never ever allow yourself to go into a state of feeling guilty. Guilt is one of the lowest vibrations on the planet and will never manifest the results you want. Encourage yourself to stay FAR away from feeling guilt no matter what and always be gentle with YOU! You are the most important person in your life! When you are 100% at peace with your past, present and future, the blissful state of samadhi in meditation happens instantly!! Self love and gentleness are golden keys in my book to developing a state of meditation and are a result of stepping into a
samadhi experience..
If you have trouble relaxing into this gentleness...Imagine a warm gentle light entering in through your toes and then moving all the way up your legs, torso, chest, neck, arms, hands, head and finally all throughout your bodyà¥¤ Breathe in and out slowly repeating this affirmation, "I am safe, I am loved, all is well in my world. Let these words sink deeply into your body. Allow any calming energy to grow and spread to the areas of tension. Give yourself permission to absorb feelings of relaxation and dissolve the stress that arises in the body and mind.
Meditation Techniques to Quiet The Chattering mind
1. Follow your breath. Don't try to control or change it, simply watch it.
2. Repeat a mantra (say a drawn out sound like AUUM)
3. Visualize a sacred/beautiful symbol.
4. Look directly into your another persons eyes.
5. Look into your eyes (in a mirror).
6. Visualize and feel your Kundalini and Chakras.
7. Focus on the space between the stars (pure nothing-ness)
8. Focus on an Infinite Source (Shiva,God, the Universe, Consciousness etc...)
9. Look directly into a candle flame 6 inches from your nose.
10. Meditate on the silence between your heartbeats.
Inner peace is always a choice...

Vikrant

Bible says about sex?

2011-02-07T19:04:00.001-08:00

Quite interesting to read the summary interpretation of what is said in the bible

Why Arunachala?

2011-02-07T01:29:00.000-08:00

Why is Arunachala the spiritual center?

Title: The Concept of Sri Dakshinamoorthy
Post by: Subramanian.R on February 20, 2009, 10:02:01 AM
A clue to Bhagavan's role in this world can be discovered in His
association with Sri Dakshinamoorthy, the manifestation of Siva
as the Supreme Teacher. During His early days on Arunachala, Bhagavan said that he discovered a secret place on the north side of the Hill where lay a secluded banyan tree. It was here, He was stung
by bees, for intruding on this sacred site.

Who is this Dakshinamoorthy? And what is the significance of this figure in the advaitic tradition? And why do Bhagavan's devotees identify Dakshinamoorthy with Bhagavan Ramana?

The first substantial historical record about Dakshinamoorthy is in
Suta Samhita of Skanda Puranam. It is believed that Sankara studied this Suta Samhita eighteen times before composing his
Brahma Sutra Bhashyam. Perhaps it was Sankara's familiarity with this text, which eventually inspired him to compose the profound
Sri Dakshinamoorthy Stotram. Bhagavan Ramana's translations of
Sankara's works include this Stotram, apart from Viveka Choodamani, Atma Bodham and Drik Drisya Vivekam. There is also
a Dakshinamoorthy Upanishad, as part of Krishna Yajur Vedam, but some scholars regard it as a late interpolation into the canon. In popular worship today, there is a statue of this god on the southern side of the main shrine of Siva temples inn South India, though it is rare a temple is dedicated exclusively to it. In Tiruvannamalai,
Mother's Shrine in the Asramam, has got an exquisite Dakshinamoorthy stone image on southern side.

According to Hindu mythology, Dakshinamoorthy is a manfistation of Siva, who taught the four sons of Brahma in Silence. It is said that he sits under a banyan tree. (Vada Ala Vruksham). His left leg is crossed over the right knee in Virasana, his lower right hand poised in Chinmudra, which indicates Perfection, and his lower left clasps a bunch of palm-leaves to indicate that he is the master of the established teachings. On his upper right, he holds the drum which indicates he is in harmony with Time and Creation, because it is vibration which manifests as Form. His upper left hand holds a flame, the fire of Knowledge which destroys ignorance.

There is a further esoteric meaning. Dakshinamoorthy is the Effulgent Self as revealed by Bhagavan Ramana. Dakshinamoorthy is experienced on the right side (dakshina) and yet he is formelss (amurti), that is limitless. Dakshinamoorthy is the very form of Awareness (Dakshina)... We find this interpretation in the Dakshinamoorthy Upanishad. Semushee Dakshina Proksha....

The same idea is connected to Avalokiteswara, the Buddhist bodhisattva, whose name connotes the lord who looks down on the world (ava=descent; loka=world, isvara-lord). While Dakshinamoorthy or Avalokiteswara looks down in Silence and compassion, we look north or up to receive their grace.

Bhagavan Ramana has mentioned a direct reference to Dakshinamoorthy, in Verse 2 of Sri Arunachala Ashtakam. "

Who is the seer? I sought within. I watched what survived the Seer viz., the Self. No thought arose to say, 'I saw'. How then could the thought that 'I did not see' arise? Who have the power to convey this in words?, when even you could do so in ancient days by Silence only? Only to convey by Silence, Your State, You stand as Hill, shining from heaven to earth!"

(Source: Mountain Path, Aradhana 2006, Editorial.)

Life?

2011-01-29T23:53:00.000-08:00

Life...a roller coaster coming your way
Jump in, and partake
Or be left behind..
Hold onto the tension..
It engulfs you..
And you are part of that ride
You deserve what you got
You never did what you didn't
Aren't you contented..
Come on...just be, reconcile
And go on...
Until one day
You slow down
The end of the ride
And what happened to that Awareness?

Sticking to principles

2011-01-29T13:58:00.000-08:00

How about important is it to you - to stick to your principles...read on

Healing Mantra

2011-01-28T23:36:00.000-08:00

Darshan of the twelve jyotirlingas ...video footage, while you listen to the fix it all mantra of Lord Shiva

Video 1 - 1:43 Somnath
6:47 Mahakaleshwar
Video 2
Sri Nageshwar - 1:28
Sri Omkareshwar - 2:03

Doors close - which one is open???

2011-01-24T20:46:00.000-08:00

Doors close..one after another
Look out for the signs..
Are you gonna be like Bush
Try all closed doors and grin like an idiot
Or be the smart one
And know the only door that can be opened
And find the secrets that you deserve to

Love - can create a miracle

2011-01-22T21:03:00.001-08:00

Inspiring Stories of Protection
The Great Law of Love

Mere hope or mechanical chanting of prayers of mantras won't do you much good, but if you put your heart and soul into the words you are saying (silently or aloud) to the point that you can actually FEEL the Presence of this Infinite Power within you and all around you - you may be surprised with miracles you can bring into your life.

If you want to remain healthy, vigorous, and strong, you have to realize that there is but One Power, indivisible, and Its source is Love. This Power has no opposition. It is the omnipotent Life Principle that has overcome every opposition in this world and It goes on conquering and is forever victorious. Realize that you are one with this God-Power. You are aligned with It now, and mighty forces will come to your aid.
Love is Always Outgoing

Love must have an object. Love is an emotional attachment. You can fall in love with music, art, a great project, a cause, or with your ideal. You can become emotionally attracted to the eternal verities. You can become absorbed and engrossed in science and many other things.

Einstein loved the principle of physics and it revealed its secrets to him. That is what love does. Astronomers fall in love with the science of astronomy, and they are constantly revealing the secrets of the heavens to us.
Love of God and What It Means

The words God and good are synonymous. When you mentally and emotionally unite with honesty, integrity, justice, good will, and happiness, you are loving God, because you are loving that which is good. You are loving God when you are fascinated, absorbed, and captivated by the great truth that God is One and Indivisible and there are no divisions or quarrels in It.

To love God is to give your allegiance, loyalty, and devotion to the One Power, refusing to recognize any other power in the world. When you definitely recognize and completely accept in your mind that God really is omnipotent, in the most practical, literal, and matter-of-fact manner, you are loving god, because you are loyal to the One Power.

Sit down quietly at times and think over this vital, interesting, fascinating, and greatest of all truths that God is the only Power and that everything we can be aware of is part of His self-expression.
Love's Healing Balm

The following is a wonderful prayer for casting out fear. Affirm these truths frequently, and you will find that an inner sense of peace and tranquility will come over you.

The love of God flows through me now. I am surrounded by the peace of God, and all is well. Divine love surrounds, enfolds, and encompasses me. This Infinite love is inscribed in my heart and written in my inward parts. I radiate love in thought, words, and deeds. Love unifies and harmonizes all the powers, attributes, and qualities of God within me. Love means joy, peace, freedom, bliss and praise. Love is freedom. It opens prison doors and sets free all the captives. I am radiating love towards all, for everyone represents the love of God. I salute the Divinity in the other. I know and believe that Divine love heals me now. Love is a guiding principle in me. It brings into my experience perfect, harmonious relationships.
God is love.
"He that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in Him."

» ref. The Amazing Laws of Cosmic Mind Power by Joseph Murphy

Super Brain Yoga

2011-01-19T00:22:00.000-08:00

Five minutes a day - age old Yoga, now being rejuvenated in the west
In the south, this was a common practice while praying to Ganesha..
Are we all going to try it?

Full Moon Night - Being Good!

2011-01-19T00:20:00.000-08:00

As I stood gazing at the moon lit sky - the silent stars and the audacious bright light of jupiter competing with the magnificence of everything else...I felt a stillness come upon me....

What else is there to seek in life?

Aren't we all stuck in the rat race?

It seemed to me that I could have just made a simple objective of life - to be good and to be kind and to do good for all - and just love and help others
This world, maya jaaal, throws lots of travails and tribulations upon us all - couldn't we just rise above and say - I will not act upon it - but just make it a mission, a total unabashed mission, to help others?

Stay away from the desires of kaam, krodh, madh, lobh and just be God's servant, doing good for all - and not expect anything in return.

Life is so uncertain, so why are we in this rat race?
Life span on earth is short - and we tend to get all crooked and bent over to dupe the next guy, lie our way out of and into situations - what good will come out of that? And guess what, we are screwing up our happiness for that momentary joy, pride.
Is that really worth it?

Why can't we all rise above our situations and see through the fallacies of our way? That the only true path is to love and be good and if I am crucified for that - so be it.

Oh Lord Shiva - please give the world the fortitude to rise above and beyond and just love and be good and be your messengers

And....when I peak into my own scheming, wheeling dealing mind, it is just atrocious - and what good will come out of that. But like a rock that lies buried under still water, it will gradually and surely build moss - that is the situation of my mind. Some of it is the world's doing, but mostly my own inclination and the lack of wisdom and here I am ...where I am. and I am chained to my thoughts, my circumstances and the tendency to win...win at all odds, and little do I know that I am just like Sheikh Chilli creating my own downfall.

When will I learn?

I watched a great master once...who would talk the talk so well...
And I could tell his need to make a living and earn..
And even at that age - there was life in his needs and demands.
And perhaps, me being me, had no clue to what he was about
But, we are all entrapped ....
It takes super human strength to entangle from that

Unemployment mantra

2011-01-17T22:15:00.000-08:00

Unemployment is the worst bane of modern life, which leads to depresssion and loss of confidence. Struggle for survival becomes so hard that a person loses all hope and starts to contemplate upon taking drastic steps. If only such a person could be guided into the Sadhana world be could benefit much by employing this time tested method.

