383 – Visualization from the Devi Sukta

Why is the Devi Sukta important?

It brings spiritual and material wellbeing to the believer, listener, and the reader. If one is neither and is only a believer in the power of The Goddess, then the visualization will help. The Devi Sukta destroys all illusions in one’s mind. The Devi Suktam cleanses one’s mind of all apprehensions and suspicions.

It removes all the misfortunes and imperfections of the devotees. A suktam is a hymn in praise of the deity intended a collection of very beautifully composed incantations is called a sukta. Continue reading

190 – Hindu Gods and the significance of their vehicles

Every important Hindu God has an animal as its vahana (vehicle). They are never without them. In Sanskrit vahana means that which carries or that which pulls. These vahanas are either animals or birds and they represent the various spiritual and psychological energy that bears the Gods. The vahana may wear a saddle upon which the deities sits, or they may pull a chariot, driven by the deity. Continue reading

120 – The favourite food of the Gods

Ganesha’s favourite food is modak which are dumplings made from rice flour, stuffed with coconut and jaggery. The reason why it is considered so special is because it was first offered to Shiva and Parvati by the junior gods. It was said that if this special offering was consumed by anyone, he would have the power of understanding the scriptures and be master of all knowledge. Parvati being a mother wanted both her sons to have it. However they refused to share it. They were given a task and whoever completed the task, first that person would get the modak. Continue reading

Vedanta Story: Indra, Prajapati and Virochana – Chandra speaks

Vedanta is often taught in stories. In this Vedanta Podcast, Chandra Cohen tells his favorite Vedanta story. This story is about the Creator, Prajapati. The King of Gods, Indra, and the King of Demons, Virochana, approached Prajapati, to receive Knowledge. Chandra explains, how Prajapati taught, and how Indra gained the Highest Knowledge, while Virochana remained in ignorance. This story comes from the Upanishads, and was commented by Sankara. Masters like Swami Sivananda, Ramakrishna and Swami Dayananda told this story in many variations. Chandra has a very lively and profound way, to tell this story. And you will get some insight on the main question of life: Who am I? This Vedanta Podcast episode is the first a series of short answers of Chandra to questions posed by Sukadev of Yoga Vidya Ashram Germany.

 

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