PUJA - EASY WAY TO GET COSMIC ENERGY

Puja is not a blind ritualistic exercise or the madness of a superstitious Hindu. Each and every aspect of puja has a hidden and a very important symbolic significance, known but to few scholars of Hinduism. It was revealed through great visionaries (Drashtas, Rishis) with broad vision for upliftment of mankind. The greatest contribution of India to the world is her spiritual science. No civilization, however old it may be, has ever attained the level of sophistication, reached by the yogis and siddhas of India.

Puja enables us to establish contact with the powerhouse of live impulses in our world, thus manifesting the oneness aspect between the Souls, Creation, and God. All human problems are ultimately due to the illusory ‘separation’ from God, and the physical disorders due to the subsequent ‘separation’ from the creation. The basis for connection with this force is Puja.

Puja is a means of honoring the gods or goddesses, whose presence in the home is believed to protect the family and to engender good fortune.

Puja is a word in Sanskrit language. In Sanskrit, words are formed with meaning in mind.

For instance in the word puja, 'p' stands for 'paapa' meaning sins. 'j' stands for 'janma' means birth.

In the puja ceremony, the Hindus offer both flowers and water to the deity. Thus from this point of view, "pu" means "pushpam" or flower and "ja" means "jal".

The letter "ja" can also mean simultaneously "japam". With 'p' it removes all accumulated sins, and with 'j' it makes your life's(birth) purpose fulfilled.

Lastly, puja has a spiritual dimension also. According to this interpretation, puja means that form of worship through which we give birth to or awaken the indwelling spirit in us. Here "pu' means "purusha", meaning the eternal self and "ja" means "janma" , meaning to give birth to or to awaken.

According to the Hindu beliefs, during the puja ceremony the deity, which is normally a static statue, becomes alive. This happens both at the external level and at the internal level. The statue is brought to life externally through the chanting of mantras or special invocations, or specifically speaking, through the performance of 'prana pratishta' or establishing of life breath. Similarly the indwelling spirit is awakened through the devotee's sincerity, concentration, devotion, and divine grace which is symbolically represented as 'prasad', or the blessing from above.

The Lord being not accessible to our eyes, ears, nose, touch and beyond the ken of ordinary (un-refined) intellect, the ancients devised a method of bringing Lord within the realm of the senses.

This method is to worship Him(Her or It) in an object (photo,water,fire,precious jewel, idol etc) which you can touch, feel, smell, see, feel the taste of. Thus all wandering senses are brought to a focus, by belief (faith) and by daily practice.

During puja an image or other symbol of the god serves as a means of gaining access to the divine. This icon is not the deity itself; rather, it is believed to be filled with the deity's cosmic energy. It is a focal point for honoring and communicating with the god. The objects are created as receptacles for spiritual energy that allow the devotee to experience direct communication with his or her gods. Hindu images serve as visual metaphors to express the invisible divine reality.

RITUALS OF RELIGION, LIKE THE HUSK OF A SEED, PRESERVE ITS LIFE AND MAKE IT GERMINATE

Philosophy without religion becomes meaningless. Religion without rituals becomes insipid. The rituals of a religion, like the husk of a seed, preserves its life and make it germinate. It is only when the rituals are separated from the faith and assume an independent existence that they become mechanical and lifeless.

On the physical plane, the prayers and the mantras chanted during the puja ceremony create an atmosphere of sacred feelings or vibrations in the house and add sanctity and purity to the whole environment.

Every family must perform puja to Isvara. Those who find it convenient to do so may conduct elaborate types of puja after receiving proper initiation into them. Others need perform only a brief puja viz. Panchopachara Puja, not lasting more than ten minutes or so. Officegoers must offer at least this brief worship. The sacred bell must ring in every home.

PANCHOPACHARA PUJA


5 upacharas are simpler form. These were included in 16 upacharas. It includes Ghandham, dhoopam, deepam, pushpam, and naivedhyam. (Simply to control their 5 indriyas- skin-gandham; dhoopam- nose; deepam- eyes; pushpam- ears (I mean by saying namas and then doing archana); naivedhya- mouth).

This is very simple and atleast we should do this before a pooja. This panchopachara pooja can be done manasik also (Symbolically) to pacify gods. Its a must to do thing after dhyana while doing sandhyavandhanam too.



SHODASOPACHARA PUJA

This puja comprises of these steps:

Dhyanam - God or Goddess to reside in the idol or image or photo for the time being, so that the spiritual force may flow thru the medium of the idol etc. towards all the people assembled. dhyAyAmi
Avahana - the invocation of the deity. AvAhayAmi
Asana - a seat is offered to the deity. Asanam parikalpayAmi
Padya - the feet of the deity are washed with water. pAdyam samarpayAmi
Arghya - a respectful offering of water is made to the god. This water is laced with sandalwood paste, vermilion and rice. arghyam samarpayAmi
Achamania - water is then offered for washing the face and mouth of the deity. AchamanIyam samarpayAmi
Snanajala - the deity is offered water for bathing. SnApayAmi.
vastrayugmam: two pieces of clothe to wear vastrayugmam samarpayAmi
Yagnyopaveeta – sacred thread yagnyopavItam samarpayAmi
Gandha - sandalwood paste or any other fragrant object is offered. gandham dhArayAmi.
Akshata - grains of rice mixed with vermilion are offered. akshatAn samarpayAmi
Pushpa - flowers are offered. – pushpEna pUjayAmi
anga puujaa: each organ is being thought of and flowers offered to them
pushpa puujaa: on each of his/her various names, a veriety of flowers are offered
patra puujaa: likewise with leaves of different plants.
aShTottara puujaa: 108 names which are very special to the deity are uttered
If possible, sahasranaama puuja: 1008 names of the deity
All these offer you the increased concentration and deeper going into the ONE deity you are worshipping NOW

