SANATHANADHARMA, YET ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE. (By M.P.R.NAIR)

OHM NAMO BHAGAVATHE VASUDEVAYA:     Little Introduction: The entire edifice of Indian philosophical thought, known as ‘Sanathana Dharma’ is founded firmly on Vedas. It is the perennial wisdom of ages. Vedas are the original Scriptures of Hindu teachings, and contain spiritual knowledge encompassing all aspects of our life, also for the mankind in general. They can be really supposed to be the basic constitution of all religions. Humans did not compose it and hence it is known as ‘apourusheya’. They have stood the test of time. ‘Veda’ means wisdom, knowledge or vision. The laws of Vedas regulate the social, legal, domestic, and religious customs of the Hindus to the present day. All the obligatory duties of the Hindus at birth, marriage, death etc. owe their allegiance to the Vedas. The Vedas are mainly compiled by Vyasa Krishna Dwaipayana around the time of Lord Krishna.Sanathana Dharma, embracing Vedas, draw forth the thought of successive generation of thinkers, and so from time to time according as the situation demands, essential things are added on to it, unnecessary things are made obsolete from it and requisite modifications suitable to the time are brought to it periodically to keep it always new, fresh and most useful to man, without even any damage to its pristine glory. It is handed down through generations by the word of mouth from time immemorial by ‘Mantradrashtas’ or Rishis of the yore, as ordained. It is very strong and everlasting. No one can destroy it. Since it is intended for the well being of all people on the mother Earth, hopefully one day the whole world will accept it, irrespective of caste, creed or color, as a panacea. If the world is to live in peace and prosperity, it is also absolutely essential to propagate and cherish Sanathana Dharma. I believe that as long as Sanathana Dharma is there, nothing will happen to Hinduism, whatever may be done against it by anyone, since they are one and the same. We need not worry much about that, provided we trust, imbibe and follow its doctrines strictly, and put it into practice truly, sincerely and with dedication.Sanathana Dharma has numerous connotations. Literally Sanathana Dharma may mean eternal righteousness. It is really Vedic Dharma. Dharma denotes duty. Dharma also means virtues, righteousness, natural laws, giving alms, sa`th etc. There is also a famous axiom, ‘Dharmo rakshathi, rakshitha’, meaning, one who protects Dharma, is protected by Dharma. “Ahinmsā Paramo Dharma”, meaning, non-violence is the chief of all Dharmas. Any type of cruelty is also considered as Adharma. ‘Dharmam chara’ is used to mean Practice righteousness -- act according to your Dharma. Now, Dharma is a complex word with innumerable meanings.Sanathana Dharma, a perennial philosophy, is supposed to be the breath of Lord, and hence it is natural and ubiquitous and hence people who love Sanathana Dharma, love nature also. It extols love towards God and hence it is Supreme Dharma, by which the heart of man achieves his highest welfare. It is Eternal Faith. It embodies all ancient Hindu Scriptures, and it is Vaidika Dharma, embracing Vedic injunctions. Though it is very vast and exhaustive, at the core of Sanathana Dharma, we can find four fundamental doctrines to follow, namely:-

The Hindu Way Of Life - By Dr.V.B.Nallini

God gave us life as an opportunity to realize god almighty. Hindu real meaning is "sanatana darma" meaning "a way of life". A Hindu should understand on how to live a life of bliss by adhering to the 4 ashram or division in life in accordance to Hindu Scriptures.the life stages are as follows:1st : Bhramacharium : student life, from the age of 5 to 24 years of age.One has to learn the vedic studies and the materialistic studies to live in this world. it is forbidden to fall in love at this stage. learning the importance of living a life out of trouble, archariam, and the do' and dont's of life. 2nd stage: grahastram- at this stage one has to settle down in life by marriage. the marriage must be blessed by parents and elders and the ceremony should be done by priest. the promise that a husband and wife makes on this day is very auspicious. A husband promises that he will take good care of his wife in life until death due them apart. this vow is done in front of the Agni, fire. A man makes a promise that he will not look and have any relationship other then his lawful wedded wife and same promise is done by the women as well. she promises that she will honor, treasure and develop her husband heir by abiding the rules as in the scriptures. The married couple should live a life understanding the full duties: of darma, arta, kama and moksa. during this time of marriage a husband must not get entangled in the birth and must learn to perform his duties as "a son to his mother", "as a husband to his wife", as "a father to his next of children", by ensuring that his family is well taken care off. He should earn a living by acquiring "arta" richness, he should earn a good living and be a provider to his family, by ensuring his the family has good food, good education, have a home, good friends, good surrounding, performing prayers at least 2 times in a day.

