Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Where Is God ? - Swami Padmanabha
[This is a Guest Post by Swami Padmanabha. You can also submit your guest posts to be published by visiting the YOUR CONTENT page]
WHERE IS GOD ? WHERE IS GOD ? WHERE IS GOD ? This is a question which i come across almost on a daily basis in my ashram. Almost every alternate person who visits me seems to have this same question in their mind. I feel that onlyhinduism is the most appropriate portal to answer this question and let fellow Hindus know of my opinion.
We are so involved in the legends and puranas that a majority of us believe that God is only in heaven and will descend to Earth only in the form of an avatar. And we expect that such avatars will come only when evil has reached it's zenith. I always advice people that, God resides in our mind from the moment that we are born. As we increase our consciousness, we begin to know that God better. We start giving God different names and become closer to a particular physical form of God which appeals to us the most.
God always guides us as part of our conscience, and always leads us towards the path of righteousness. But, it is us who seldom pay heed to those words and continue our sins. Even when a robber is about steal something for the first time, his conscience will surely try to prevent him from doing so. Only when he pushes aside that divine guidance, he ends up being a sinner.
I am of the opinion that we will never find God if we look around for God to come in his 'divine avatar', with four hands or snakes as ornaments or riding a lion. Those are all projections of divinity which help us to bring more respect and awe in our mind. God has given us a sound min through which he/she constantly contacts us. So keep that mind pure and receptive to the divine guidance of God. Try to identify the good in everything and everyone and to make practical considerations while taking decisions, then you will be blessed by God in all your endeavors.
Instead of asking 'where is God?', it would be more apt to ask 'where not is God?', for God is everywhere and God is everything. Om namah.
WHERE IS GOD ? WHERE IS GOD ? WHERE IS GOD ? This is a question which i come across almost on a daily basis in my ashram. Almost every alternate person who visits me seems to have this same question in their mind. I feel that onlyhinduism is the most appropriate portal to answer this question and let fellow Hindus know of my opinion.
We are so involved in the legends and puranas that a majority of us believe that God is only in heaven and will descend to Earth only in the form of an avatar. And we expect that such avatars will come only when evil has reached it's zenith. I always advice people that, God resides in our mind from the moment that we are born. As we increase our consciousness, we begin to know that God better. We start giving God different names and become closer to a particular physical form of God which appeals to us the most.
God always guides us as part of our conscience, and always leads us towards the path of righteousness. But, it is us who seldom pay heed to those words and continue our sins. Even when a robber is about steal something for the first time, his conscience will surely try to prevent him from doing so. Only when he pushes aside that divine guidance, he ends up being a sinner.
I am of the opinion that we will never find God if we look around for God to come in his 'divine avatar', with four hands or snakes as ornaments or riding a lion. Those are all projections of divinity which help us to bring more respect and awe in our mind. God has given us a sound min through which he/she constantly contacts us. So keep that mind pure and receptive to the divine guidance of God. Try to identify the good in everything and everyone and to make practical considerations while taking decisions, then you will be blessed by God in all your endeavors.
Instead of asking 'where is God?', it would be more apt to ask 'where not is God?', for God is everywhere and God is everything. Om namah.
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Sunday, June 10, 2012
Clarity Of Thought Mantra
It is very common for us to not have clarity while trying to take important decisions. We may not be under any apparent pressure, nor is it necessary to even be aware of such an issue. But, whenever we are presented with options to make decisions on something important, we get too lost in thoughts. Such problems are often attributed to displeasure from the moon (chandra). The following is a simple ritual that such people can use to have more clarity in thoughts and to make better decisions.
On a Monday night , stare at the moon and chant "om chandraya namah" 11 times. Then from the next day, chant the following mantra 9 times every night for 14 consecutive nights.
On a Monday night , stare at the moon and chant "om chandraya namah" 11 times. Then from the next day, chant the following mantra 9 times every night for 14 consecutive nights.
om namo chandraya somaya mahadeva namah
You can also practice subtle meditation while chanting "om chandraya namah" 108 times for 21 consecutive days. Soon you will have more will-power, better decision-making and peace of mind.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Nag Panchami
Nag Panchami (falls on July 8th in 2012 ) is a festival of great significance in many parts of India. Since time immemorial, snakes have been revered and feared due to their mysterious movement and toxic venom. Nag Panchami is an occasion to show respect and appease the snake gods. Many households do pooja on this day to protect their families from snake bites and to get rid of Kaal Sarpa Dosha. Nag Panchami is celebrated differently in various parts of India and Nepal. But, one common custom on Nag Panchami, is to feed snakes with milk and to pray at temples of Lord Shiva.
According to some legends, it is said that Lord Krishna's famous conquest of the dreaded snake Kalia took place on Nag Panchami. It is also said to be an auspicious time to bring welfare into the family.
Unmarried women may use Nag Panchami as a holy occasion to appease the Gods and get a good husband. On the day of Nag Panchami, one should get up early in the morning and finish bathing. Then take a bowl of milk to a nearby Shiva or Murugan temple and give for abhisheka. Then after returning from the temple, the devotee may have the milk as prasad. The rest of the day should involve prayers to Lord Shiva or Lord Murugan. In the evening, the devotee may keep a bowl of milk with a teaspoon of honey beside a lamp and chant mantras of Lord Shiva. This will help to relieve the effects of any dosha that is acting as a hurdle in getting married.