For gaining a good job place a Kaarya Siddhi Yantra on a copper plate in the night of Wednesday. Offer flowers on it. Light a lamp and chant just one round of this Mantra with a coral rosary (मूंगा माला).

Om Shreem Mam Kaarya Siddhi Kari Kari Hreem Phat

ॐ श्रीं मम कार्य सिद्धि करी करी ह्रीं फट

Repeat the ritual each night for 8 days, thus concluding the Sadhana on next Wednesday. The Sadhak must leave the rosary in the roots of Peepal tree. The Yantra he should carry to interviews and examinations, till he lands a job. After that it should be dropped in a river or a pond.

How to pray? The mudra

2011-01-11T15:40:00.001-08:00

Come to think of it, this is exactly how we were taught to pray...there is some meaning to this particular mudra

Little do we know.

Catastrophe in the making???

2011-01-08T18:51:00.000-08:00

What is truly going on?

Millions of dead fish surfaced in Maryland's Chesapeake Bay in the U.S., Tuesday, while similar unexplained mass fish deaths occurred across the world in Brazil and New Zealand. On Wednesday, 50 birds were found dead on a street in Sweden. The news come after recents reports of mysterious massive bird and fish deaths days prior in Arkansas and Louisiana.

The Baltimore Sun reports that an estimated 2 million fish were found dead in the Chesapeake Bay, mostly adult spot with some juvenile croakers in the mix, as well. Maryland Department of the Environment spokesperson Dawn Stoltzfus says "cold-water stress" is believed to be the culprit. She told The Sun that similar large winter fish deaths were documented in 1976 and 1980.

ParanaOnline reports that 100 tons of sardines, croaker and catfish have washed up in Brazilian fishing towns since last Thursday. The cause of the deaths is unknown, with an imbalance in the environment, chemical pollution, or accidental release from a fishing boat all suggested by local officials.

In New Zealand, hundreds of dead snapper fish washed up on Coromandel Peninsula beaches, many found with their eyes missing, The New Zealand Herald reports. A Department of Conservation official allegedly claims the fish were starving due to weather conditions.

While all three events are likely unrelated, they come after recent reports of mysterious dead birds falling from the sky in both Arkansas and Louisiana. Thousands of dead birds were found in Beebe, Arkansas on New Year's Eve, and a few days later, around 500 of the same species were found 300 miles south in Louisiana. A Kentucky woman also reported finding dozens of dead birds scattered around her home. In the days prior to New Year's, nearly 100,000 fish surfaced in an Arkansas river 100 miles west of Beebe. Officials are now saying that fireworks likely caused the Arkansas bird deaths, and power lines may be to blame for the death of the birds in Louisiana.

Hiatus

2011-01-04T21:05:00.000-08:00

My spiritual path has taken a back-seat to life.
There are other things that have taken priority all of last year.
The worldly things have taken their toll over the last year - and the spiritual bent has vaned....I know I will get back.
I still meditate, at least 3 to 4 times a week.
But think about worldly matters, more than anything else.
I know I will get back

Kick-off the new year with Ganesh mantras

2011-01-04T21:04:00.001-08:00

Aum Shri Ganeshaya Namah
"Praise to Lord Ganesha“/ Kickoff a project Use this daily, for example before sending a critical email 

Aum Vakratundaya Hum
From Ganesh Purana - To fix the negatives in life. The HUM symbolizes "Delay no more, my Lord, in straightening the paths Spinal chord healing.

Aum Kshipra Prasadaya Namah
Kshipra means immediate – ward off danger or negative energy

Aum Vighna Nashanaya Namah
Remove every single hindrance and obstacle

Aum Vinayakaya Namah
To become the boss. Also to resolve problems.

Aum Sumukhaya Namah
To get beauty, inner peace with good speech and love for all

Yoga for hair loss

2011-01-03T11:35:00.000-08:00

Alternate theory here http://www.hairloss-reversible.com/

Mantra - Om Namah Shivay

2010-12-28T16:46:00.000-08:00

Om Namah Shivay”

It is the mantra of Lord Shiva. Folks have gone from being penniless to multi-millionaires by chanting this mantra. Lord Shiva is very innocent God and bestows his blessings immediately on the devotee.

Siva Mantras:

1.	Om Namah Sivaya
2.	Om Haraye Namah
3.	Om Tryambakam yajamahe sugandhim pushtivardhanam Urvarukamiva bandhanat mirityormurkshiya mamaritat
4.	Om Namah Nilakanthaya
5.	Hroum
6.	Proum Hrim thah
7.	Ram ksham mam yam oum um

How should mantras be chanted?

2010-12-28T16:05:00.000-08:00

Are we adequate?

2010-12-22T10:34:00.000-08:00

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we
are powerful beyond measure. It is our Light, not our Darkness, that most
frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,
talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you NOT to be? You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightening
about shrinking so that other people won't feel unsure around you. We were
born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in
some of us; it is in everyone. As we let our own Light shine, we
unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are
liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
Maryann Williamson

Varanasi

2010-12-12T20:03:00.000-08:00

Why can't India do a better job of preserving our cultural hotbeds?
Why do we take it for granted?
Varanasi is the holiest of holy cities of the world...
One of our friends got back from vacation and was complaining about the filth..
Why can't the steps into the ganges be preserved, pristine and pure?
Doesn't this filth take us away from the divinity?

Haridwar and Rishikesh are still well preserved..

Haven't been to Varanasi yet - but seemingly the zeal is missing.
Need to get back

Mantras for Navaratri

2010-10-10T15:28:00.000-07:00

The first three days are for Maha kALI , the next three days for Mahalaksmi
and the last three days are for Maha Saraswathi.

The First Three Days focus on the Kalpavriksha mantra
OM HREEM SHREEM KREEM DURGATI-NASHINYAI MAHAMAYAYAI SVAHA”

The next 3 days - Laxmi Mantra
||Om Daaridraya Vinaashini Ashtlakshmi Kankaavati Siddhi Dehi Dehi Namah||

The final 3 days - Saraswati Mantra
Om Hrim Aim Hrim Aum Sarasvatyai namah

Durga Sooktam (Sanskrit Hymn)

2010-10-08T23:09:00.001-07:00

Kate Perry - Sanskrit Tattoo

2010-09-27T10:31:00.001-07:00

Noticed Kate's Sanskrit tatoo on SNL
This phrase Anuugacchati Pravaha seems to be a bit contrived.
Quite sure that this has nothing to do with what it was meant to say back in the hey days

Post his term in prison for assaulting a paparazzo, British actor-comedian Russell Brand uploaded pictures of his Sanskrit tattoo on Twitter. The tattoo, which reads Anuugacchati Pravaha (meaning ‘go with the flow’), is identical to the one sported by girlfriend and pop diva Katy Perry. The placement, too, is the same: both have them on the inside of the right arm. The duo joins a long list of international celebrities who’re flaunting tattoos in the ancient Indian language.

Footballer Theo Walcott has one that translates into ‘Beautiful, Blessed, Strong, Intelligent’, while singer Rihanna and football star David Beckham famously sport misspelled Sanskrit tattoos!

Jade Buddha - For peace

2010-09-26T19:39:00.001-07:00

Jade Buddha attracts thousands in San Jose

By Joe Rodriguez

jrodriguez@mercurynews.com

Posted: 09/26/2010 05:46:00 PM PDT

Updated: 09/26/2010 06:18:09 PM PDT

Click photo to enlarge

(Lt. to Rt) Moniques Nguyen, of Ukiah and her mother Kim Nguyen, were... ( Maria J. Avila Lopez )

Between processions of nuns and monks leading chants and prayers, tens of thousands of Buddhists have come to a warehouse in San Jose to pray before the Jade Buddha and pose before the popular statue for family snapshots.

"I came here to just pray for good things to happen, especially to the community of San Jose," Pauline Bui said Sunday morning at the makeshift temple. "It's for universal peace. That's what this Buddha is for."

A financial analyst who lives in San Jose, Bui has brought her mother and two children six or seven times. On a previous visit, she stood in line for three hours to buy a small pendant made from the same, massive block of jade as the statue.

At least 113,000 people have visited the statue since the exhibition opened Sept. 19, according to the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace Organizing Committee in Northern California. Almost 29,000 showed up the next day, prompting at least one complaint from a resident of an apartment complex next door about crowds, illegal parking and noise.

By this past weekend, however, the mood was relaxed, even festive, as the free exhibit headed toward its last day in San Jose -- Friday. It will then continue on its five-year, worldwide tour. A spat between rival Vietnamese-American community factions over who would host the statue didn't dampen the community's enthusiasm.

Buddhism has seen countless statues of its founder in stone, bronze, gold and other materials over the ages.

But this one is deemed special because it's the largest made of jade.

It was carved from a single, 16-ton boulder of translucent jade formed in a mountaintop crucible 100 million years ago, when colliding tectonic plate created the Cassiar Mountains in western Canada. Miners discovered the rare rock only 10 years ago and gave it a name, "Polar Pride," even before anyone knew what to do with it.

Two Australian Buddhists, Ian and Judy Green, bought it and shipped it to Thailand, where master carvers produced the statue from half the stone. The other half was broken up into smaller pieces and sold to help fund the statue's world tour and to build its final stop, a new temple in Australia.

The Greens named the statue the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace, hoping that all who see it, no matter what their religion, would take a moment to reflect on peace in the world, as well as at home, work and in their own hearts and minds.

Unlike the portly Buddha statues so commonly seen on television, this one is slim and youthful, almost athletic. The designers borrowed from the famous Gautama Buddha in Bodh Gaya, India, where Buddhists believe the founder of their religion found enlightenment in the 4th century B.C.

The Jade Buddha is attracting pilgrims far from the Silicon Valley orbit.

Kim Nguyen drove down Sunday from Ukiah with her two children and planned to return after a few hours of prayer. She found a nook at one end of the temporary temple and sat cross-legged with a strand of prayer beads in her hand.

"This Buddha, this jade, it comes from deep in the ground," she said. "We pray to him for wisdom, to help us live our lives in peace. "

An hour later, she was still at prayer, standing and kneeling on a carpet away from the altar, where the line of pilgrims seemed to only grow longer.

Contact Joe Rodriguez at 408-920-5767.

If You're Going

The Jade Buddha for Universal Peace can be viewed for free at 1980 Senter Road, San Jose, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily and until 12 p.m. Friday. A closing ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. Friday.

Schmuck! Sri Sri Fraud Fraud? (Part 2)

2010-09-03T00:27:00.000-07:00

Personally dealing with a schmuck at work - who is a self proclaimed instructor of Sudharshan Kriya
This guy is an absolute scam, gets by every day using his charm and wit
But is like a feather in the wind - no foundation and sways in any direction where the wind takes him.....not an ounce of integrity, and resorts to all sorts of gimmickry to survive.
If this guy is an instructor who is supposed to be reaping the benefits of the Sri Sri pranayama technique - why isn't he able to bring just a tad more integrity and forth rightness every day?
I have personally experienced what the artoflivingfree blog is proclaimed to the world.
The Sri Sri organization is seemingly composed of such folks.
What more can I say?

