Challenge of Gender norms by Sita

While I was praying, I thought of Sita, the mortal incarnation of Lakshmi and her sense of independence and fearlessness.

The story is about Sita performing the Shraddha puja by herself. During their forest exile, after the death of Dashratha, Rama and Lakshman went to collect the necessary items for Shraddha (ancestral rites). As the auspicious time for the Pind Daan (offering of ritual balls) was passing and they had not returned, the spirit of King Dasharatha appeared before Sita and requested her to perform the rites immediately. Sita gave in and started making arrangements by herself. Continue reading

Hanuman, the God of Prana

Hanuman was the son of the Vayu, God of the Wind. His mother, Anjane was a beautiful celestial nymph, who had been cursed to be born on earth as a monkey princess, because she was an impetuous maiden by Brihaspati’s wrath. Brihaspati was the guru of the Devas. Her curse would only be uplifted when she would bear a child. Anjane was seen by the Wind God and despite being a monkey, she was very beautiful. He was enchanted by her and he blew on her. Hanuman was born and she was freed of the curse. Continue reading

Expression of Rama’s sorrow

Rama recalls the events starting from exile–describes Sita’s beauty, virtues and gentleness–drifts back to sorrow–Lakshman tells Ram to think of a way of finding Sita. – Aranyakand 3.63.1

Dear ones, can you sense the sorrow of Rama, when he finds out that Sita has been abducted. He is sunk in sorrow when he describes her qualities. Continue reading

Law of Opposites and Yoga Nidra

How are we affected by the law of opposites. Prince Ram in the Yog Vasistha said to Sage Vashisht that he did not long to live and he did not long to die. He remained neutral about life as well as about death. Duality exists around us and there is uncharted space which Krishna describes as being free from opposites.

The karma yogis, who neither desire nor hate anything, should be considered always renounced. Free from all dualities, they are easily liberated from the bonds of material energy. – Gita 5.3

Continue reading

Aditya Hrudayam

Aditya Hrudayam is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. It is a very powerful prayer and was known to the Rishi Agastya, a revered Vedic sage of Hinduism, who saved humanity and helped the Gods in their battle against Evil. He recited it to Rama, before his battle with Ravana. It is hymn which brings victory, courage and strength. It also calms the mind and restores vitality. Continue reading

Are we selfish of selfless?

According to ancient scriptures and yoga, the human body is nothing but energy. We are not identifying with essence of life but with something that is created from that essence, and which is material and gross. Our collective consciousness is based on the body and the senses. Continue reading

Let us pray to Rama

–the mortal avatar of Vishnu and become free of pride.

Abandon pride, which is the same as tamas guna (darkness) rooted as it is in ignorance and is a source of considerable pain; adore Sri Ram, chief of the Raghus and an ocean of compassion. – Tulsidas

Ram is a source of inner peace, inspiration and bravery. Ram was born as a mortal, and he is considered the perfect being. He followed the Hindu Code of Conduct and did not let any trial or tribulation affect it. He is considered the Akal Purukh and is the inner soul of every being. Akal Purukh means the one who is beyond the sphere of birth and death; the supreme positive power as opposed to negative power. He is a timeless and eternal being.

Aim Hrim Klim

 

Who is the PERFECT woman?

I am aware dear ones that today is International Women’s Day. All kinds of attributes are given to womankind. Sages are writing that we must create a world where women are celebrated not just as their roles as mothers, wives or daughters but also as creators, leaders and spiritual beings who shape the essence of life. Continue reading

Meditation on Maha Lakshmi

The one, who always worships Lakshmi, Sri Kamala, the one who dwells in the lotus, Padma, the pleasing one holding tender lotus bloom in her hands, the daughter of the ocean, the one who carries the pot of nectar in her two hands, the goddess Ira and the beloved of Vishnu will ward off all miseries. – Mahalakshmi Stuti, Skanda Puran, verse 8

Continue reading

Surya Namaskara

I bow to the Sun.

Surya atma jagasthushsch yadaditya gatam tejo jagadbhasayate akhilam.

The Sun is the soul of a whole universe; Sun is the source of life for all living beings.

We have just celebrated a three-day festival called Chhaat, praying to Surya Devata, at sunrise and sunset. The concept is beautiful as one bathes in running water at dawn and dusk. Fasting is observed for three days, and one is purified. Continue reading

Who is Ram?

Ram is the seventh avatar of Vishnu, and he is born as a mortal. In our Hindu tradition, Ram is a divine human, a mortal god incorporating both into the exemplar who transcends both humans and gods. The story of his life is in the Ramayana and the Ramayana is an allegory for the duties, rights and social responsibilities of an individual. He is a superior being and does not render evil for evil. Continue reading