No difference exists between the formless God and the God of form. Thus speak the Vedas and Puranas, the Munis and the wise. The same formless, unseen, unborn and attribute less God takes the form impressed by the love of the devotee. Continue reading
Goddess Durga is worshipped as one of the key aspects of the Cosmic Mother. She was created to defeat Mahishasura, a demon who could not be killed by any man. Continue reading
Uddhava was the recipient of Krishna’s final teachings. He was Krishna’s cousin and counsellor and he asked Krishna how should Paramatman be worshipped? Krishna answered his question in detail. Continue reading
If one wants to worship Buddha, the center of worship is the heart. The statues of Buddha are made in such a way that in their presence, the worshipper would feel the resonance and vibrations of compassion within him/her/hir/self. Continue reading
Which word do I prefer? Compassion or love. I will deal with love first.
Love is such a beautiful word. Just saying it makes one heart feel light. ‘To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.’
Compassion is that ‘We must treat others as we wish others to treat us.’ Continue reading
Vishnu is revered as the Preserver and the element; water plays a very important role in his life. He is depicted as the cosmic ocean Nara, meaning water. Water was the only thing in existence before the creation of the universe. On account of this, he is known as Narayana, or one who moves on the waters. Vishnu’s Shakti is the sustaining energy because it refers to Vishnu, God of preservation. Continue reading
Saffron is composed of shades of golden-yellow and orange. It is the most sacred color for Hindus. It represents the fire (Agni) which burns the impurities and cleanses itself in the process. It is red in the bottom; the middle is yellow and the top is orange and symbolizes purity, wisdom and the quest for light—sages and ascetics who have renounced the world dress in saffron. Saffron is the color of the sunset and sunrise, which symbolize sacrifice, light and the search for salvation. Shiva loves saffron. Continue reading
How to worship God? Seek God and serve him in this world, which is his creation.
Jale Vishnu, thale Vishnu
Vishnu parvatamastake
Jvaalamaalaakule Vishnu
Sarvam Vishnumayam jagat.Vishnu is in the oceans,
In the land, in the mountain peaks,
In the garland of flames,
In every nook and corner of the world.
I am sharing a mantra with you, dedicated to Shiva, seeking atonement and blessings.
Om namaste astu bhagvana visrvesrvaraya mahadevaya
Trayambakaya tripurantakaya trikalagnikalaya
Kalagirudraya nilakanthaya mrityumjayaya
Sarvesrvaraya sadashivaya sriman mahadevaya Namah.
Dear ones, my eldest granddaughter is writing a story about a boy living in a Hindu family. She is half German and she has been coming to Yoga Vidya since she was two. Her two younger brothers have also been coming. Well, she rang me up and asked me what being a Hindu meant. She associated it with being religious. Continue reading
Govardhan Puja is celebrated a day after Diwali. What is special about it? A Govardhan Parvat is made from Cow dung and people worship cows. The story behind it is that great festivities were going on in Braj. Braj is a region on both sides of the Yamuna with its center at Mathura. Continue reading
by Dr Radhakrishnan and Swami Sivananda
Dr Radhakrishnan is considered one of the most learned of Hindu Scholars. He was a philosopher, author, statesman and educationalist. His birthday on 5th September is celebrated as Teachers’ Day in India. He was a former President of India and a professor of Eastern Religions at Oxford university. He was also named “Knight of the Golden Army of Angels,” the Vatican’s highest honor for a Head of State. Continue reading
Purifying the pranas leads to the blessings of the nine incarnations of the Goddess. How does this happen? When one unblocks one’s prana the elements, nadis, chakras are cleared. Five keys are used, and these are the psychic breath, psychic sound, psychic center, psychic nadis and psychic symbol. Listed below are the nine forms and their influence on the chakras. Continue reading
Quotes from the Bhagwada Gita,
One is dearest to God who has no enemies among the living beings, who is nonviolent to all creatures. I look upon all creatures equally; none are less dear to me and none more dear. But those who worship me with love live in me, and I come to life in them.
He alone who truly sees the Lord the same in every creature… seeing the same Lord everywhere, he does not harm himself or others.
Be fearless and pure; never waver in your determination or your dedication to the spiritual life. Give freely. Be self-controlled, sincere, truthful, loving and full of desire to serve… Learn to be detached and to take joy in renunciation. Do not get angry or harm any living creature, but be compassionate and gentle; show good will to all. Cultivate vigour, patience, will, purity; avoid malice and pride. Then you will achieve your destiny.
When we worship the goddess in her different avatars for nine days, we ourselves are going through a purification process. Also observe that none of the offerings are extravagant, they are simple foods, which most people can offer. The Goddess takes care of us as long we remain sincere in our devotion.
Aim Hrim Klim
Credits: hinduismnow.org