WISHING EVERYONE A BLESSED AND HAPPY PONGAL

HAPPY PONGAL

A Simple Way To Make This Year(2012) Blessed and Happy

Om.
Hope everyone had a good start to the new year.

A new year is a source of great expectation and hope. It is a time when everyone wishes for a transformation of their plight. The habit of making new year resolutions is a good step forward for this purpose. But, we seldom follow such resolutions and they end up as frustrations.

Here is a simple ritual that can be made an easy habit this year so that you are able to really transform your life with the blessings of god.

Everyday in the morning, after your bath, face the east direction and chant 'OM Gum Ganapathaye Namah'.

Then chant 'OM Namo Vasudevaya Namah'.

Now turn clockwise and face the south direction.Chant 'OM Sri Adi Parashakthaye Namah'.

Then face the west direction and chant 'OM Namah Shivaya'

Now turn anti-clockwise and face the north direction and chant 'OM Sarvadevathaya Parabrahmane Namaha'

Then turn clockwise and face the east direction again. Chant 'OM' 5 times.

This simple and easy daily routine can help you to be protected and blessed by all the celestial beings.

Hope everyone has a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012. 

May God Bless Everyone and Everything.

Om

God Is Always With You - The Power Of Faith

We are often faced with obstacles that seem insurmountable. Such adversities make us doubt the presence of God and even takes us to the verge of insulting God. But, we fail to realize that such problems are only tests of faith, and actually show that God is paying you more attention than others.

Obstacles and problems act as leashes to our ego. They make us realize that the whole world works under the watchful eyes of God, and also makes us understand how insignificant our problems are. The power of true devotion is infinite and can reinforce any mind. A strong mind can provide the required determination to succeed in life. Have undeterred devotion and be sincere to yourself. As long as you don't intentionally hurt anyone through your actions or thoughts, God will always help you.

I'll end my part of the advice now since i would like to know your views on this topic. Please do share your views in the comments.

____________________________________________________________

The above post is submitted by Swami Ananthakrishna. Thank you.

Interested readers can contribute posts to be published on the blog through YOUR CONTENT

Family Deity - Reason For All Problems and All Happiness

The mad rush towards success often makes us forget about our roots. We may be striving hard for wealth and prosperity, but, somehow one misery after the other may keep hindering our happiness. We fail to realize that such problems may be due to the neglect of one's family deity. The family deity would have been glorified and appeased immensely in the past, and pathetically neglected now.

WHO IS A FAMILY DEITY?


A family deity is almost like a parent. It is a deity who has been guarding our family from a long time. There may be a particular deity with whom some ancestor with whom an ancestor may have established a special bond. This bond would have lead to an unwritten agreement in which the deity continues to protect the family in return for a simple pooja or prayer from the family members. Such a family deity takes on the responsibility of providing good health, prosperity and protection to the whole family. But, as time goes by, we forget such deities and go about our busy life. This neglect will naturally bring the wrath of the family deity, and hence even prevent us from getting the benefits of our usual prayers to other gods.

I know it isn't right to generalize gods in human terms. But, a family deity usually comes as the result of some severe penance or pure devotion, in which the devotee would have made a connection with the deity at a human level. Thus, the deity manifests itself with human emotions as well.

WHY YOU HAVE PROBLEMS


Most people hence try an abundance of remedies and poojas but still fail to gain their goals, because the family deity is unhappy. It is even mentioned in some scriptures that one doesn't have to pray to any other god or go to any other temple if he/she prays to the family deity regularly.

