The eight flowers precious to Vishnu are:

1. Ahimsa – Non-violence.
2. Indriya Nigraha – Control of the senses.
3. Sarva Bhuta Daya – Love to all living beings.
4. Kshama – Forgiveness.
5. Jnanaam – Knowledge.
6. Tapas – Austerities, Meditation.
7. Shanti – Peace. Peace occurs when we realize all things happen by God’s will.
8. Satyam – Truth. Truth is Sri Vishnu himself. To abide by truth and never swerving from it is the final (8th) flower offering to Vishnu.

Dear ones we can offer a bouquet of flowers to Vishnu by changing ourselves.

1. We can practice non-violence in our daily lives. Ahimsa is a very powerful word, and it applies to all aspects of our lives. We must be aware ahimsa must exist in our thoughts also. The umbrella of ahimsa covers us.
2. Controlling our senses, practicing pratyahara is another flower which will lead and guide us to be in the presence of the Divinity.
3. Loving all human beings, practicing atmabhava.
4. Forgiveness to others and ourselves.
5. Knowledge is another way to become closer to the Divinity. Pursuit of knowledge means to have no ego.
6. To practice meditation and austerities, means that one becomes aware and detached.
7. To understand the meaning of peace and apply it in one’s daily life.
8. To be on the path of truth.

Divinity within oneself

One must become conscious of the presence of the Divinity all around one and then become aware of the divinity within oneself.

Vishnu’s favorite flowers are Lotus, Chameli, Asoka, Malti, Kadam, Kewra, Champa and Vaijanti. He also loves Tulsi. Mind you, all these flowers and the Tulsi have a fragrant smell.

Swami Sivananda said that one must always be aware of the presence of God and what better way than being surrounded by these fragrant flowers, incense sticks or an oil diffuser.

Aim Hrim Klim

Picture by Manaku of Guler – The Government Museum and Art Gallery, Chandigarh, Public Domain, Link