Anaya Bhakti means one-pointed devotion to God, where the devotee perceives nothing else in the universe but the divine derived from “an” (no, not) and “anya” (other), it signifies a state of undivided love and complete surrender, free from material desires, duality or the search for other refuges. Continue reading
Bhakti is the one essential thing. To be sure, God exists in all beings. Who then is a devotee? He whose mind dwells on God. But this is not possible as long one has egotism and vanity. – Ramakrishna Paramahansa
It is a very interesting question and it is difficult to answer. My Guru said that one had to do at least four hours of Karma Yoga before practicing one’s sadhana. His reason was that one had to perform some Seva. Continue reading
The eight flowers precious to Vishnu are: Continue reading
In order to know, who we are we need to connect to our koshas. The Taittiriya Upanishad describes these five veils which are the five koshas. Continue reading
According to Tulsi Das, there are nine kinds of Bhakti, through which one can attain the grace of God. Continue reading
A bronze statue of a Rottweiler is in Rottweil, honoring the breed, which served as Roman cattle herding dog.
Rottweilers are from the town of Rottweil in Germany. They are working dogs and were used as herding and butcher dogs. They were named after the town of Rottweil, a former Roman cattle trading hub. Their Roman ancestry is two thousand years old, and they were used by the roman legions for guarding and driving cattle. In the Middle Ages they were used by butchers in Rottweil to herd cattle, pull carts and protect money. Then in the early 20th Century they became popular for military and service work due to their strength and intelligence. Continue reading
Reading the Ramayana, enables one to understand all aspects of Hindu religion. The Ramayana guides one on the path of spirituality. It is for ordinary beings and all one has to do is chant the name of Rama and be aware of the devotional love which Hanuman had for Rama. To purify one’s prana and then awaken the Divinity within. Continue reading
Hanuman is the embodiment of enthusiasm. If we can cultivate even a fraction of that enthusiasm, we will not be distressed with failure. Hanuman is an empowering hero. He is the son of Vayu; the Wind God and he is considered the God of Prana. Continue reading
Rama’s meaning is given in the Ramayana itself. Rama is that Sat-Chit-Ananda (existence, consciousness, bliss) Brahman, in which all yogis ever revel.
Rama is also, “He who delights everyone”. Continue reading
Agitated by present troubles (rakshasas)
Tempted by future joys (Ravana)
Tortured by past memories (Rama)
The Jeeva (Sita) grieves (Shoka)
Even while residing in Bliss (Ashoka).
Then the Jiva prays (Sita)
And the Guru guides (Hanuman)
Then the truth too arrives (Rama)
The ignorance destroys (Ravana)
And in Bliss unites (Ashoka). – Swami Vimalananda.
I WHISPER.
O Great Spirit! Oh, my Lord!
Your voice I hear in the winds,
And Your breath gives life to all the world!
Hear me—I am small and weak,
I need Your strength
And your wisdom… always. – Swami Chinmayananda.
We are in these troubled times called Kali Yuga. The simplest way to attain God is through Bhakti, which could be Nama Japa or Sankeertan. San means coming together and kirtan is singing about the glory of God. Continue reading
In Negombo, we visited the Reclining Buddha temple. I have placed some pictures. The paintings on the wall depict different aspects of his life. Buddha cutting his hair and he was being given his mendicant garments. Continue reading
We had a buffet lunch in a restaurant today in Dambulla. I will share the menu with you. I have never seen so many vegetables as I saw on the table. It was a paradise for vegans. Continue reading