Watch out for these luxury gurus of the world - they are just making $$
Amway - aren't these guys like Amway?

The art of living free - Continues

2010-08-21T15:24:00.000-07:00

Check this link out

Sri Sri on blessing New York prior to 911

Kanwariyas

2010-08-16T11:36:00.000-07:00

friends i am going on a plligramage from sultanganj to deoghar by foot a distance of 105 km on 18/08/2010 at 8pm from asansol to sultanganj and from there by foot carring holy ganga jal or water to baba baiyanath dham. BOL BHAM, JAI BABA BAIDYANATH KI JAI. Returning 0n 23 of aug.

Saw this FB posting and it is incredible how much bhakti some folks have for Lord Shiva.
May we all elevate our bhakti and have Shiva Bhakti in our hearts every second of the day - and nothing more

First Monday of Shrawan - August 2nd

2010-08-08T17:09:00.000-07:00

VARANASI: Lakhs of devotees and kanwariyas offered Jalabhishek at the temples of Lord Shiva on the first Monday of Shrawan month.

The city was flooded with saffron clad kanwariyas since Sunday. Apart from kanwariyas other pilgrims also occupied places in the barricaded area along Banspahat and Chawk roads from Sunday night to ensure their entry in the Kashi Vishwanath temple immediately after opening of its doors at wee hours. The queues leading to KVT from Dashashwamedh Ghat and Chawk remained stretched till late in the evening.

The wait for the devotees and kanwariyas standing in queues for reaching KVT stretched when the Yadav Bandhus thronged to offer Jalabhishek. This event started at 8.30 am and continued for two hours. After the completion of this event the doors of temple were closed for Bhog Aarti for one hour. Due to hot and humid weather some of the pilgrims fell ill in the queues while a number of them went impatient. The situation normalised after the doors of KVT were reopened around 12.30 pm. According to ASP (security), Amrendra Pratap the number of devotees, who entered the sanctum sanctorum of KVT, had crossed the mark of one lakh by 6 pm.

Similar crowd was visible at Markandeya Mahadeo, situated on the confluence of Ganga and Gomati rivers, in Kaithi area. Huge gathering of devotees was also visible at Tilbhandeshwar, Mrityunjaya Mahadeo, Kedareshwar, Onkareshwar, Shool Tenkeshwar, KVT in BHU premises and other prominent temples of Lord Shiva.

Apart from imposing ban on the entry of heavy vehicles in city area the men in khaki strictly imposed the traffic diversions inside the city. Tight security arrangements were made near all the prominent temples. The district magistrate, Ravindra and DIG, DK Thakur also camped near KVT to monitor the security arrangements. The cops also exercised hard to control crowd at the ghats along Ganga.

Read more: City celebrates first Monday of Shrawan with full devotion - Varanasi - City - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/City-celebrates-first-Monday-of-Shrawan-with-full-devotion/articleshow/6248909.cms#ixzz0w3wutcGL

From Peter

2010-07-16T22:06:00.000-07:00

Relax the mind...get out of the rat race and view the world ...
See what happens

This is PETER's wisdom derived from Adya's talk

there are different fields of thought, and i am no expert, and there
are definitely some intensive concentration practices...

.Adya came out of
that type of discipline, and he has said many times that he did that until
he was completely exhausted, and that is when things opened up for him....

So again, i don't know if you were able to get on last night and talk to
Adya (i wasn't able to listen) but dropping everything and just resting is
just fine...you will notice as you rest more and more, that even when you
are walking down the street and in this rest state, it doesn't prevent you
from stopping at traffic lights, getting out of the way of cars, or
protecting yourself, in fact it will enhance it. Loch kelly (he has worked
with Adya, though they come out of different disciplines) has been doing
quite a bit of research and cites that in this rest state there is more
information coming in then when the mind is trying to collect information or
concentrate etc. AS the mind tries to understand everything, less
information is getting in (there is more filtering) as we open, and we are
"awareing" more information is coming through, and when the need for
concentration arises, it will happen naturally in this rest state. If a
project needs to be completed, then it will happen....

The more resting one can do, the more awareness becomes the default, as
opposed to the thinking mind...and Maggie, AWARENESS always knows
best....rely on awareness, rely on resting...it may take some time, and some
patience...over time it will become more natural....

best to you,

Om Namah Shivay

2010-05-23T17:43:00.000-07:00

Dwadasha Jyotirlinga

Lord Shiva Miracle

2010-05-16T18:59:00.001-07:00

The Director General of Police, Mr R.R. Girish Kumar, on Sunday expressed awe over the mysterious ways of Lord Shiva.

The DGP, while worshipping at the famous temple of Lord Shiva at Srikalahasti, showed a photograph to the temple authorities and priests, which he had taken while performing Chandiyagam in Srikalahasti in 2008, when he was the additional DGP. The photograph showed a picture of the yagna fire and the flames formed the image of Lord Shiva dancing with a trishul and the Ganga on his head.

The DGP said he was stunned when he saw the photograph he had taken. “I thought I would show it to the temple authorities when I visit Srikalahasti again. It was due to the grace of Lord Shiva that I became the DGP. He is all pervading and his mysterious ways are colossal,” said the police officer.

News of the mysterious photograph soon spread and several devotees tried in vain to get a look at it. The DGP was said to have asked the temple authorities to enlarge the photograph and put it up at the entrance of the main temple.

Mother Teresa's of the daily life

2010-05-10T18:46:00.000-07:00

I salute Eva!

This is an amazing story of a mother Teresa - such selfless dedication, without an ounce of negative emotions.... it just makes us wonder what we would do if we are put into that situation. Once again, the sense of priority - we are driven by the demands of the external world and sometimes forget that if we just take a moment - or two - to help someone in need, that will out-weigh anything substantial we have done over the last year or for that matter over the last decade ...or two.

Why not immerse ourselves in such selfless dedication and give ourselves up for a good cause. Not an easy thing to do - but that in my mind takes real courage.

And...watching HBO's THE PACIFIC...the horrors of war are totally exposed. I wonder what do we gain by entering into a political war, killing thousands - the fallacy of which can be exposed only after six decades? Wonder what is really going on in Iraq and Afghanistan and Pakistan? The pawn movers scarcely know what they are doing, but expose the soldiers to an early death and life long scars for the family. Is that justified?

A bullet in Baghdad, a son's need, a mother's love

By MARILYNN MARCHIONE AP Medical Writer

Posted: 05/08/2010 09:15:54 AM PDT

Updated: 05/08/2010 09:02:08 PM PDT

Click photo to enlarge

In this April 8, 2010 photo, Malerie Briseno, 22, left, talks to... ((AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin))

MANASSAS PARK, Va.—There are mothers who will spend today missing sons and daughters fighting overseas. There are women who have lost children in those wars, for whom Mother's Day will never be the same.

And then there is Eva Briseno.

Joseph Briseno Jr., Eva's 27-year-old son, is one of the most severely wounded soldiers ever to survive. A bullet to the back of his head in a Baghdad marketplace in 2003 left him paralyzed, brain-damaged and blind, but awake and aware of his condition.

Eva takes care of "Jay" in her suburban Virginia home where the family room has been transformed into an intensive care unit, with the breathing machine and tubes he needs to stay alive.

Try to imagine this life.

Each day starts with two hours of bowel care, an ordeal as awful as it sounds. She labors over his body, brushing his teeth, suctioning fluid from his lungs, exercising his limp arms and legs, and turning him every other hour to prevent bedsores.

She sleeps a few hours at a time, when the schedule says it is her turn, often slumped in exhaustion by his side.

She has been out to dinner with her husband, Joseph Sr., once in seven years.

She could have a better life if she put Jay in a nursing home. Or if she went back to using the home health care nurses the government provided. But one looked indifferently without wiping Jay's mouth when he drooled. Others fell asleep on the night shift, inattentive while Jay suffered seizures.

It's hard for a mother to watch such lapses. The nurses don't love Jay. His parents do. So they have chosen to care for him on their own, and you will not find them feeling sorry for themselves—only for him.

A lesser man would leave, Eva says of her spouse, whom she has known since grade school in their homeland, the Philippines. A lesser woman would cringe at the wound care and bodily indignities that Eva has learned to manage for her son, Joseph says.

"I can't walk away from this. She can't. I'm very proud of my wife," he said.

What keeps Eva going is hope that stem cells or some future treatment advance will help her son.

"I do believe in miracles," she says.

Yet desperation clouds her prayers. "Most of the time I ask God if I can take Jay's place," she confesses, unable to suppress a sob.

Hearing his mother, Jay cries too, the tears silently slipping from his blind eyes.

For Eva, the tears began the day Jay shipped out, on his 20th birthday in 2003. He was a student at George Mason University, hoping to become a forensic scientist. He had joined the Army Reserves and was surprised to be called up so soon. Eva took a cake to his unit before he left.

At first, she wasn't very worried: Jay was assigned to civilian work, building community relations. A few months later, the call came. One of those civilians had shot Jay in the back of the head at point-blank range. His spinal cord was shattered, and cardiac arrests led to brain damage that left him unable to see or to speak more than an occasional word.

His family became a mass casualty of the wound.

His parents quit their jobs and drained their savings to take care of him after he came home from hospitals and rehabilitation centers. His younger sisters, Malerie and Sherilyn, help when they can, and Joseph does a big share. But much of the care falls to Eva, a small, doe-eyed woman who weighs 100 pounds to Jay's 147.

At first, she took care of Jay in the basement, using a hoist that some charities provided to lift him into a wheelchair and the shower. But descending those stairs became a descent into hell. After a while, Eva could no longer bear caring for him in that cavelike setting.

So they moved Jay upstairs, surrounding him with white walls, bright flowers and Washington Redskins gear so he will have cheerful things to look at in case he has glimmers of vision the doctors can't detect.

Eva fills his days by reading him news stories, telling him how good he looks and how nicely he is dressed, and playing the "young people music" he likes on the radio. He grins when the Redskins win, or when Linkin Park, Eminem, Jay-Z or Beyonce are on. Others get a grimace.

"He doesn't like Mariah Carey or Kelly Clarkson," Eva laughs.

She reminisces about Jay as a teen who loved track and field, played pranks on his sisters, tested her nerves when he was learning to drive, and hosted parties with friends in that basement she now avoids.

Jay's care requires a schedule with such military precision that trips to the grocery store or to church must be planned two days in advance.

It starts at 6 a.m., when Eva gives Jay medicines, logs his blood pressure and temperature, and begins his bowel care. That involves properly positioning him, giving suppositories and bathing him afterward. If it's not done right, he can suffer obstruction or impaction, and they've been down that road before.

Next comes grooming, and cleaning the breathing tube that attaches to his respirator. By noon, Jay is dressed and into a wheelchair, a lunchtime sludge of nutrients draining into his feeding tube while he listens to the TV. Afternoons bring physical therapy and twice-weekly prayer sessions with a deacon who comes to their home.

At night, they give Jay breathing treatments, empty his urine bag and weigh its contents, because a change in volume can be a sign of trouble.

