See, hear and speak no evil

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

984 – Why is Friday an auspicious day for Hindus?

Friday is the auspicious day for the major Goddesses such as Lakshmi, Parvati and Saraswati. It is considered a day of feminine Shakti. Sukra, is the Sanskrit word for brightness and clearness. It is the name of the son of Bhrigu and Khyati (incarnation of Lakshmi) and the preceptor of the Daityas (Devas) and the Guru of the Asuras. Continue reading

983 – Power of the Mantras

 

Mantras are not the name of a god; it is not a holy word or part of a hymn. It is not a tool for concentration. It is a vehicle for expansion and liberation of the mind and energy. – Swami Satyananda Saraswati

Each Vedic mantra has four centers.

  1. Rishi who composes the mantra.
  2. Devata who, inspires the mantra.
  3. Swar, method of utterance of the mantra.
  4. Chhand, the meter of the mantra producing the desired sound.

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972 – What is our consciousness beyond the mind?

Her hands have no arms; her mouth has no face. She is the eyes of the blind, Mother Prachanda Chandika.
Without hands she fashions, she knows without a mind, without an eye she sees, Mother Prachanda Chandika.
She is the supreme hand of the hand, the wonderful consciousness of the mind, the eye, that is the origin of the eye, Mother Prachanda Chandika.
Though her head is cut off, she is the support of life. Though she is frightening in appearance, she is the giver of peace. Though a maiden she increases our vigor, Mother Prachanda Chandika. – Ganapati Muni, Prachanda Chandika-9-11,14.

It is the Goddess Chinnamasta, the consciousness beyond the mind. Her Sanskrit name, comprised of Chinna (meaning severed), masta (head) and Vajrayyogini (a Buddhist goddess) highlights her unique nature. She is the headless Vajrayyogini symbolizes self-sacrifice, transformation, and the transcendence of ego. She is connected with the fierce aspect of the Goddess Devi. Continue reading

966 – Tara, the Savior

Mother, dark blue Saraswati, who grants all that is auspicious to those who surrender to you, who sits with your left leg extended, you who are the heart of Shiva, with a smiling lotus face.
Who has three eyes similar to the fully open blue lotus flower, who is the one who does,
And who wears skull, lotus and sword, you are my only hope and so I surrender to you, Oh Goddess
Sitting on a dais folding the left leg and leaving free the right leg. – Meditation form of Tara from Tara Ashtakam

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858 – Guru Stotram

A true teacher is compared to God, by his students. The word guru means remover of darkness. Homage is paid to God, the Guru of Guru. Guru mantras originate from various sources.

Guru Stotram from the Vishamsara Tantram (of which only portions survive today) the Guru Gita that is part of the Skanda Purana. The Guru Stotram is also ascribed to Adi Shankaracharya. Continue reading

838 – Tara, the savior goddess

Who is Tara? She is the Buddhist savior goddess with numerous forms, known throughout Nepal, Tibet and Mongolia. She is the feminine counterpart of the bodhisattva (the buddha to be) Avalokiteshvara. Avalokiteshvara Boddhisattva is the most popular Mahayana Buddhist deity. He is the earthly manifestation of Amitabha, guarding the world between the departure of the historical Buddha, Gautama and the appearance of the future Buddha, Maitreya. Continue reading

830 – Forgiveness mantra

Chanted at dawn and dusk.

Karcharana Krtam Va Mantra is known as the Shiva Forgiveness Mantra and Shiva Meditation Mantra. It is also a prayer.

Karacharana Kritam Vaa Kaya Jam Karmajam Vaa
Shravannayanjam Vaa Maansam Vaa Paradham
Vihitam Vihitam Vaa Sarv Metat Kshamasva
Jay Jay Karunaabdhe Shri Mahadev Shambho

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816 – Blessings from a spiritual bank

Dear ones, I read an interesting article in the newspaper, and I will share with you. In Ayodhya, the ancient city where Lord Rama was born, there is a bank for transaction of spirituality and inner peace. It is called the International Shree Sitaram Bank. It was set up in November 1970 by Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, chief of Sri Ram-janm Bhoomi Teertha Kshetra Trust. The deposit in the bank is Likhit Japa (written chant) booklet. Continue reading