The Fragrance remains on the hand that gives the flower. – Mahatma Gandhi.
We offer flowers during our puja. The flowers are plucked early in the morning or bought from a shop selling flowers, which is usually near the temple. The flowers that are offered are yellow marigolds, fragrance lotus buds, red roses, and jasmine. One is not supposed to smell the flowers. However, their fragrance is all around, combined with the burning incense. Continue reading
Om Shanti Om is an ancient Vedic mantra. Om is the sound of the universe, the primordial sound. As one chants this mantra one is spreading peace for all human kinds, living and nonliving in the entire universe. My grand-daughter asked me, what she could do about the Indo-Pak conflict. I thought about it and my response was that chanting Om Shanti Om, on her mala would be her contribution. Continue reading
I desire neither earthly kingdom, nor even freedom from birth and death.
I desire only the deliverance from grief of all those afflicted by misery.
Oh Lord (Cosmic Mother) lead us from the unreal to the unreal to the real;
from darkness to light, from death to immortality.
May there be peace in celestial regions.
May there be peace on earth.
May the waters be appeasing.
May herbs be wholesome and may trees and plants bring peace to all.
May all beneficent bring peace to us.
May your wisdom spread peace to us.
May your wisdom spread peace through all the world.
May all things be a source of peace to all and to me.
Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti (Peace, Peace, Peace).
Mahatma Gandhi Continue reading
The human frame will be an empty shell
If the soul within is lonely and unwell.If the soul is clothed in flesh that feels both soft and rough
It is to get a sense of what it means to love.The life lived in love is a gainer full twice over
On earth in joy and then in heaven’s clover.
Quotes from Tirukkural Continue reading
Little drops of water,
Little grains of sand
Make the mighty ocean
And the pleasant land
So, the little minutes,
Humble they be
Make the mighty ages
Of Eternity. – Julia Fletcher Carney Continue reading
What I cannot understand is that why should we seek forgiveness and grant forgiveness only on special days. In reality, my dear ones we should be practicing this three hundred and sixty-five days of the year. Forgiveness means different things to different people. It involves an intentional decision to become free of resentment and anger. It also means ridding oneself of hurts and offences. Continue reading
Our parents, our teachers and our elders elucidated never tell an untruth. I did not attach any importance to it as I never lied to my mother. My father was very strict and so in self-defense or to protect a sibling one lied. Morality was a word also used a great deal and one thought that it was associated with character. When I had my own children, I realized how important it was to tell the truth, and what was the actual meaning of morality. Continue reading
How do we define happiness? Is it not related to us? We are pleased that we have got a pay raise. We are so ecstatic that we have a great partner and friends. We are so content that we have a home, children and a pet. The list goes on. Continue reading
It is our dharma, our faith to serve humanity. We must give love to those who need love. We must help those who are poor and neglected. Our resources must be utilized for the welfare of others. Our strength, intelligence, mind, heart, soul, money, knowledge, power, and friends should be used for the benefit of others. Enjoyment and happiness comes from giving and sharing with the needy and the unhappy. These are the teachings of Jesus Christ, Saint Francis, Gautama Buddha, Mahavira, Mahatama Gandhi and every enlightened human being. Continue reading
The king cobra coiled around his neck.
We cannot visualize Shiva, without his garland. Shiva is also known as Pashupatinath or the god of the animals. He is also known as Nageshwara. The snake is Vasuki, king of the snakes. Vasuki represents ahamkara (ego). Continue reading
It is said that words stay in the ether, and they never vanish. We are always exchanging words and sometimes they are so cruel and hurtful. We regret afterwards, at least I hope we do and the other person will always remember them. What can we do about it? How is it possible to stop being abrasive and offensive? Continue reading
Mantras have a very powerful effect on us and their healing powers are immense. When we play the mantras on CDs and hear them, the sound waves spread out. I have watched this first hand in my home. I play a different chant every day as soon as I wake up. It is very fascinating to watch my cats. Continue reading