When taking care of such basic needs in babies, "you see them grow" and have the joy of watching them progress, Eva said. "Now, every day is the same," and the only changes are bad ones, she said, starting to cry again.

A year ago, Jay had a setback and lost the ability to swallow. Two months ago, he suffered a nicked kidney and internal bleeding after an operation for kidney stones.

When the doctors showed Eva his big wound and how to care for it, "I thought at first, 'I cannot do it,'" she said. But again, she rose to the occasion.

The degree of care the Brisenos provide is unusual, said Dr. Mitchell Wallin, one of Jay's doctors and a neurologist at Georgetown University and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

"Most patients in this kind of condition would not be able to live at home," Wallin said. The Brisenos "are doing an incredible job," he said. "They don't take enough breaks. They're almost too dedicated."

Jay's father has a plan: forming his own home health care agency to supply nurses for Jay and other wounded veterans.

"The only way we can move on with our lives is to hire and interview, from the start, these nurses," he said. "One of them straight up told us, 'I'm in it for the money.' We just looked at each other and said, 'You're in the wrong house. You're not coming back here.'"

The Brisenos are proud of their son's service despite the price they all pay for it now.

"This is the effects of war, its effects on families. War is ugly and the American people need to know this," said Jay's father, who spent 17 years in the Army himself.

Eva admits regret but also feels gratitude.

"Probably other mothers regret having their sons or daughters go to war, especially when they come home hurt. It's not easy seeing your child be in this position," she said. "We are so proud of Jay and we thank God every single day that we have him."

———

On the Net:

Brisenos on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/ya5rjfa

also http://www.caringbridge.org/va/jaysjourney/

Motherhood award nominees: http://tinyurl.com/ydnvpus

Charities: http://www.rebuildingtogether.org/

http://www.homefrontonline.com

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Spirits lingering on?

2010-05-10T09:54:00.000-07:00

Was talking to my neighbor who mentioned how the light had turned on in his dad's room, a few minutes before the call from the hospital informing them of the sad demise of his mom.

I have heard of other cases - the TV turning on in the middle of the night.

Is this attributed to the spiritual soul lingering on - before eventually moving onto the next life?

Empty hands - Empty Minds

2010-05-10T09:51:00.000-07:00

My gardener was chatting with me the other day - talked about one of his other clients who finally retired at 75 and immediately lost it - died within the week

It is amazing, how important some of us get used to a 'busy' working mind - and once we lose the motivation, how quickly we slide downhill.

Meditation needs to start early - the earlier the better.
In fact, I truly believe it should start at pre-school, and should be like learning the A, B, Cs.

Nuggets of wisdom

2010-05-05T08:05:00.000-07:00

Nuggets of wisdom can be so easily ignored - cause it gets mixed in with the sludge that is all around us.

There is so much wisdom floating around - some real and some just words...if only we can decipher through to figure out the one that we need. Sometimes, just grabbing one and running with it is all we need. Kinda like Eklavya making a statue his guru and excelling at what he wanted to do.

Earnestness though will help us filter the garbage and focus on the gold nugget. Want it with passion, dream about it and the answers that are floating around us, come together and the puzzle gets solved.

Empty hands

2010-05-04T10:41:00.000-07:00

So what do our empty hands bring into the world?

What do we really bring into this world?
We come in with certain genetics - that dictate - how healthy we are, how athletic we are, how our brain functions, how our memory functions etc etc. No matter what circumstances we are born into, we can get over it with the strength of our genetics
These are qualities gifted upon us - I presume - based on SLAs that we met in our previous life.

We go hay wire almost immediately after...
We spend the next 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 years in collecting material possessions.
We literally beg God to give us ...more and more
We are never satisfied
Take the most gifted athlete, gifted actor, engineer, doctor - they are never satisfied
We want to amass more and more.
There is always unhappiness over something.
We beg to be given meaningless things - that in the big scheme hardly matter.

Our thoughts are spent every minute trying to make this life comfortable - at the risk of squashing our fellow humans - in the race to succeed....our minds racing at break neck speed living in the past and the future - rarely taking the time to dwell in the present. Our minds get so accustomed to living in NOT the moment. At times when our mind is disconnected and we start getting uncomfortable, we prefer to be peering into the blackberries and iphones.

So aren't we missing the purpose?
We have picked up a penny on the road and ignored the $100 bill that is sitting in front of us.
We beg God to give us a promotion - but GOD is the ALL GIVING TREE - ask with the proper heart and it will be given. Why don't we all rise up above our petty issues and ask what is rightfully ours? A janitor will ask God to be given a job where he /she finds clean bathrooms . A business-man will ask for an economy where his income is never impacted and he is able to maintain his house, car, luxuries etc...but if they can really get over their myopic vision - they will ask for the one thing that really matters.

We are focused on something that is almost trivial in nature.

What do we really take with us when we die?
We take good karma.

Aren't we all losing the meaning of life?
Why struggle so much - sweat on things and issues that are essentially meaningless, while ignoring the intended purpose?

Autobiography of Karve Guruji

2010-05-03T20:08:00.001-07:00

If you don't know him - just google him

83-KarveGuruji-AnExposition

Shiva Upasana

2010-05-03T19:04:00.001-07:00

http://issuu.com/swaha/docs/shiva_upaasanaa

http://issuu.com/vimoksha/docs/lord_shiva/3?mode=a_p

How critical is it to meditate?

2010-04-28T08:50:00.001-07:00

Read this

Hanuman Chalisa

2010-04-27T11:27:00.000-07:00

Interesting discussion here

The Hanuman mantras are very effective for all Saturn related problems, for health, to avoid and overcome troubles caused from enemies and to avoid imprisonment. 1. Om Hanumate namah 2. Om namo bhagavate anjaneyaya mahabalaya svaha 3. Om Hanumate rudratmakaya hum phat 4. Om Pavana nandanaya svaha 5. Om Namo bhagavate anjaneyaya amukasyashrinkhala trotaya trotaya bandha moksham kuru kuru svaha 6. Purvakapimukhaya panchamukha haumate tam tam tam tam tam sakala shatru shanharanaya svaha 7. Om pashchimamukhaya garudananaya panchamukha hanumate mam mam mam mam sakala vishahara svaha
8. The powerful Vedic Pooja/Homa mantra of Hanuman is as follows: Om Aim Hreem Shreem
Hanumate Ramadootaya
Lanka vidhwamshanaya
Anjana garbha sambhootaya
Kila kila bhoo bhoo karine Vibheeshanaya
Hanuma devaya
Om Aim Hreem Shreem Hram Hreem Hrom Phat Swaha

Good video with translation - short 5 minutes
Krishna Dad has an amazing voice that resonates

Jyotirlinga Videos

2010-04-25T17:48:00.001-07:00

SOmnath

MALLIKARJUNA

Mahakaleshwar

Bhimashankar

Ramanath

The Spiritual Pyramid

2010-04-24T15:20:00.000-07:00

This morning, for absolutely no reason I was jolted from sleep and reminded how life had taken over and spirituality taken a backseat. I stayed awake for a good portion of the dawn mulling things over.

It seemed to me that perhaps death is only around the corner. This seems like a gnawing recurring suspicion (not a certainty my friends - just a suspicion) as a friend of mine was recently diagnosed with cancer - too young to die - and is currently living through the last few weeks. I have strangely developed an apathy towards this friend - and want things to transpire and be done with. I have developed not so much compassion but have rebelled against this person and want the memory purged. I want no part of anything - feel betrayed for having this friend leave. I wonder what is going through but also have a sense of relief for my friend that someone gets to actually move on, and not have to go through the agony of the inconsequential acts that the day to day living demands from us.

I wonder how I would handle this all? I would just pack my bags and spend the rest of the time in seclusion in search of spirituality? I met this guy in my neighborhood - a senior - and he has already given up on this life. Wants to come back in the next life and find that spiritual truth that he has been reading about and sometimes seeking.

In my somber mood, it dawned upon me that there were a few basic things that have been driving me. And the human needs pyramid has been drilled into gory details, but this is my simplified view.

The years that led into the teens- the lust after toys and comforts of life dominated my thought patterns. That led the desire for $$, to compete, and parents fed into it by driving me to some form of success. The teenage years was a pent up sexual fury - waiting to be unleashed. From this the deep need for love emerged- pure blissful love - dominated the thought patterns. And, as I joined the corporate world, the need to be recognized, praised and perceived as successful took over. And recently, this blog is an example of self -actualization took over. Hard to explain self-actualization - but this is driven by a very ulterior need within our selves - the need to do something and leave our mark behind, perhaps in the community, perhaps in the world...the world being with a million variables, but me picking a particular task to focus upon - as that leads me to the hidden self-actualization that I am seeking.

And finally, spirituality.

And someone who is homeless, is just stuck in the lower rung of the pyramid. Someone who is a big business-man from Masjid bunder is too stuck in the lowest rung - as perhaps intellectually he has not transgressed the boundaries. Some body like Bill Gates or Larry Ellison can have it all - but not have the topmost spiritual triangle and that too is a life not lived to the extent possible. Someone like Marilyn Monroe can have it all she wants - yet miss out on something - that forces her over the brink. Kurt Cobain had it all too and had it too early I suppose.

Myself - I have dipped into them all - with iota of successes in them all - there is some variance in each variable of this equation that defines me. But it still leads to an incomplete me - as I have gratitude at times and absolute unabashed rebellion at other times. To some extent, each variable takes over at different states of my life. Today, I know what dominates me and I have seemingly temporarily discarded the spiritual track. But it only sits in the back-burner. One day, I will turn that on too and focus upon it. But looks like that will have to wait - for better times.

So what do you think of the human needs pyramid? Elementary my Watson?

Is there a God?

2010-04-03T12:16:00.001-07:00

Here is a sign that you just cannot refute in any possible way
There is godliness all around us - the proportions may way.
All we need is to open up the spiritual channels of our selves and we will see it pervade the whole universe...absolutely!

California surfer receives whale of an escort during marathon paddle

By: Pete Thomas, GrindTV.com

When Southern California surfer Jodie Nelson set out Sunday to standup-paddle nearly 40 miles from Santa Catalina Island to Dana Point, she hoped it'd inspire her best friend, who has been involved in a long and exhausting struggle with breast cancer, to keep fighting.

Nelson, 34, whose mother and aunt are cancer survivors, also hoped her nine-hour test of endurance would raise money for two cancer charities and heighten awareness about a plight affecting millions of women.

What Nelson could not have known was that a 30-foot minke whale would swim alongside her 14-foot board and accompany the surfer as she stood and paddled for two of those nine hours, thus joining the cause.

"It was a day that all of us involved will never forget," Nelson said, in reference to Angela Robinson, her best friend, and the rest of a crew aboard an escort boat.

Minke whales are not commonly seen off Southern California, and those spotted by boaters are often elusive. So when a mammal Nelson named Larry joined her endeavor to become the first woman to make this long paddle, she took it as a sign.

"To me it was a total God thing," the San Clemente resident said. "We prayed at 4 that morning that God would reveal his beauty and creation and nature, and allow me to endure this long trek, so for me it's not such a huge surprise that this happened."

