The three wise monkeys said, see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil. This saying of the wise monkeys originated in Japan, during the Muromachi period (a time of turbulence). It is believed that they were influenced by the teachings of the Buddha. Their names were Mizaru who covered his eyes and saw no evil; Kikazaru, who covered his ears and heard no evil; Iwazaru, who covered his mouth and spoke no evil. Then there is the San Saru symbol, which says, “See the good, hear the good and speak the good.” The wise monkeys are also known as the three mystical monkeys. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Lakshmi
964 – Matri Shakti
In the Vedic and Tantric tradition, Devi, the divine mother is worshipped. She has many forms, and they are all symbols of her energy and power. They depict her qualities of compassion, benevolence, her powerful forces which act as catalysts to propel the devotee to attain awareness of the cosmic force, which sustains, nourishes and governs the entire creation. Continue reading
947 – Who are Shaktas?
A Shakta is a devotee of the Mother Goddess and his/her prayer can be described like this verse:
May all my idle talk be your japa, sound divine,
May all my gestures be your mudras,
May all my steps be around your seat,
May all my lying down be your pranam,
May all your oblations be my only food,
And may all acts of mine be in joy for you.
Extracted from a hymn dedicated to Tripura Sundari from Saundarya Lahiri. Continue reading
866 – Extracts from Durga Chalisa
To be read during Navratri. Dear Ones enjoy the blessings of the Mother.
I bow to you Durga, the bestower of happiness,
I bow to you, O Goddess Amba who ends all miseries.
The radiance of your light is limitless
And all pervading and all of the three realms (Earth, Heaven and the Netherworld) are enlightened by Thee.Your face is like the moon and mouth very huge.
Your eyes shine with a red glow
And you have a frightening frown.
O mother, your look is enchanting, the very sight of which
Ensures welfare of the devout.All the power of the world reposes in
Thee and it is you, who provide food and wealth
For the world’s survival.
Like the feeding, Mother Annapurna,
You nurture the whole universe and you are
The one, who appears like the timeless
Bala Sundari (the young girl of extreme beauty).At the time of dissolution, it is you,
O Mother, who destroys everything.
You are the beloved consort of Lord Shiva, Gauri.
Lord Shiva and all the yogis always chant your praise
Brahma, Vishnu and all other Gods ever meditate on you.You appear in the form of Goddess Saraswati too,
To grant wisdom to the sages and thus ensure their welfare.
In the form of Goddess Lakshmi,
O Mother you appear in the world
And repose by the side of Shree Narayan.Dwelling in the ocean of milk,
O goddess with Lord Vishnu,
Please fulfill my desires.
He who sings your glory with devotion, love and sincerity
Goes beyond the cycle of births and deaths.O Merciful Mother! Show me your favor and make me feel
Happy bestowing me with all sorts of riches and powers.
Pray with sincerity, Ma has a mother’s heart and she knows what you wish for.
853 – Free yourself from the clutches of Maya
Maya Pancakam is a description of Maya in five verses. Sri Sankara says that Maya cannot be described as either existence or non-existence or both, it is indescribable. Maya makes incompatibles appear together and shows how it brings about what is logically impossible. Brahman is the only reality and Brahman appears to us as the universe of multifarious names and forms, because of our ignorance of Brahman. In our ignorance we think a rope is a snake in a dim light. Continue reading
847 – Full Moon – Phalguni Purnima
Phalgun month in Hinduism is very significant. According to the Hindu calendar it is the last month and corresponds to February and March in the Gregorian calendar. It is a month of happiness and pleasure. It marks the end of winter and the beginning of summer. The Ramayana and Mahabharata took place in this month. Continue reading
811 – An ode to Mothers
Mothers are a special category of human beings. They are filled with unconditional love and they are forgiving. One does not have to be a mother to have Matri bhava (maternal love). One can have love for people and other God’s creatures, which is also considered Matri bhava. Matri Devo Bhava means one for whom Mother is God. Continue reading
765 – Sacred animals
All gods have Vahanas (transport) and they are animals and birds. Since they are used as a means of transport, they are considered sacred. The beast or bird which is the Vahana, the vehicle also indicates the temperament of the God. Continue reading
763 – Veneration of Trees in Hinduism
We were taught to respect Mother Earth and treat the trees with respect. Many trees are considered sacred to specific deities. Trees become objects of worship or shrines are built beneath them. Mango trees are considered holy because they are associated with many rituals. Tulasi is considered sacred to the disciples of Vishnu, Wood apple or Bilva tree is considered sacred to disciples of Shiva. The neem tree wards off evil. Continue reading
762 – Takeaway from Festivals
Growing up as children in India as a Hindu, one learns a great deal from our numerous festivals. It is not taught but one’s awareness becomes heightened watching family members. All the festivals are based on triumph of good over evil. I am sharing with you the history and background and how this becomes a part of one. Continue reading
759 – Prayer to Mahalakshmi
O Goddess Mahalakshmi! You are omniscient, you grant boons to all and frighten all the wicked! You are the remover of all sorrows; I bow to you.
This prayer to Goddess Lakshmi is different in that it looks upon her as the mother, who rids her children of all misery. Continue reading
631 – What faith one belongs to
Why does one have to explain?
The Same God
Now there are varieties of gifts, the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord: and there are varieties of working, but it is the same God who inspires them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common God.
1 Corinthians 12. 4-7 Continue reading
590 – Who is a Hindu?
Hinduism is the world’s oldest faith in the world. Hindus believe in the doctrines of samsara (the continues cycle of life, death and reincarnation) and karma (the universal law of cause and effect). In Hinduism, the soul or Atman is the crux of it. Continue reading
543 – Triumph over the Gunas during Navratri
During the 9 days of worship of the Mother Goddess, the triumph of the divine feminine trinity of Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi occurs. In the course of this festival of Mother worship, respect is shown to young girls, married women, young learned boys, elephants and cows. Navratri represents the internal conquest of negativity. Continue reading
500 – Practice Atmabhava every day – Part 1
The practice of Atmabhava (love for humanity) is like being aware of all the gods 24/7. We have seven days in the week and each day is allocated to a God.
Monday is dedicated to Shiva. Devotees fast for the whole day and can have one meal only. Fasting starts after sunrise. After rising from the bed, one should meditate on Shiva. Then have a bath and offer prayers to Shiva and Parvati. If fasting, wear white clothes. White flowers and white food are offered. Benefit is to receive Shiva’s blessings. Continue reading