You can know your family deity by performing astrological rituals like 'thambhoola prashna' by a capable astrologer. If you are not aware of your family deity, you can still pray to the deity from your heart. You may light a ghee lamp daily separately meant only for the family deity, and request the deity to show you the real form. You may talk to the family deity as you talk to your parent. Soon you will start getting the image of the family deity in your mind when you pray. Once you get the blessings of your family deity, all your obstacles and miseries will be overcome and you will lead a happy, prosperous,healthy and wholesome life.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[This is a guest post by Sri.Ramchandra, Bangalore. Thank you] 

[You may use the YOUR CONTENT page to submit guest posts to be published on the blog]

Please do share your views in the comments below

American Hindus - Adventures of a WASH (White Anglo Saxon Hindu)

There are those embodied jivas that like to say it is impossible for a Canadian prairie farmer raised on meat, fresh milk, potatoes, and a dash of atheism to become a Hindu. Fact of the matter is that the opposite is more unlikely. Nah, that’s entirely impossible. How could some guy from Varanasi, Kolkata, Madurai, or Pune survive farming in this brutally cold land we call Canada? He wouldn’t even know enough to chew gum on the coldest days just to prevent frostbite of the cheeks. The closest thing you might get is a guy named Patel who can speak Kannada owning a motel on some lonely desolate prairie road – the only Indian in town - the only Indian for 100 miles, unless you’re so outdated you still call First Nations peoples after that sub-continent west of China, incorrectly named the same. 

Of course the Sikhs are an exceptional exception. Those guys came from the Punjab. Farming, maybe not the cold Saskatchewan variety, is in their blood. 
But you don’t hear Canadian farmers saying, “You have to be born an atheist Canadian farmer in order to be one.” In fairness, the likelihood of Hindus insisting any more is diminishing just as the diva light slowly burns out from its oil bowl gets shallow. This is because the WASHes numbers are increasing. Two at a time, twice a year. The Indian Hindus (not to mention the Fijians, Trinidadians, and so many others thanks to British Imperialism and sugar) are getting a bit used to us. Maybe more than 2 if you count the temporary visitors to this cult of dharma. It’s gotten so bad that some of us even fit in, looking like we’re regulars at the local mandir – except in the eyes of the new guys from the Motherland. To them we don’t belong and the oft answered questions might arise again: “So how did you get interested in this?” 
I give a two second blank stare response with thoughts, “Not this again,” but then reconsider since it’s an honest question from an honest looking man. Then again, all Hindus look honest ... another stereotype I’ve developed from reading too much ethical scripture, and assuming others have as well. 

“Well, it’s a long story,” I begin, hoping this man has little time to spare. But unfortunately he appears interested - either that or I can’t decode the Indian body language. All those variations of head nods do get confusing. On the bare Canadian prairie, Mother only had one version - horizontally back and forth accompanied by a stare. It meant, “That’s not really your wisest idea.” 

I’m hungry for the Sunday rice and curry over in the cultural hall, so I go with, “Let’s just say it was good luck.” What I really mean is it was good karma, but that might sound pretentious. He’s now grasping the body language that I’m really not into the explanation. Besides that, my nose has an invisible rope attached to it - the ancient pull of garam masala.


______________________________________________________________
The above post was submitted by a valuable reader Jai Murugan . Thank you very much
[You can also submit any content related to Hinduism to be published on the blog by clicking here]

Specific Benefits Of Different Donations (dhaana)

Donation (dhaana) of appropriate items is a major tradition of Hinduism and promotes universal welfare. It is a means of maintaining equality in society and also a selfless way to help your brethren. But, some items can be donated to deserving people as a remedy for specific problems. It is important to do the 'dhaana' with a content mind. Do not have any grudge or regret while doing the donation, as it defeats the very purpose of performing such a ritual. The following is a list of some items and the specific benefits obtained by donating them -

Rice -To remove accumulated sins from previous births
Oil - To atone for recent sins
Jaggery - To get relief from Diseases
Clothes - To get prosperity
Rudraksha - To remove curses from guru/teachers
Gold - To remove curses from ancestors (pitru)
Silver - To beget children
Copper - To improve quality of profession
Ornamental Items - To remove curses from women
Plants - To reduce fights between husband and wife
Puffed rice - To remove obstacles in marriage
Sweets - To get peace of mind
Money - To remove drishti dosha /evil eye
Books - To remove obstacles in education
Water -To have a peaceful death
Land - To ensure continuation of generation/progeny
Cow - To remove curse of brahmins (brahmana shapa)
Milk - To remove curse from snakes/ sarpa dosha