Larry did not merely swim close to Nelson. He rolled around repeatedly alongside her and blew bubbles beneath her board. A film crew was on the escort boat and CNN, Fox News and ABC are just some of the networks she says are interested in the story and footage.

Alisa Schulman-Janiger, an American Cetacean Society whale researcher, said minke whales can be friendly but added: "This type of quality encounter is highly unusual."

Nelson raised only about $6,000 in advance of the paddle, disappoingtingly short of her target of $100,000 for the Keep a Breast Foundation and Boarding for Breast Cancer. A few of her celebrity friends let her down, she said, but when this story reaches a national audience she expects the pool to grow considerably.

"I thought, 'I don't need so-and-so,' " she said of a particular celebrity, whom she declined to name. "Because I honestly feel like Larry is going to help us reach the $100,000 mark with our fundraising effort."

Larry or no Larry, completing a standup paddle over 39.8 miles of ocean and sharks speaks volumes about Nelson's strength, stamina and determination.

Larry took her mind off the task for two magical hours, but her mind never strayed from the cause. "I can't even begin to compare what I did to what cancer patients are going through," she said. "But I wanted to put myself out there in a dangerous and scary, overwhelming situation; something that was big and just to show people that you can win that battle with that big, scary thing called cancer.

"I wanted to draw some kind of parallel and just encourage people to keep fighting."

Those wanting to help Jodie with her mission can do so via her page on the Keep a Breast Foundation website.

Photos: courtesy paddlewithpurpose.com

Mission calling - True Seva

2010-04-02T10:19:00.000-07:00

Here is a mission calling from Naryanan

Madurai, India (CNN) -- Naryanan Krishnan was a bright, young, award-winning chef with a five-star hotel group, short-listed for an elite job in Switzerland. But a quick family visit home before heading to Europe changed everything.

"I saw a very old man [eating] his own human waste for hunger," Krishnan said. "It really hurt me so much. I was literally shocked for a second. After that, I started feeding that man and decided this is what I should do the rest of my lifetime."

Krishnan was visiting a temple in the south Indian city of Madurai in 2002 when he saw the man under a bridge. Haunted by the image, Krishnan quit his job within the week and returned home for good, convinced of his new destiny.

"That spark and that inspiration is a driving force still inside me as a flame -- to serve all the mentally ill destitutes and people who cannot take care of themselves," Krishnan said.

Krishnan founded his nonprofit Akshaya Trust in 2003. Now 29, he has served more than 1.2 million meals -- breakfast, lunch and dinner -- to India's homeless and destitute, mostly elderly people abandoned by their families and often abused.

Do you know a hero? Nominations are open for 2010 CNN Heroes

"Because of the poverty India faces, so many mentally ill people have been ... left uncared [for] on the roadside of the city," he said.

Krishnan said the name Akshaya is Sanskrit for "undecaying" or "imperishable," and was chosen "to signify [that] human compassion should never decay or perish. ... The spirit of helping others must prevail for ever." Also, in Hindu mythology, Goddess Annapoorani's "Akshaya bowl" fed the hungry endlessly, never depleting its resources.

Krishnan's day begins at 4 a.m. He and his team cover nearly 125 miles in a donated van, routinely working in temperatures topping 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

He seeks out the homeless under bridges and in the nooks and crannies between the city's temples. The hot meals he delivers are simple, tasty vegetarian fare he personally prepares, packs and often hand-feeds to nearly 400 clients each day.

Krishnan carries a comb, scissors and razor and is trained in eight haircut styles that, along with a fresh shave, provide extra dignity to those he serves.

He says many of the homeless seldom know their names or origins, and none has the capacity to beg, ask for help or offer thanks. They may be paranoid and hostile because of their conditions, but Krishnan says this only steadies his resolve to offer help.

"The panic, suffering of the human hunger is the driving force of me and my team members of Akshaya," he said. "I get this energy from the people. The food which I cook ... the enjoyment which they get is the energy. I see the soul. I want to save my people."

How to nominate a CNN Hero

The group's operations cost about $327 a day, but sponsored donations only cover 22 days a month. Krishnan subsidizes the shortfall with $88 he receives in monthly rent from a home his grandfather gave him.

Krishnan sleeps in Akshaya's modest kitchen with his few co-workers. Since investing his entire savings of $2,500 in 2002, he has taken no salary and subsists with the help of his once-unsupportive parents.

"They had a lot of pain because they had spent a lot on my education," he said. "I asked my mother, 'Please come with me, see what I am doing.' After coming back home, my mother said, 'You feed all those people, the rest of the lifetime I am there, I will feed you.' I'm living for Akshaya. My parents are taking care of me."

For lack of funding, the organization has been forced to halt construction on Akshaya Home, Krishnan's vision of a dormitory where he can provide shelter for the people he helps. Despite the demands and few comforts his lifestyle affords, Krishnan says he's enjoying his life.

"Now I am feeling so comfortable and so happy," he says. "I have a passion, I enjoy my work. I want to live with my people."

Want to get involved? Check out the Akshaya Trust Web site and see how to help.

Tantra

2010-04-01T08:39:00.001-07:00

for all those who feel they have lost faith in tantra mantra dev & devik shakti's,i strongly suggest please read this book-"Tantric siddhiya,Author-Dr. Narayandutt Shrimali,Language-Hindi". the book has detailed mention of ordarnery people who have done some great tantric sadhanas and acheived extra-ordarnery phenomenal success in thier life thru it, each person has described his/her own personal experiences during the sadhana that he/she did.the author Dr. Narayandutt ShrimaliJi is a Guru of highest proficiency in mantra tantra astrology and all ancient Indian sciences.he is regarded as the greatest and most powerfull guru of tantra mantra in the whole world.this book is a eye-opener to all ...

Technology of Spirituality / Khurshed Batliwala

2010-03-17T05:02:00.000-07:00

Be careful of sex gurus - don't be hoodwinked

2010-03-04T19:09:00.000-08:00

Another swami in a sex scandal with a video.
Be careful, **** be very careful* of fake self serving gurus

Fodder for the blogs and the media.

With two of them - with a haram? How spiritual is that? And if it is not, you have to declare it to the world and be open about it. Either have the image of Hugh Hefner or Ramana Maharishi - or be a commoner. There is not a 4th kind. The 4th kind is a fraud

Nine arrested in India holy man sex scandal protest
At the protest against the Swami
Pictures of the holy man were burned at the protest

Nine people have been arrested in south India for vandalising the ashram of a Hindu holy man after TV channels showed him allegedly engaging in sexual acts.

The footage appears to show Nithyananda Swami, 32, in bed with two women.

On Wednesday, angry crowds attacked parts of his ashram near Bangalore in Karnataka state. He was not present and police say his whereabouts are unknown.

The Nithyananda Mission ashram released a statement branding the video "a mix of conspiracy, graphics and rumours".

The ashram says it is part of a global movement for meditation and peace. Several prominent Indian politicians have visited Mr Nithyananda's ashram in the past.

Ashrams attacked

Correspondents say the sex scandal has shocked his devotees and angered locals. The holy man has a huge following in southern India.

"He is a high-flying Swamiji doing fraud on innocent people, he should not be spared," said Kumaraswami, a local villager.

On Wednesday, protesters pelted stones and set fire to huts inside the ashram near the city of Bangalore. Protests were also held at Mr Nithyananda's spiritual centres in neighbouring Tamil Nadu state.

Police have since been posted outside the ashram in Bangalore.

Meanwhile, lawmakers in the Karnataka state assembly have demanded Mr Nithyananda's arrest and called on the government to take over his ashram.

An inquiry has been ordered to find out if he committed any unlawful activities at the ashram.

A group of lawyers in the city of Madras in Tamil Nadu state have also filed a police complaint accusing Mr Nithyananda of obscenity.

Last week it was announced that a self-styled Hindu holy man was being investigated by police in Delhi for allegedly running a prostitution ring.

x slur on S Indian swami

Chennai March 4, 2010

A self-proclaimed godman - popular in southern states for his yoga training and spiritual discourses - was allegedly caught on camera in a compromising position with an actress.

The incident has shocked the nation as it was second such expose within a week after a swami's alleged sex racket was busted in the national capital.

Headlines Today secured a graphic footage allegedly involving Swami Nithyananda in the indecent act. But the explicit details were edited before airing. In the footage, the yoga guru's act was definitely not a yogic pose as he seemed to be seeking favour with two women.

Nithyananda has moved a Chennai court on Wednesday, seeking a restraint order against Sun TV from airing any video footage, images or news about him.

Chennai Police has registered a case against Swami Nithyananda under Section 420 (cheating) of the IPC.

Meanwhile, two teams of Karnataka Police have been sent to Mysore and Thiruvanamalai to look out for the swami.

The swami's visual was initially aired as breaking news by a south Indian TV channel. The graphic visuals show swami with a woman who, the channel claims, to be a Tamil actress starting with the initial 'R'. While the godman's identity can clearly be established, the woman's face is blurred and the identity of the actress is yet to be confirmed.

However, rebutting the charges, Nithyananda Dhyana Peetham spokesperson Nithyasachitananda Swamy termed it a "conspiracy". "This is a mix of conspiracy, graphics and rumour at play in the recent events that have unfolded," he said.

"We are working on a legal recourse of action and will come with updates in due course of time. We wish to assure the lakhs of devotees whose sentiments have been hurt," he added.

But devotees are not convinced. In Coimbatore, the swami's angry followers took to streets and vandalised property. His posters were burnt and ashrams attacked. They said Baba had put them to shame.

Devotee Ramesh said, "It is a shame for the Hindu religion. It is different from Shankaracharya case. The government should hang this fake swamiji and like Taslima Nasreen, this fellow should go out. Meanwhile, Hindu Makkal Katchi is issuing fatwa against him and he will be thrown out of Hindu religion."

If that wasn't enough, raids were conducted across the swami's ashrams. The police have seized 20 kg of sandalwood.

Deputy conservator of forests Geetanjali said, "We have conducted raid inside the Nithyananda Dhyana Peetham and have seized nearly 20 kg of sandalwood pieces. We will take appropriate action against him."

But another faction of the swami's followers remains unfazed. In fact, the Tamil Nadu unit of Shiv Sena also came out in his defence claiming that the visuals were morphed.

Protests against swami

After the sex guru was stung on tape, there was an immediate ripple effect on the ground. Mobs took to the streets in Bangalore.

While his followers were shell-shocked, protests raged outside his ashram. The protesters tore down hoardings of the guru, smashed windowpanes and burnt his effigies.

The activists of Jay Karnataka - an outfit founded by former underworld don Muthappa Rai - ran amok.

Police said they have rushed forces to protect the ashram property. But they were yet to register a case.

Meanwhile, six advocates of Madras High Court have filed a complaint with the Chennai Police commissioner demanding action against the godman.

Who's Swami Nithyananda?
Swami Nithyananda is quite popular in yoga circles. He has followers across the world and runs a number of ashrams in India and abroad. His magnetic charm often works wonders for him, especially when he delivers sermons.

The swami's original name is Rajshekhar and he hails from Tamil Nadu. His spiritual headquarters is based at Dhyana Peetha near Bidadi, about 30 km from Bangalore. From here, he claims to run a worldwide movement on meditation.