Nagas or Snakes are said to be present in the pathala loka. The following is a mantra that contains the name of the great nagas according to scriptures. It is said that chanting this mantra will help to appease the revered snakes and will bring welfare to the family.
According to some legends, it is said that Lord Krishna's famous conquest of the dreaded snake Kalia took place on Nag Panchami. It is also said to be an auspicious time to bring welfare into the family.
Unmarried women may use Nag Panchami as a holy occasion to appease the Gods and get a good husband. On the day of Nag Panchami, one should get up early in the morning and finish bathing. Then take a bowl of milk to a nearby Shiva or Murugan temple and give for abhisheka. Then after returning from the temple, the devotee may have the milk as prasad. The rest of the day should involve prayers to Lord Shiva or Lord Murugan. In the evening, the devotee may keep a bowl of milk with a teaspoon of honey beside a lamp and chant mantras of Lord Shiva. This will help to relieve the effects of any dosha that is acting as a hurdle in getting married.
Nagas or Snakes are said to be present in the pathala loka. The following is a mantra that contains the name of the great nagas according to scriptures. It is said that chanting this mantra will help to appease the revered snakes and will bring welfare to the family.
अनन्तं वासुकिं शेषं पद्मनाभं च कम्बलम् शंखपालं धार्तराष्ट्रं तक्षकं कालियं तथा---------------------------------------------------------------This is a guest post by Mr.Tharun Kumar. If you would like to submit guest posts please visit the YOUR CONTENT page.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Housewarming Kerala Style - Simplified (Part 2)
Coming to Gruhapravesham, the same procedure used for Gruharambham, can be followed as far as the Muhurtham is concerned. The rituals may vary a little in that it will be nice if the Gruhapravesham is done immediately after the Ganapathy Homam in the early morning during the time of Sunrise at that location. Early morning is always supposed to be good or you can go for a good Muhurtham for the purpose by a learned Astrologer. Appropriate offerings should be made to Bhara Devatha and in local temples also, before Gruhapravesham.
Usually the Pooja is arranged in front of the house towards one side, by the Sthapathy (Moothassari). It is nice that no one should be at the house when the family first enters into the house. It is well and good if it is possible to go round the house (Pradikshanam / circumambulate) once by the members of the family, headed by the lady of the house carrying the lighted lamp in both hands, obtained from the Sthapathy, after giving him the 'Sampradaya Dakshina', accompanied by the man of the house with the treasure chest in his hand, followed by other members of the family, with milk and pot, water-pot (Kumbhakudam) etc. Using the right leg, they should enter the house, and the lighted lamp should be placed at the North-East corner of the room, where they entered first. From the same lamp, the lady of the house can ignite the hearth in the kitchen, for boiling the milk. Afterwards, the milk should be given to all present at the function. The workers or laborers should be paid first, tips as a token of indebtedness towards them for having built the house for the family. It is advisable to give a lime along with a betel leaf to everyone irrespective of those with gifts.
In either case, whether it is Gruharambham or Gruhapravesham, you should be present on the spot on the second day, to avoid the so called 'Vischithi dosham'. You should stay and sleep over the night on the second day also in your new house.
Your Home is a 'Devalayam'; the man there is the Chief Deity, the lady of the house-hold is the Goddess, and the children are Upa Devathas. This concept will bring prosperity to your Home. Whatever you have, belongs to God; you are only a Caretaker. Do all unto Him with full Providence and Dharma. “Dharmo rakshathy, rakshitha”- Dharma, when protected, protects the follower. The End.
Usually the Pooja is arranged in front of the house towards one side, by the Sthapathy (Moothassari). It is nice that no one should be at the house when the family first enters into the house. It is well and good if it is possible to go round the house (Pradikshanam / circumambulate) once by the members of the family, headed by the lady of the house carrying the lighted lamp in both hands, obtained from the Sthapathy, after giving him the 'Sampradaya Dakshina', accompanied by the man of the house with the treasure chest in his hand, followed by other members of the family, with milk and pot, water-pot (Kumbhakudam) etc. Using the right leg, they should enter the house, and the lighted lamp should be placed at the North-East corner of the room, where they entered first. From the same lamp, the lady of the house can ignite the hearth in the kitchen, for boiling the milk. Afterwards, the milk should be given to all present at the function. The workers or laborers should be paid first, tips as a token of indebtedness towards them for having built the house for the family. It is advisable to give a lime along with a betel leaf to everyone irrespective of those with gifts.
In either case, whether it is Gruharambham or Gruhapravesham, you should be present on the spot on the second day, to avoid the so called 'Vischithi dosham'. You should stay and sleep over the night on the second day also in your new house.
Your Home is a 'Devalayam'; the man there is the Chief Deity, the lady of the house-hold is the Goddess, and the children are Upa Devathas. This concept will bring prosperity to your Home. Whatever you have, belongs to God; you are only a Caretaker. Do all unto Him with full Providence and Dharma. “Dharmo rakshathy, rakshitha”- Dharma, when protected, protects the follower. The End.
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Thank you Mr.M.P.R.Nair for submitting this post. You can also submit any Hinduism related articles to be published here , through the YOUR CONTENT page.
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