It is important to note that the above mentioned benefits will not be automatically inferred by simply donating it to anyone in a mechanical manner. One has to provide the appropriate item to needy people and do it with complete satisfaction. You must not have any regrets in mind while you donate, and the person that you provide the donation to must be satisfied. For example, food items must be given to poor people who do not have a proper source of income. This will make the receiver happy and they will sincerely bless you with their mind. It is said that a sincere prayer for your welfare from a stranger is hundred times more effective than a prayer by yourself. Om

--------------------------------------------------------------

Please do share your views in the comments

Hinduism - The Business, The Man-gods, The Devotees

[I would like to make clear that the following article is not meant to disrespect anyone. It is a mere portrayal of the current scenario in India and a means to have a healthy discussion about it, so as to bring more awareness.]

We live in an age where religion seems to be one of the most flourishing businesses. It is third in line after healthcare and education. Swamis, babas, ammas, etc. have been sprouting up by the dozen in various villages across India. The 'smart' ones even manage to setup bases abroad and lure in foreign followers.

People are widely faced with suffering and distress in daily life. In their desperate search for a source of relief, they are willing to make any compromises for some peace of mind. This frantic behaviour of the masses makes them easy prey.

The fact that God is the only remedy that can heal all problems is undisputable, and it is this tagline which is used by many of these aforementioned businessmen/women. Many such saints use some “miracles” as their ‘advertisement’ and then let word of mouth do the rest of the promotion. Once the word gets out, it starts to spread like wild fire and can seldom be stopped. What many innocent victims fail to realize is that many of these initial miracles and the people who supposedly got their problems solved due to them, are all part of the scam.

Most man-gods/goddesses start their venture from villages which comprise more illiterate and superstitious people. This facilitates faster acceptance and allows them to have an initial group of victims, who will then unknowingly lure others to the trap. As the appeal grows, the leader spreads his/her business into the cities and then eventually to other countries. This allows for a stable growth pattern and creates a blind group of die-hard devotees at the base. Simultaneously, the religious cult starts to creep into other fields of business such as healthcare and education. They start to have their own brands and establish themselves as the answer to everyone’s problems. Thus, it sets an unlimited flow of wealth into all of their enterprises. I wish to state that I am not including everyone in this group of frauds. However the shameful acts of even one such person ends up being a stubborn blotch over the whole Hindu community. I wholeheartedly agree that there definitely are many people who really wish and work for universal welfare. But, it is beyond doubt that such people are very rare. Even people who start out with good intentions get dragged into malice by the sight of immense wealth.

What is even more intolerable is the status of god inferred upon human beings. Some spiritual leaders like Sathya Sai Baba and Mata Amritandamayi are regarded as gods/goddesses. I have heard of speeches by the two mentioned spiritual leaders in which they themselves advice to chant the name of god. But, the followers eventually end up considering them as gods instead.

The 14 Lokas/Worlds Of Hinduism

In many Hindu scriptures there are 14 worlds/levels that are generally talked about. They are divided into two groups of seven each. The first group is said to be above earth,i.e, related to human elements directly. While the second group is said to be part of the nether world,i.e, below the earth. I would like to clarify that the word 'level' does not mean status here and is instead used as a  means to physically represent these various worlds (like the levels/floors of a building). The names of the worlds are given below along with the name of the deity/element who accommodates that level.


Bhuvarloka - Sky/Akaash
Swarloka - Lord Indra
Maharloka - Lord Vishnu
Janarloka - Humans
Thapoloka - Saints/Sages
Satyaloka - Lord Brahma


Athathala - Vala the son of Lord Yama
Vithala - Lord Paramashiva
Suthala - King Mahabali
Rasathala - Asuras /Demons
Thalathala - Mayamayi
Mahathala - Sarpa
Pathala - Naga


Please do share any extra information regarding this topic, in the comments.