Similar ashrams have reportedly been established at Salem, Thiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu. The Swami also has ashrams at Yembalam in Pondicherry, Sathamarai in Rangareddy district in Andhra Pradesh, Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi and Puri in Orissa.

Swami Nityananda is well known for his spiritual discourses and erudite writings in Tamil magazines and English newspapers. His video and audio cassettes and books have found place even in niche bookstores. His 'way-of-life' yoga lessons have been a hit with his foreign disciplines.

Attukal temple - Goddess Bhagavathy

2010-03-01T16:32:00.000-08:00

Collective display of female devotees,
Shakti energy at its finest - happens every year in Kerala.
Should plan on being there

Millions of women throng Kerala festival

Attendance at the festival has grown year after year

By John Mary
Trivandrum, Kerala

India's southern state of Kerala may have hosted the largest gathering of women ever seen on the planet.

Clad in traditional Kerala saris and bearing offerings of food, more than two million women - perhaps more - thronged the state capital Trivandrum on Sunday.

The women braved searing heat to offer a special meal at the Attukal temple to Hindu goddess Bhagavathy - one incarnation of the potent goddesses Kali and Saraswati.

Women howled shrilly, as is the custom at the culmination of this 10-day annual event, and they joined the chief priest in offering their earthenware pots overflowing with rice and jaggery - an unrefined sugar - to the presiding goddess.

They were seeking her blessing for the health and prosperity of their families - and the special meal, known as the pongala, was later distributed among family and friends back at home.

Aerial count

Women howl shrilly as they make their offering

This is a unique festival the size of which is unmatched - the congregation at Attukal temple has grown exponentially over the years.

Such festivities used to be modest affairs and the annual gathering was confined to the temple premises until about 25 years ago.

But once families associated with the temple formed a trust, the festival became more organised, there was more publicity and it attracted women from across the state and even foreign countries.

Guinness Worlds Records certified the crowd strength was 1.5 million when it was assessed for the first time in 1997.

Last year turnout was 2.5 million and this year, according to festival organisers, it was estimated to be 3 million.

Attukal Bhagavathy Temple Trust secretary KP Ramachandran Nair says that from next year an agency associated with the National Geographic channel will conduct aerial surveys for a more scientific headcount.

It is an elaborate logistical feat: almost 3,000 police, 600 of them women, were on duty around the clock. Two hundred priests positioned themselves at different points to sprinkle holy water on the pongala. Fifty portable toilets were also provided.

Tearful devotees

At Sunday's mass offering, the ceremonial cooking began at 1015 local time (0445 GMT). The chief priest lit up the main hearth in front of the temple.

There is nothing like this anywhere else in the world. It is amazing the way a whole city makes arrangements for women to make this offering

Diane Jennet, devotee

Smoke billowed from hundreds of thousands of temporary hearths and hung above the city.

Tearful women swayed to the chanting of mantras, invoking the blessing of the goddess until next year's festival.

Popular Malayalam television actress Chippi was also present: "I've lost count of the number of times I've participated in the pongala festival.

"And why I do it is because I am sure Attukalamma [the mother goddess] will take care of me and family till I come back next year."

Not everyone manages to make their offering close to the temple: many had to set up hearth wherever they could.

People who live near the temple host dozens of women to cook the pongala. One retired professor of English, MS Hema, hosted more than 100 friends and relatives at her home.

The size of the women's festival is unmatched

Among her guests was Dianne Jennet, who has been coming every year since 1997 from San Francisco. The collective spirituality she observed in female devotees at Attukal became the subject of of her PhD dissertation back in the United States.

"It's difficult to explain. I just develop this desire to make the journey every year. Pongala is all about community, devotion and equality.

"There is nothing like this anywhere else in the world. It is amazing the way a whole city makes arrangements for women to make this offering. Nobody could imagine shutting down San Francisco for a day, blocking the vehicles for a women's gathering," she said.

The legend goes that Bhagavathy once visited the spot where the temple stands today on the banks of the Killiyar river.

The goddess, in the guise of a girl, sought the help of the head of a local family to cross the river. He helped her - but she vanished soon after.

In the ancient religious texts, Bhagavathy is said to annihilate evil and protects the good in this world - she grants every wish of her devotees. This is also the fervent hope of the women who come year on year.

At the end of the ceremony a small plane hovered above the masses showering flowers.

It was the end to a tiring but spiritually nourishing session. Devotees picked up their belongings and boarded buses and trains to head home.

Today is Shiva Ratri

2010-02-12T08:54:00.000-08:00

(From Rahul)

As Devout Hindus gather to propitiate Lord Shiva
(Who is the most easiest and most readily pleased and Hence also known as Asutosh among His Many Names)

Here is a darshan of the 12 Jyotirlingas for Shiva

devotees everywhere

Wishing you all the best for Mahashivratri celebrations and observances everywhere ...

Also attached is a PDF file (Shiv Rudrayamala)which also contains the 1008 names of Shiva for recitation ...

And finally the ShivStotram (an mp3 file) which can be downloaded from
http://www.vedamant ram.com/ A treasure house of vedic mantras in mp3 format

And here is the link for direct download http://www.vedamantram.com/audio/ shivastotram. mp3

And in conclusion another treasure house of vedic mantras with proper pronounciation at http://www.astrojyoti.com/shivamp3l ist.htm

and especially the Shiv Panchakshara Stotra at http://www.astrojyoti.com/shivapanc haksharistotram. htm

ShivaRatri is on Feb 12th - Magh Purnima was last night

2010-01-30T09:46:00.001-08:00

get ready for upcoming Shiva Ratri...
SHIVA KALPA ===========
This is typically conducted during Magh Purnima** (Jan 30th) prior to ShivRatri till Phalgun Shukla (i.e Feb 15th) - 15 days

Or Any months Pradosh

Gaurishwar Shiva Sadhana
Hreem Om Namah Shivaay Hreeng
This is for Complete prosperity, beauty and peace at home Face Uttar Disha

Indrayshwar Shiva Sadhana
Om Hroum Hreem Namah Shivay
Paaapmukti - to free yourself from sins

Shiddheswar Shiva Sadhaana
Om Shreem Monvaaanchhitam Dehi Om Om Namah Shivay
Manokaaaamna Poorti Haytu - to fulfill desires (uttar Disha)

Brihaspatishwar Shiva Sadhana
Om Shreem Namah Shivaaay Om Shreem
Addhyatmik Unnatii, Moksha Praptee, Shastra Gyan, Shiva Darshan (only morning, uttar ya Purva)

Pingaleshwar Shiva Sadhana
Om Hreem Gloum Namah Shivaaay
Illness

MahaKaleshwar Shiva Sadhana
Om Joom Sah Paalay Paalay Sah Joom Om
For Self protection and victory

Pushpadantayshwar Shiva Sadhana
Om Hreem Hroum Kaarya Siddhim Namah Shivay
Sarva Karya Siddhu Haytu (for success in your ventures)

(Translation of Directions/DISHA: UTTAR is NORTH, DAKSHIN SOUTH, PURAV EAST, PASCHIM WEST) Thanks, SHIVA BHAKTA

**Magh Purnima is the full moon day in the Hindu month of Magh (January – February). Magha Poornima 2010 date is January 30. Magha, or Maghi, is mo nth during which the famous Kumbh Mela and the annual Magh Mela takes place at Sangam in Prayag or Allahabad. The day is considered highly auspicious by the Hindu devotees and thousands of people converge at Sangam in Allahabad to take a dip in the holy waters.

It is believed that Vishwamitra II performed the ritual bath during the Kumbh Mela on a on a Magh Purnima in 2382 BCE. Magh Purnima is an important bathing date during the Kumbh Mela and the Magh Mela.

Food Rules

2010-01-27T23:22:00.000-08:00

FOOD RULES
# Don't eat anything your great grandmother wouldn't recognize as food. "When you pick up that box of portable yogurt tubes, or eat something with 15 ingredients you can't pronounce, ask yourself, "What are those things doing there?" Pollan says.

# Don’t eat anything with more than five ingredients, or ingredients you can't pronounce.

# Stay out of the middle of the supermarket; shop on the perimeter of the store. Real food tends to be on the outer edge of the store near the loading docks, where it can be replaced with fresh foods when it goes bad.

# Don't eat anything that won't eventually rot. "There are exceptions -- honey -- but as a rule, things like Twinkies that never go bad aren't food," Pollan says.

# It is not just what you eat but how you eat. "Always leave the table a little hungry," Pollan says. "Many cultures have rules that you stop eating before you are full. In Japan, they say eat until you are four-fifths full. Islamic culture has a similar rule, and in German culture they say, 'Tie off the sack before it's full.'"

# Families traditionally ate together, around a table and not a TV, at regular meal times. It's a good tradition. Enjoy meals with the people you love. "Remember when eating between meals felt wrong?" Pollan asks.

# Don't buy food where you buy your gasoline. In the U.S., 20% of food is eaten in the car.

Restrictions on Neivedam? by Ramesh K

2010-01-26T06:35:00.000-08:00

Lord Shiva is the most easily pleased. He accepts everything from His
devotees. Only thing required from the offering is love and devotion. These
are some of the neivedhyams He accepted..!!

1. The foot mark of Kannappa when he placed it on the Shiv Linga.
2. The water he took on his mouth as abhisheka
3. The meat he bought, after carefully selecting them by tasting it himself.
4. The pooja done by the Snake, Spider and Elephant in SriKalaHasti
5. Stones, offered by a Nayanar when he did not find flowers to offer.

So there is only one requirement to Lord Shiva pooja. It is love and
devotion. He is such a benevolent and merciful lord. After all, we do these
poojas to purify ourselves, isn't it?

Fruits can be offered. Cooked rice or anything offered with love is
sufficient enough.

There is an interesting story in the Mahabharata. Arjuna visits the Shiva
Loka where he finds the Bootha Ganas carrying heavy loads of flowers in a
big line. He thought to himself 'great is this bhakti of the one, who offered so much
of flowers to the lord, I wonder who is he?'

He asked one of the Ganas and he was astounded by their reply. It was his
dear brother Bheemasena, they replied.

He wondered 'Bheema?!! The one who eats all the time and shouts 'war, war,
war'...I have never seen him doing any sort of such pooja?!!

The Ganas replied 'He offers these flowers to the Lord through his mind
itself, in the middle of all his activities and thats why you see so much of
flowers piled up. Please forgive us, we don't have time to talk to you as
there are many more piles that needs to be taken..!

Shiva Ratri is on February 12th....

2010-01-11T23:49:00.001-08:00

Comments to Meghana Sharma's article about Sri Sri Fraud Fraud

2010-01-11T13:56:00.000-08:00

From here

This is nothing but mass hypnosis, what you so called “believers” are actually experiencing. Just the same way the masses felt that Lord Ganesha’s statues were actually drinking milk, back in the nineties. When people start using their own brain to think, they do not need these highly commercialized (and copyrighted?) swamis to show them the way. Conquer you mental weaknesses and you will so how fake these guys really are. Being one of his zombies was not the why God brought you into this world. The the only grace that we feel, is the grace of God.

***********

You do not need to be in anyone else’s embrace if you are in god’s grace, and to connect with almighty you don’t need anyone’s help either. Just remember that god is always with you (for free of any charge or fee). So wake up HUMANS!!!!

