Sri Rama Kavacham is the Armor of Rama. It is a powerful, protective prayer dedicated to Sri Rama. It asks Rama to guard and protect every part of one’s body. It is chanted for mental peace, courage and divine protection from fears and mental energies. It is a spiritual shield for one. Continue reading
The Oracle of Rama is often called the Rama Ajna Prashna (Goswami Tulsidas). In the Oracle of Rama, a sacred divination method from the Ramcharitmanas, Sundays are governed by the powerful energy of the Sun. It consists of seven chapters, divided into seven sections with each section in turn divided into seven verses. Chapter 7 of this epic features the victory and return to Ayodhya making it a great day for positive outcomes. The Oracle can be consulted by all, even children. Continue reading
Abhay Sukta—Hymn of Fearlessness is from the Atharva Veda (Kanda XIX, Hymn 15). It is a powerful Vedic prayer addressed to Indra. It is chanted to dispel anxiety, overcome fear of the unknown, and seek protection against both internal and external threats. It is said to have been composed in the period of 1500 BCE and 1000 BCE. The Sukta states surrendering to the divine to achieve a state of inner calm and absolute security. Continue reading
The man dwelling on sense objects develops attachment for them; from attachment springs up desire, and from desire (unfulfilled) ensues anger… From anger arises delusion; from delusion, confusion of memory; from confusion of memory loss of reason; and from loss of reason, one goes to complete ruin. – Gita 2.62 –63
Let us look at Mother Earth. Do we treat her like a mother? Do we respect and love her? Do we make sure that our air is nontoxic? Do we make sure our waters are not poisoned? My list can go on. Continue reading
Many of us are afraid of being alone. If you pause and think, are you really alone? No, because we are in the presence of Divinity and the presence of God is everywhere. It is our thoughts always which play on our feelings and emotions. Continue reading
According to Swami Satyananda Saraswati the path to true happiness was possible if one focused on one’s true nature through specific principles.
Regular practice of Yoga was the first step. Yoga cleared the energetic blocks through asana, pranayama and meditation. Deep seated tensions were released and the mind was brought to a calm and harmonious state. Continue reading
Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti is a powerful Vedic mantra or sacred sound with healing vibrations that call for cosmic peace. It is chanted aloud at the start of a meditation to relax and still the mind and body. It is chanted aloud as a peace invocation after all Hindu prayers. It is also used like a greeting or parting salutation. Continue reading
‘Hope’ is the thing with feathers—
That perches in the soul—
And sings the tune without the words—
And never stops—at all—
And sweetest–in the Gale—is heard
And sore must be the storm—
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm—
I’ve heard it in the chilliest land—
And on the strangest Sea—
Yet—never–in Extremity,
It asked a crumb–of me. – Emily Dickinson
The greatest error of a man is to think that he is weak by nature, evil by nature. Every man is divine and strong in his real nature. What are weak and evil are his habits, his desires and thoughts but not himself. Thus spoke Ramanna Maharishi. Continue reading
We must connect with our hearts.
Why do people fight among themselves? The heart must change. Greed and selfishness must perish. Then alone will there be peace in the world. The innermost Atman concealed in the chambers of your heart is an embodiment of peace. It is a quality of the soul. It fills the pure heart. It runs away from egotistical people. Attain the peace through meditation on the ever-peaceful Atman. – Swami Sivananda
In Negombo, we visited the Reclining Buddha temple. I have placed some pictures. The paintings on the wall depict different aspects of his life. Buddha cutting his hair and he was being given his mendicant garments. Continue reading
Change yourself through the sadhana of Ahimsa. Ahimsa means non-violence. It is understood as not harming others. However, it has a deeper meaning. It is to reduce harm in thought, word and action towards others and ourselves. Continue reading
The Peace that passeth all understanding has been the axis around which Indian culture has revolved in all its aspects.
Peace is a divine attribute. It is a quality of the soul. It fills the pure heart. Continue reading
Let us address the Asuras existing in the world. I am using the word Asuras because it is used for a class of demons and antagonists. They waged wars against the Devas, who represented forces of light and positivity. The common phrase is the elephant in the room, but the elephant is a good animal with buddhi (wisdom), affection and loyalty. Continue reading