Diwali/Deepavali - Relevance Today

The festival of Diwali / Deepavali is also celebrated by Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists, hence making it a nationwide celebration. The Jains commemorate Diwali / Deepavali as the day that Saint Mahavir attained ‘moksha’. It is also believed that emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism on the day of Diwali / Deepavali, and is hence celebrated by Buddhists as ‘Ashoka Vijayadashami’. The importance of Diwali / Deepavali among the Sikhs lies in the release of Guru Hargobind and other princes from prison.

Regardless of the community or the origin, Diwali / Deepavali is a celebration of good. It is a celebration of the glory of God. A remembrance of God being ever ready to help all devotees when called with devotion, regardless of the name or form he/she is called in. 

I would like to add that celebrations and festivals are occasions to bring the family and friends closer, and not an excuse to find differences or faults which lead to unwanted hatred or jealousy.They are opportunities to instill peace,love and harmony in the family and in society as a whole. Please do not let any anti-social elements destroy the unity and peace of India in the name of any differences. We are all children of the same absolute power, so love your fellow beings. Use this Diwali / Deepavali as a god given chance to spread the message of Hinduism (peace,love & equality) throughout the world.

I wish you all a Happy Diwali / Deepavali and sincerely hope that the almighty blesses everyone with success,peace, health and happiness. Om

Please do share any other information you know that is related to Diwali / Deepavali , in the comments

Diwali/Deepavali - Lord Krishna's 16,000 Wives

 Another commonly believed legend about the origin of Diwali/Deepavali is about the murder of Narakasura. Narakasura was the son of Mother Earth, who terrorised the world with his evil ways. He had captured more than 16,000 women and held them in his palace. Lord Krishna came to the rescue of these women (who were his devotees), and freed the world from the tyranny of Narakasura. It is said that Diwali/Deepavali originated as a celebration of this freedom from evil. When these freed women returned to their households, but their husbands and families refused to accept them, doubting their dignity . The freed women went to Lord Krishna for help. Lord Krishna allowed the women to live in his palace and gave them the status, respect and protection equivalent to that given to his wife. This allowed the women to live with dignity and they continued to be great devotees of Lord Krishna.

Hence Diwali/Deepavali is also a glorification of Lord Krishna’s infinite compassion for his devotees. Diwali/Deepavali is a reminder that injustice and evil will only lead to one’s destruction.

This legend is one which many atheists and anti-hindus alter and blabber that lord Krishna was a ‘flirt’ and other such disrespectful things. But, I would like to point out that these criticisms are due to the lack of positive understanding. The fact that Lord Krishna provided a shelter to his devotees has been misinterpreted as flirtatious behaviour. Hence I wished to make special mention of this legend.

Please do let me know of your views about this legend in the comments.

Diwali/Deepavali - Legend Of Origin and Celebration

The month of October 2011 is blessed with the presence of two of Hinduism’s biggest festivals – Navratri/Durga Pooja and Diwali / Deepavali. This is the first post in a series of posts about Diwali / Deepavali, regarding it’s origin, celebration and relevance. Diwali / Deepavali is one of the most celebrated festivals in Hinduism. The word ‘Diwali / Deepavali’ literally means a row of clay lamps and hence it is undoubtedly the ‘festival of lights’. But, Diwali / Deepavali is more than just lights, crackers and sweets. Diwali / Deepavali has a universal message, it is a celebration of ‘the triumph of good over evil’.

The starting of Diwali / Deepavali festivities is marked by a thorough cleaning of the household. The ladies of the house throw all old rags, clothes, utensils, etc. and replace them with new ones. Houses are often painted and decorated with lights. The household is beautified to the maximum possible limit of the family.

There are several legends associated with Diwali / Deepavali. One commonly believed legend is that of a celebration of Lord Rama’s return. Diwali / deepavali is said to be the celebration of the day that Lord Rama, Lakshmana and Devi Sita returned to Ayodhya after the 14 years of exile. The citizens of Ayodhya and neighbouring kingdoms were said to have lit lamps and beautified the streets to welcome Lord Rama and Sita Devi. The happiness of the citizens was expressed through the exchange of sweets and gifts. This event is said to be the origin of Diwali / Deepavali celebrations. Every year this celebration is conducted to revive the memory of the joyous victory of Lord Rama. Diwali / Deepavali is hence also an awareness campaign to remind people that the path of justice and dharma is always the best choice. It is a symbolic welcoming of brightness and auspiciousness to one’s life. There are more legends related to Diwali / Deepavali and rituals related to it’s celebration, which we shall see in the rest of the series.Om

Please do share any other legends related to Diwali / Deepavali that you know of, in the comments

Diwali/Deepavali - How Each Day Is Celebrated

Depending on the regional differences, Diwali / Deepavali is celebrated from 1-6 days and follow different rituals. The northern regions of India usually celebrate Diwali / Deepavali for longer durations and give it more importance than the southern regions.