***********

Dear Meghana,

You are doing a great service by keeping this website up and defending your stance. The internet is flooded with all kinds of propaganda about ssrs and very few articles that give an opposing opinion.

BTW, I am a former Art of Living teacher, and after many years of “service” to the org, I managed to see the light and escape with my sanity in tact. There are other teachers like me, and you can read their stories on the following blog:

http://artoflivingfree.blogspot.com/

Peace.

***********

Meghana,
I have done AOL courses and now I left the organization because I do not like their many things -
1. In AOL, the person who come to Basic and other courses are considered as ‘lucky’ ‘chosen one’ and if some one is not interested in joining course after repeated attempts by volunteers, he is considered as Unlucky and BECHARA. (This is told by Advance course teacher)
2. Everything is sold at much higher price, let it be books, CDs, Ayurvedic products, phots of Ravishankar etc. and the reason given that the money is used for charity. Why don’t keep the price of above things at lower side to make it affordable to more people. Isn’t this a charity?
3. It is encouraged that only bringing more and more people to course is only Seva.
4. I have experienced a brain washing program to give more and more donations.
5. Various magic stories about Ravishankar is spread by Teachers and Some volunteers. Many people attracted because of such rumors.
6. The most interesting thing I experienced that, many teachers and volunteers who are with AOL for many years and listening to Knowledge and doing Sudarshan Kriya regularly, are always keep smiling. But, during many situations, I have seen the smile is replaced by hate, anger, jealousy, competition etc. The reason is that, they are supposed to smile because they are in AOL. But, this has suppressed the negative feeling, AND NOT REMOVED THE NEGATIVE FEELING BY KNOWLEDGE AND YOGA. The reality of character comes into play in some adverse situations.
They think themselves superior to others who are not in AOL.

These are my first hand experience.
I have still good relations with the volunteers of AOL on personal level though I have left the organizations.
My view is if someone is feeling better in AOL, let him remain with it. Respect his views.

***********

I have done my TTC 1 course in AOL, and several more. Recently got a call for doing TTC 2 but found myself politely declining (my soul seems to be want to break free from groups and orgs).

Personally, I found the AOL courses good and interesting, helpful too. However, I find now that the group members generally appear to forget spirituality and concentrate on registering more and more folks to the course. I have been in the ashram and have not seen any malpractices myself. But this incessant, feverish lookout for ‘bakras’ to take the course really irks me. Even satsangs seem to be an excuse to talk about money. So I have stopped attending aol activities.

However, I cannot judge. Nor do I want to judge- the guru. On the contrary, I feel that many teachers do not understand the basic tenets of spirituality themselves. So they become feverish about the cause forgetting Krishna’s words in the Bhagavad Gita (karmanyeva adhikarasthe ma phaleshu kadachana). We are not the do-ers.

That said, I wish the organization well, for surely at least pockets are doing good service and it started with a wonderful cause. I guess every organization has its lifecycle, its phases. Perhaps AOL will bounce back to the simple, straight, and sincere org that it once used to be. (Just my two cents.)

Sri Sri a fraud fraud?? ??

2010-01-11T13:18:00.000-08:00

Meghana is one fire-cracker
Taking on the whole AOL organization - one woman against the whole organization.
She has the real spiritual charge of Shakti behind this ...
You go girl....we need more of the likes of her.
Pretty interesting fanatical perspectives from the AOL gang - does not do the organization proud at all.
Posted from here

Is Sri Sri a fraud fraud?

What the heck do we know? We’re just mortal human beings and he is “his holiholiness”

Posted by meghana_sharma | Posted in Others | Posted on 30-09-2009

Tags: fraud, guru, Maharishi, scam, Sri Sri Ravishankar

31

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar seems to be one of India’s biggest export products these days. His popularity already being huge in India itself, many positive reports in several (above all American) media outlets make the guru hugely popular world wide. His popularity reminds us of other best seller gurus before him, like Maharishi or Osho. But these examples in turn remind us perhaps that we should be cautious when it comes to multi-millionaire gurus.

Sri Sri

Osho (formerly Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh) of course tops the fraudulent and hypocritical gurus having 96 Rolls Royces while he told his sannyasins were told to renounce attachment to possession. It only takes a little research instead of blind reverence to find a lot of information about how neither him nor his ashrams were quite like he pretended. The whole ‘free love’ idea that gave him the name of ‘guru of the vagina’ didn’t quite work out all the time, he probably was addicted to laughing gas for a certain while and his organization, while based in Oregon, was even linked to murder cases.

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was less flamboyant, but is nevertheless put heavily under criticism, not in the least for the question who benefits from the million dollar industry surrounding his persona. The Maharishi got his incredible fame because of his association with the Beatles. Although the Beatles turned away from Maharishi, and in a rather controversial way, his popularity did not wane. One of his following pupils would be none other than Ravi Shankar. This Ravi Shankar would later give himself the honorific title of Sri (’revered’ or ‘holy’) and double it to make a distinction between himself and the famous sitar player with the same name.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is nonetheless very silent about his own guru Maharishi. The Beatles guru is not mentioned on his personal official website or the website of his “Art of Living foundation” – although this is kind of a give away, since the book that introduced Maharishi’s Transcendental Meditation to the world was entitled: “The Science of Being and The Art of Living”.

It is in itself questionable why a guru does not mention his own guru. It is only normal in Hindu spirituality to trace one’s lineage of Guru’s, like in the case of Paramahansa Yogananda, the founder of the Self-realization fellowship who was, besides Vivekananda, the first guru to bring modern Yoga and Indian spirituality to the United states.

Perhaps the rumors on the net are true and Shankar is very disappointed because Maharishi Mahesh Yogi strongly and publicly renounced him after his departure. Or perhaps Sri Sri Ravi Shankar doesn’t mention his guru because of the controversies surrounding the Maharishi. Such a stain in the image does indeed not go well with the overall clean-ness and pure-ness his sites and publications want to attach to Shankar.

To retain that image of being impeccable, much of the history of the founder is clouded in pure mystery. Again and again one can only find the official story of how Sri Sri as a little boy of four already recited the Bhagavadgita, how he had a physics degree at seventeen, and how he discovered Sudarshan Kriya in 1982.

Sudarshan Kriya is supposed to be the thing that makes Shankar so different. Many disagree on this point. The website of Art of Living says “Sudarshan kriya is a completely natural process that was cognized by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar during divine meditation”. Others claim it is simply old Yoga techniques rolled into a new and more commercial package.

In any case Sri Sri Ravi Shankar had “Sudarshan Kriya” registered it as a trademark – though this move makes it more funny than different. When reading web pages about Sri Sri’s spirituality, all of the sudden a copyright sign is seen every time Sudarshan Kriya is mentioned. It is strange for somebody who does not care for ‘worldly matters’. He himself says he had to register the trademark, because otherwise others would have done it, and made profit on his expense. But perhaps he simply learned if from his own Guru once again, as it is again something the Maharishi has done before him when trademarking transcendental meditation.

Transcendental meditation is centered around the extremely old practice of chanting mantra’s. Sudarshan Kriya is centered around the extremely old Yoga breath exercises. In both cases, although their respective promoter-gurus claim the opposite, there’s nothing new under the sun.

The art of living foundation and Shankar of course say that you have to really try and do it before you can realize what is so different. But trying it would imply paying quite a lot of money for the courses offered at the Ashram or several centres around the world. Those who choose not to pay and to just observe it from a distance see no difference with other breathing exercises that are used in older Yoga forms, in rebirthing exercises or in some of the many Osho meditations one can try at the Osho resort.

Also in the claims of its effects the Art of Living foundation goes through great lengths to show what is so special about it, but for somebody with a bit of background into yoga or meditation in general, they absolutely fail in that effort. When they’re programs promise reducing stress, reduction of depression, peace of mind and serenity, better health and well being, increased energy and stamina, making you more self-aware, harmonious relations at home and work, and so on, you can not help but wondering: in what way do they offer anything different than any other form of meditation?

Pupils from every guru and adepts of every form of meditation make the same claims as to how the encounter with the person or meditation changed their lives. From more self-confidence over energetic awarenesses to more health. And of course they claim so, as these things have exactly been the point of doing Yoga ever since its origin many many centuries ago. Sudarshan is no different in that respect.

Even the claim that it could help against cancer and aids has already been made by the other Indian export product in guruism: Ramdev. In the case of Ramdev the Indian Ministry of Health government of India stepped in to rebuke the claim. Ramdev replied that his idea was misrepresented. He believed that Yoga and Ayurveda together can alleviate the suffering from aids, not cure it. In order to escape from further legal consequences he distanced himself from some over the top claims made by some of his ‘admirers’. It was nonetheless this kind of ‘admiration’ and the propaganda about the miraculous powers of the guru, his yoga and his products that proved to be the perfect marketing strategy to make his ayurvedic business very lucrative.

Unlike Ramdev, but just like Maharishi, Ravi Shankar loves to provide a huge amount of scientific research that backs up his claims about Sudarshan Kriya. On his website you can find many links to scientific articles that are supposed to proof the effectiveness of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga. The studies seem to indicate for example that it helps against depression, and that it brings better antioxidant status and lower blood lactate levels.

But, if one takes a close look, it actually does not seem to show what is so amazing about Sudarshan Kriya. Both lower lactate levels and better antioxidant status for example might simply be attributable to a better breathing pattern of the subjects and not so much to Sudarshan particularly. Depression on the other hand is something that exists in many possible forms and of which some as well are in general helped (not cured – as the articles also do not say the Yoga is a direct cure) by learning to control the mind, which again is a general outcome of any meditation.

On top of it, the research on the effect of Sudarshan on cancer does not say that Sudarshan helps against cancer because of some ‘energetic effect’, but simply because the breathing exercises seemed to help smokers to quit. “This result could mean that regular practice might reduce the incidence and progression of cancer” because of “a reduction in tobacco consumption.” The less people smoke, the less cancer they will have. Sounds logical. Nothing mysterious here. Meditation is not a miraculous healer. Learning to breath properly just helps people to leave of smoking. It should not surprise therefore that the same study researched both Sudarshan and Pranayama and concluded that they both helped just as much.

On top of it, when one turns from those research articles back to the normal web pages of the Art of Living, it is amazing to see how all the ’scientificness’ has all of the sudden gone. On the Sudarshan Kriya page it says that “this unique breathing practice is a potent energizer. Every cell becomes fully oxygenated and flooded with new life. Negative emotions that have been stored as toxins in the body are easily uprooted and flushed out.” What might ‘a potent energizer’ be in scientific terms? Energy in scientific terms is not the prana of the Yoga terms. And how does a concept like ‘new life’ relate to oxygenation of blood? Oxygenation is simply a chemical term describing the amount of oxygen in the blood. And what on earth are ‘the toxins’ that store ‘negative emotions’ in the body? A proper scientific research proving the existence of those would surely be very hard to find.

The research the Art of Foundation mentions is therefore not at all linked to the concepts that the organization uses in advertising its products. The wording all of the sudden becomes an obvious case of pseudo-scientific language when they explain it in their ‘own’ terms.

