In Hinduism what does the snake signify? The snake represents ahamkara (ego). What happens when we prod a snake, it spreads its hood and attempts to attack us. Similarly, our ego is also affronted when someone is rude to us or says something unpleasant to us. Continue reading
Two are required to have a relationship. Without two, there is no love, no longing, and no union. Without another, the self is meaningless. For sat (truth) to be understood there is then no need of maya (illusion). If one’s soul is to be still, it is only possible if there is restlessness. Continue reading
Who is Ganesha’s mom, and who is his big sister? The festival of Ganesha Chaturthi is this year on the 31st of August. First let us understand who is who in the first family of the Gods. It is believed that Gauri is Ganesha’s sister, and she comes to visit him. Her arrival is celebrated with joy and happiness. As Gauri represents health, wealth, happiness, and prosperity. Continue reading
Shakti Tantra is for those seekers who wish to understand life. Shakti is pure energy. She is the primordial mother. She introduces one to Shiva (Brahman-pure consciousness), Maa Jagadamba (Maha Saraswati), Maha Lakshmi and Maha Kali. Continue reading
Following the spiritual life in today’s society of consumerism and materialism without creating discord and imbalance in our daily life is not an easy goal. The principles of Vedanta are too complex for us. We require some sadhana which is easy to understand and accept. Tantra is the middle way, and its master principle is: Continue reading
In Tantra there are two important poles of energy known as Shiva and Shakti. Many of us associate practices of Tantra with sexual awareness and expertise. This is not the case. It is a misunderstanding created by teachers, who misuse their powers. In Tantra, Shakti is the creator and Shiva is the instrument. Continue reading
Tripura Sundari is also known as Sodasi, Lalita, Sri Vidya and Rajarajeshwari. Her worship centers on the worship, meditation, mantra and Sri Yantra. Tripura Sundari is identified with three channels of Kundalini Yoga. She is the cosmic queen. Continue reading
Sati (first avatar of Parvati) and Shiva were married much against her father’s will. She was her father’s favorite child. Her father Daksha organized a Yagna, a great sacrifice. All the Gods were invited, other than Sati and her husband Shiva. Sati was heart-broken and Shiva being Shiva did not care. She begged him to take her to the Yagna uninvited. He refused and then she transformed herself into 10 manifestations of herself and each form was more terrifying than the other. They surrounded Shiva and he had to agree to her demand. Continue reading
We idolize our mentors and think of them as God. They are human and have come in the form of man. I had a conversation with Rishi Sukadev and he pointed out to me that even a murderer had a soul and there was goodness within him. I had said that I could never talk to a murderer or a rapist. After he said this, I thought deeply about it. Continue reading
Tantra is a very important part of the Hindu way of worship. In the course of history, it was divided into three main branches, Shakta, Shaiva, Vaishnava. Its sources are the Vedas. Every branch of Tantra has its own agamas. Agamas are believed to be the words which came out of God’s mouth. They were the pearls of wisdom emanating from Devi, Shiva, and Vishnu. Continue reading
We use the word Shakti, very freely in our daily life. Shakti is the presiding deity of Tantra Shastra. She is the feminine principal to whom all mantras, mudras and other elements of worship are devotionally dedicated. Continue reading
The chant Tvameva Matas cha Pita twameva means that God is our mother and therefore our father also. According to Tantra, Matra Shakti or mother energy is the first creator. She is known as Shakti, the primordial energy. When energy is liberated from matter it is called moksha. Continue reading
Close your eyes. Visualize Manidweep. In Manidweep (island of precious gems), there is a golden mountain. On this mountain there is a personal city of Devi, called Sri Pura. Sri means the Goddess and pura is the city. We use the word freely today, personal for trainers, shoppers, assistances. However, this word personal has been applied first to Gods (personal deities) and the city of the Goddess. Continue reading
Thursday is the day of the Guru? I asked myself this question, as must so many of you, “Who was Swami Sivananda’s Guru?” Swami Sivananda received mantra diksha from Parmahamsa Viswananda Saraswati, on the banks of the Ganga on 1st June 1924. Swami Sivananda was in quest of a Guru. Continue reading
The meaning of millennium is a period of great happiness or human perfection. So a millennium father is one who raises children free from fear. I have only taken fear as being free from fear is our oldest prayer as mentioned in the Vedas. Being fearless is the greatest gift our father can gift us. Continue reading