In the five day celebration of Diwali / Deepavali, the first day is known as ‘Gowatsa Dwadashi’. It is celebrated as the day on which the King Prithu chased Mother Earth and eventually brought prosperity to it’s inhabitants. Since Mother Earth is represented as a cow in the legend, on this day pooja is performed for cows and their calves.

The second day known as, Dhanteras is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Dhanwantari , the God of Medicines. It is also considered auspicious to buy gold, silver, gems and other wealth on this day.

Narka Chaturdasi is the name of the third day and is rejoiced as the day on which Lord Krishna killed Narakasura. This day is celebrated by the burning of Narakasura effigies, in a symbolic representation of the destruction of evil. This day is considered as the main day of Diwali / Deepavali. Devotees perform pooja to Lord Vishnu / Krishna, exchange gifts, prepare sweets and burst firecrackers.

The fourth day is celebrated with Lakshmi Devi pooja. It is a request to Devi Lakshmi to bless the family with prosperity and wealth. The lighting of clay lamps (diyas) is done on this day also.

Govardhan pooja is the day on which lord Krishna is said to have saved the villagers from the wrath of Lord Indra by lifting the mighty mountain Govardhana on his little finger. It is the fifth day of Diwali / Deepavali and is celebrated as a show of gratitude to the compassion of the Lord.

The sixth and final day of Diwali / Deepavali is known as Yama Dwitiya. This day is celebrated mostly by the women of the household to ask Lord Yama (the god of death), to safeguard the lives of their brothers and husband.

This is just a very brief look at the various celebrations since like I said before, it varies greatly from region to region. Om

Please do let me know how you celebrate your Diwali / Deepavali through the comments. 

Life Expectancy Of Lord Brahma (Concept of Yugas explained)

According to most hindu scriptures, it is believed that life exists in cycles of time periods called ‘yugas’. There are 4 yugas according to Hinduism, namely – kritha yuga, Thretha yuga, Dwapara yuga and kali yuga. The present time period is kali yuga, which is rightly described as a time where evil gains full control of mankind. According to the ‘bhagavtha’, the relation between these yugas and our concept of years is as follows :-

One Human Year = One Day In Heaven (lets call it ‘one divine day’)

360 human Years = One Divine Year

Kritha Yuga = 4800 Divine years

                     = 17,28,000 Human years (nope, I didn’t get the zeroes wrong J)

Thretha Yuga=3600 Divine years

                      =12,96,000 Human years

Dwapara Yuga=2400 Divine years

                         =8,64,000 Human years

Kali Yuga=1200 Divine years                  

                 =4,32,000 Human years

This one set of yugas is together termed a ‘chaturyuga’.

Hence,

       1 chatur yuga = Kritha yuga + Thretha yuga + Dwapara yuga + Kali yuga

                              = 12,000 Divine years

                              = 43,20,000 human years

Now it starts to get really mind-blowing. J

2000 chatur yugas = 1 day for Lord Brahma

360 Brahma days = 1 Brahma year

100 Brahma years = Life of one Lord Brahma

So according to the Hindu scripture, an estimate of Lord brahma’s life expectancy is….wait for it….31,10,40,00,00,00,000 Human years !!!!!....After which 'pralaya' or a rejuvenation of all creation is said to occur.....At present, we are roughly 5800 years into the 'kali yuga'...

Hope that puts time in a better perspective, do let me know your fascination and views on time in the comments 

ATTENTION - Beloved OnlyHinduism Readers

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Om


This is to let our readers know of a guest post from OnlyHinduism published on the site Hindu-blog [thank you Mr.Abhilash]. 
The post can be read from the provided link, and is titled "Modern Vedas and Lagging science - Vedic Knowledge Scores Over Science" .
It is a brief look at how our Vedas had identified and understood the most complex theories and laws while other civilizations had still not begun. Hope you enjoy the post. 


