905 – 9 ways to practice bhakti sadhana

  1. Shravana: listening to the stories of the lord.

  2. Kirtan: singing about the qualities of the lord.

  3. Smaranam: remembering the name of the lord.

  4. Padaseva: cultivating a feeling of universal oneness.

  5. Archana: surrendering all one’s deeds to the lord through worship, ritual and reverence.

  6. Vandana: the humbling of one’s ego, the bowing of one’s head.

  7. Dasya: serving, seva.

  8. Sakhya: having the attitude of a friend.

  9. Atmanivedana: surrendering oneself totally.

Srimad Bhagwatam

Let us examine these methods of Bhakti Sadhana. Continue reading

861 – Eight forms has Shiva

Eight forms has Shiva lord of all and king;
And these waters, first created thing;
And fire, which speeds the sacrifice begun;
The priest; and the time’s dividers, moon and sun;
The all-embracing ether, path of sound;
The earth, wherein all seeds of life are found;
And air, the breath of life: may he draw near,
Revealed in these, and bless those gathered here.

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832 – Maha Shivratri

I am sharing a mantra with you, dedicated to Shiva, seeking atonement and blessings.

Om namaste astu bhagvana visrvesrvaraya mahadevaya
Trayambakaya tripurantakaya trikalagnikalaya
Kalagirudraya nilakanthaya mrityumjayaya
Sarvesrvaraya sadashivaya sriman mahadevaya Namah.

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226 – Perceive the Lord

In these harsh and disturbed times, we can contribute by self-purification. Cleansing of our thoughts will lead to removal of negativity. I have taken the liberty of combining the teachings of the Veda with the teachings from the Bible. It is only possible for us to end the conflict by practicing detachment, and empathy. Atma Bhava love for our brethren will lead to a resolution. Good Friday is for us to seek forgiveness, not only for ourselves but for saving mother earth. Continue reading