Thus, if Shankar’s Sudarshan Kriya helps, it’s because the control of breathing through Yoga helps. What is so wondrous about that? It has been known in India for thousands of years.

So what is the difference between Shankar and others. It is not the fact that he is a famous guru – many have been before him – it is not his message – because that as well sounds very similar to those before him – and it is not the technique – for many techniques do the same. Some critics claim it is the immensely good PR department behind him that helps him to (literally) sell his Sudarshan to the whole world. He’s a better businessman than the others, they say.

Supporters of Ravi will reply time and again that those critics should stop attacking ‘his holiness’ without real arguments and should look at what he has done for the world. And indeed one of the difference with Shankar and the other gurus exported to the west seems to be his emphasis on development work.

But when one again has a deeper look at the types of development work Shankar and the Art of Living is engaged in, some questions can again be raised. His organization splits up in many branches of which one is the “International Association for Human Values” that was set up together with the Dalai Lama. The real structure behind all these organizations is not really comprehensible and it is very difficult to get a decent overview of the whole.

Not minding about the structure, one can just look at the immense variety of development work the whole of the organization is supposed to be involved in. Trauma relieve after the earthquake in Kashmir or the Tsunami in Tamil Nadu, women empowerment courses, rural development, prisoner rehabilitation, youth education, promoting ayurvedic medicine, and so on make up an impressive list of which one can not help but wonder how it is possible to all be set up by one man.

One thing makes it more comprehensible: in most of the different problems they simply bring the same ’solution’: Sudarshan Kriya. Whether it is people having no homes after an earthquake, women that have to be empowered to face their suppression in male dominated societies, inmates in jails that need to refocus their lives or rural kids that need education, the art of living comes to teach them their meditation practices so that they can be relieved from their ’stress’ and ‘fears’.

What else the Art of Living does is a bit of a mystery when watching the promotional video’s. Most of those consist of interviews with people like kids in Kashmir or inmates in South Africa, after a Sudarshan session who say they feel ’so much more relieved’ now. Whether they are also materially and/or socially relieved from the situation that put them in their ’stressful’ situation is not known.

Anyone a bit involved in development work knows how slow it goes, how much time and effort it takes. Anyone a bit experienced in the difficulty of thorough development initiatives that have a bit of a lasting effect knows that it is rather impossible to reach “30,000 villages through personal interactions, teachings and humanitarian initiatives and to reach out to an estimated 300 million people worldwide.” like Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s personal website states.

Certainly when you consider that Shankar himself is not involved in really leading the development work. He himself is conducting classes, giving lectures and traveling all over the world.

Some of the other efforts of the Art of Living foundation therefore involve Ravi Shankar personally meeting with and talking to leaders of various religious and political groups. But the depth of these talks is also questionable as he invariably proposes those leaders the same message: more peace through more friendly dialog and breathing techniques. Nothing concrete but simply a good emphasis on “love, peace and understanding” that should do the trick apparently.

Armed with this advice, Shankar headed for Iraq, and somebody in America got the idea of sending Iraqis to Shankar’s Ashram in Bangalore, India. Official reason: reduction of the trauma of the war and more empowerment of the women so that they can go back and lead their communities. To achieve this, once again, in the video news reports we could see how this translates in Shankar or his pupils teaching Sudarshan Kriya as a solution to the ’stress’ and the ‘problems’ of the Iraqis. As if the post-war situation of Iraq is comparable to the problems of an American house wife who has difficult kids in their puberty.

This oversimplification was very apparent when Shankar was in Iraq and gave an interview to CNN. He said he wanted to bring non-violence like Mahatma Gandhi and that he wanted the several parties to simply talk to each other peacefully instead of drawing arms. But that exactly showed how little he knew really of Mahatma Gandhi. The Mahatma for one had understood that the parties ‘not being able to talk’ was exactly the problem. The Mahatma at certain points knew that proposing a ‘peaceful dialog’ was simply ludicrous. At those moments Gandhi would resort to non-violent civil disobedience.

Not with flower power peaceful words did the Mahatma try to win independence, but with strenuous action. Non-violent, but with action nonetheless, and not with words or meditation. Gandhi understood the ’stress’ of the Indians not to be simply a spiritual problem but to be a material, social, political as well as a spiritual problem. If Gandhi had simply told people to meditate to get rid of their ‘anger’, he would not have gotten far in all likelihood, because it certainly was not only ‘anger’ they had to get rid of.

If Sri Sri Ravi Shankar therefore is proposed for the Nobel Peace Prize – a prize which the Mahatma never received although he was five times nominated – it makes one wonder where and how he exactly is creating peace.

His own guru, Maharishi, once went to Pinochet to propose to the dictator that if only he and others in his country would meditate twenty minutes in the morning and twenty minutes in the evening everybody would be better off and get closer to world peace. The future showed that perhaps Pinochet just didn’t listen to well. But perhaps such an effort is also simply not very effective or comparable to the efforts of Martin Luther King, Desmond Tutu or Nelson Mandela and as such not really worthy of being given a Nobel Peace Prize for it. In Maharishi’s case nobody considered to do so.

In Maharishi’s case, just like Osho’s for example, public controversies made it of course obvious that he was a bit ‘bogus’ and ‘dodgy’. In Shankar’s case the critics do not often come up with anything concrete to pin on Ravi Shankar and unmask him as a fraud, except personal stories of individual encounters and experiences.

His very commercial New Age image is far from a crime and does not at all take away the possibility that he might be genuinely wishing well for his followers and the rest of the world.

But, as the previous analysis has shown, there is certainly enough grounds for reasonably doubt as well. So he might just as well be a man on search of money, fame and glory through Guruism. His blatant exaggerations and mystifications in presenting himself and Sudarshan Kriya seem at least to point in that direction.

Or he might be a bit a fraud and a bit genuine. Again, he wouldn’t be the first in that sense either.

In any case, the whole world should by now have enough memories of encounters with various guru’s that are at least be a bit suspicious in certain cases. Certainly in cases like Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s, because it involves many many millions of dollars of which nobody really seems to know where they’re going to.

So to use a spiritual word that for once was not exported out of India, it remains to be seen and heavily investigated whether Ravi Shankar is “kosher” enough to be given the Nobel Peace Prize or even the title of Sri, and certainly when using it in double.

Padma's Miraculous Spiritual experience

2010-01-05T18:11:00.000-08:00

Here is Padma's Miraculous experience

Om Namah Shivaya!!!

My name is Padmaa and I am from Bangalore, India.

The reason why I am writing to you is, basically I was looking around for some source on the internet or some Tiruvannamalai ardent devotee that I can share a particular photograph with...........the photo is from my first and recent visit to the holy town of Tiruvannamalai.

I suppose you are familiar with Girivalam and must have undertaken it it plenty of times...My first visit to TVM with my husband was in June this year - though I have heard much about TVM since 2 years prior. Hopefully, this first trip is just the first of many more happy visits to come.

We went on girivalam too and I must say we did not quite know the rules. We did as our hotel staff advised us....barefoot, etc. but we started at the road which forks at about 4 km from the big temple. We were told that girivalam has to start and end at the same place.....and need not necessarily begin at the main temple.....and since we were staying at a hotel close to the forked road, we started our girivalam at the Ganesha temple which is right on the fork of the 2 roads. I carried lamps from home before my trip and went about lighting them at each of the temples until I finished my stock of lamps. Everything about TVM feels very cleansing and uplifting......

I have an interesting photograph taken this point, where we started girivalam....the Ganesha temple.....maybe it can be scientifically explained ....I am not sure. There was something like a rainbow light coming from the temple....I am unable to explain it well...but the photo shows something at this particular temple.

But in my experience with my personal digicam.....having clicked about 3500 snaps so far.....I have not seen anything like this on any photos, although I have clicked real rainbows many times during my travels.

Would you like to have a look at it, please? And maybe publish it on one of your blogs or writings on TVM and the girivalam? If yes, I will mail the photo to you once I hear back from you.

Much peace and joy to you and your family,

Padmaa

Miraculous / Spiritual experience of Sanjay

2010-01-05T18:07:00.000-08:00

Here is Sanjay Sharma - who has a miraculous experience to narrate

How are you ?
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 ?
Sanjay Sharma

A wish to see Lord Shiva

2010-01-05T15:01:00.000-08:00

Om Namah Shivay

That is all you need to say....say it everyday. Every second of your day.

Close your eyes and imagine that Lord Shiva is next to you and you are hugging him

It will happen for sure

*******************

Iam a man of 24 years of age. My full name is Nibin. I have a wish. I want Lord Shiva to appear before me. When He appears before me, I like Him to give me a hug and I also like Him to adopt me as His own son. Would you please tell me that what should I do to attain this?

Yours faithfully,

Nibin

Thoughts of another Shiva Bhakta

2010-01-05T08:46:00.000-08:00

(This is a posting by Malik)

Om Namah Shivaya, me to a shiva baktha,feeling happy to share the things with another shiva baktha.

At the age of 20 itself i had been granted a bless from almighty god shiva.Still that time i dont know what god is really and just following rituals what my parents do.

with that bliss,I came to know what shiva was,at 21 i am worshipping shiva with another gods and treated him equally with vishnu,brahma and devi,and came to know

that he was supreme than vishnu and brahma.At the age of 22 as a worshipper of god shiva i also used to worship devi equally with him (rajarajeshwari wife of god shiva).

I got blessing from godess also at the age of 23 and that godess, as i am a true shiva baktha , she has taken me one more stage up to devotion of shiva.At that stage i realized that

Aadi para shakti nothing but(Rajarajeshwari) will aslo get orders from shiva and just follow what shiva will tell.

From that age (middle of 23) to present (last of 24) almost 18 months i had collected many information about shiva and different religions.

and noticed the following.

1) There is one and only one god in the universe that is shiva.

2) vishnu or ram or balaji, brahma are nothing but messengers of god shiva,or we can say near to god shiva (we should also worship them as an amsa of shiva)

3) Devi is close to almighty god shiva the godess will watch the shiva baktha and keep some test up on him or her and

make near to shiva (so to reach shiva we should also worship devi).

And also i collected many articles about god shiva and different religions

1) Muslims worship to Allah, Allah is nothing but shiva.Actually mecca is a hindu temple not a masjid and kaaba a stone which muslims

worship is a shiva linga which is there in mecca. And Prophet Muhammed was a kalki avatar of vishnu.

I had a proof for thge above articles and information .

2) Christians also indirectly pray to shiva as form of yahova and jesus is nothing but son of god shiva who is

nothing but god "Skanda Kumara" or "subramanyam swami".

3) And Tajmahal is nothing but ana shiva temple which people used to pray to almighty shiva in the form of "Tejomaya".

I had many artiucles about all religions and many issues and also had many proofs about it.

Want to know more about me and articles just send me a mail.

Feeling proud to be a shiva baktha.And was happy to get this much knowledge about shiva and become nearer to god shiva .

I worship shiva daily and getting the divinity to reach his abode.

"Every Jeeva is Shiva"

Thanking You,

Shiva baktha.

Hara Hara Mahadeva Sambho Shankara.

Parameshwaram Sarveshwaram Visveshwaram Shivam..