"Modern Vedas and Lagging science - Vedic Knowledge Scores Over Science" .


Please do let us know your valuable comments/suggestions in the comments. 


Om
-----------------------------------------------------------------

What Is Devotion ?

Any religion or ritual is complete only if practiced with devotion. A robotic repetition of words or actions can not capture the infinite power approachable through devotion. But, how exactly do we explain this state of mind dubbed ‘devotion’?

Devotion does not necessarily require sacrifice of all worldly possessions or severe penance. Devotion is an emotional attachment with God, but that does not require a mandatory detachment from this world. The measure of devotion is sincerity and belief. These sentiments are often overshadowed by the presence of distractions in the mind. Hence it is necessary to focus all our senses towards devotion. [This is the reason behind the special ambience provided in temples, where there are visual and audio factors present to induce concentration towards devotion.]

Devotion is a sentiment which has to be present in the mind and not only in words. Devotion itself can be of several forms. There are references in our scriptures to god being pleased with being considered as a master, teacher, parent, friend and even as an enemy. Even if one considers himself/herself as an enemy, it requires an uninhibited and continuous thought about god and his influences on life. It establishes an involuntary communication with God. This single-minded surrender to God is a distinguishing factor of devotion.

Who is a Devotee ? - By Lord Vishnu

There is an interesting folktale that explains god’s judgement of devotion. Sage Narada used to always be proud of the fact that he always chants ‘narayana’(lord Vishnu’s name) and is Lord Vishnu’s greatest devotee. One day sage Narada asked Lord Vishnu whom he considered his biggest devotee, in the expectation that it would be himself. But, lord Vishnu told that there is a particular farmer who is his greatest devotee. Sage narada was stunned to know that Lord Vishnu didn’t consider him as his best devotee. He was even more shocked to know that the greatest devotee was not a saint or a great king but just a normal farmer. Sage narada enquired what made the farmer special. Lord Vishnu took sage Narada to meet the farmer from the sky. Lord Vishnu told narada to observe the farmer for a whole day and then return to Heaven. 

After completing the observation and returning, Lord Vishnu asked Narada what he saw. Narada said that the famrmer didn’t perform any rituals or pooja. The farmer only chanted the lord’s name thrice a day and not more. Sage narada continued and then asked, how is this famrer a greater devotee than himself who always chants god’s name.

To this lord Vishnu smiled and gave Sage narada a little pot full of water. Lord Vishnu told sage Narada to walk 25 steps with this pot on his head but on the condition that a single drop of water should not drop out. Sage narada completed the task as he was told. Now, Lord Vishnu asked sage Narada how many times he remembered god during this task. Sage narada was embarrassed and confessed that he hadn’t thought of god even once since he was busy making sure the water doesn’t spill. Lord Vishnu smiled and said “the greatness of the farmer is that he sincerely and selflessly remembered god while performing his own duties. This pleases me the most and such a devotee is of utmost greatness for me”.Sage Narada lost all his ego and praised the greatness of lord Vishnu.

What characteristics are essential for a devotee according to you? Please do share your views in the comments.   

HAPPY NAVRATRI/DURGA POOJA TO EVERYONE

What Is Mantra Siddhi ?

Mnatra Siddhi refers to the attainment of the full power of a mantra. The word 'siddhi' refers to an extra talent or ability. The phrase 'mantra siddhi' can also be termed as an achievement of mantra frequency resonance with that of one's mind. When we repeat a single mantra on a daily basis with devotion and concentration, the power of mantra gets accumulated and at a particular phase it gets fully realized.

When you read the word 'dog', immediately an image of a dog comes to your mind. It shows the power that a single word has over our mind. Similarly, when we repeat the same mantra regularly with the image of the connected god in our mind, it will eventually get embedded. When mantra siddhi is achieved, the power of the mantra can be brought into action immediately on a single chanting. This stage of mantra siddhi requires dedication and sincere devotion. The devotee needs to perform mantra upasana with a selfless intention to be closer to god and use the blessings attained only for welfare. Om