Dhupa - incense is lit. dhuupam AghrApayAmi
Dipa - the lamp is lit. dIpam samdarshayAmi
Naivedya - rice, fruit, butter and sugar are offered next. naivedyam nivedayAmi
At that time a little water is poured into the right palm and offered as the naivedya, chanting thus:
PraaNaaya svaaha
apaanaaya svaahaa
vyaanaaya svaahaa
udaanaaya svaahaa
samaanaaya svaahaa
brahmane svaahaa

Tambulam – pan-leaves with betel nut – tAmbUlam samarpayAmi
Aarati - wishing well and show aarati- asking for light of knowledge. waving of lights called Aarati or niiraajana or ma.ngala aaratii. All must stand in their respective places. ma.ngala niiraajana samarpayaami.
The lighted lamp or camphor is taken to all the persons assembled as a reminder of the eternal light of spirit shedding its glory within each one of them.
Pradakshina – circumambulate - for removal of all sins of aeons
Sashtanga pranamam
kshamaapana: apoalogies for mistakes
At the end of worship, daily or occasional, a prayer is offered to God not to mind the defects while chanting the mantras or adopting the procedures or for forgetting to do some duties out of ignorance. The Almighty is compassionate enough to ignore such errors. Thus, mercy being His chief trait, a devotee need not be concerned with minor defects if his endeavour is absolutely sincere but the enjoined duties should not be abandoned.


Achamana And Prokshana
Achamana is sipping water three times, repeating the Names of the Lord. Prokshana is sprinkling water over ones body for the sake of purity, when a bath is not possible. This is for internal as well as external purity. While sipping water, the following Mantras are repeated: - Kesavaya Swaha, Narayanaya Swaha, Madhavaya Swaha - prostrations to the immutable Lord; - Then the various Names of the Lord - Govinda, Vishnu, Madhusudana, Trivikrama, Vamana, Sridhara, Hrishikesa, Padmanabha, Damodara, Samkarshana, Vasudeva, Pradyumna, Anirddha, Purushottama, Adhokshaja, Narasimha, Achyutha, Janardhana, Upendra, Hara, Srikrishna - are repeated, touching the various parts of the body, viz., the eyes, the ears, the face, the navel, the head, etc. One becomes pure by doing Achamana after he answers calls of nature, after walking in the streets, just before taking food and after food, and after a bath. This reminds you of the Lord now and then. Every act, every ritual, every symbol has a deep philosophical importance. They help you in changing the mental substance from Rajas and Tamas to Sattva. They give you an opportunity to think of God frequently.
TIRTHAM

We often visit temples and after worshipping the Lord and offering our prayers, we are given tiirtham or holy water and prasaad (food offered to the Lord). After having that holy water and prasaad with great reverence & devotion we feel great happiness.

This "tiirtham" is the holy water used for the Abhisheka(bath) of the Idol of the temple. After doing the abhishekam that particular water becomes "tiirtham".

When devotees are given the holy water, the following Sloka is often chanted:

akaala mR^ityu haraNaM, sarva vyaadhi nivaaraNaM
sarva dhuritopashamanaM vishhNu paadodakaM shubham.h

Prevention of untimely death, cure for all diseases, remedy for all miseries, are all possible by this water that has washed Lord Vishnu’s feet.

akaala mR^ityu means untimely death. When a person dies before the completion of an average life span, by causes such as road accidents, building collapse, fire etc., it will be called akaala mR^ityu. This Sloka says that the holy water has the power to destroy the akaala mR^ityu or untimely death and get rid of all miseries and diseases.

shariire jarjarii bhuute, vyaadhi graste kaLebhare
aushadaM jaahnavii toyaM vaidhyo naaraayaNo hariH

In this Sloka we say that this holy water is like medicine. When we become old and have diseases due to old age, this holy water has the power to reenergize us. Lord Narayana and Sree Hari are the doctors who protect us. This is the greatness of the "tiirtha."


PRASADAM

Prasadam is a combination of two words, namely 'pra' and 'sada'. It literally means the bestower of eternal life. When an offering is made to the deity, it is blessed by the deity and becomes infused with His or Her prana energy. Hence the name 'prasadm".

Why do we light a lamp?

In almost every Indian home a lamp is lit daily before the altar of the Lord. In some houses it is lit at dawn, in some, twice a day – at dawn and dusk – and in a few it is maintained continuously (akhanda deepa). All auspicious functions commence with the lighting of the lamp, which is often maintained right through the occasion.

Light symbolizes knowledge, and darkness, ignorance. The Lord is the "Knowledge Principle" (chaitanya) who is the source, the enlivener and the illuminator of all knowledge. Hence light is worshiped as the Lord himself. Knowledge removes ignorance just as light removes darkness. Also knowledge is a lasting inner wealth by which all outer achievement can be accomplished. Hence we light the lamp to bow down to knowledge as the greatest of all forms of wealth

Why not light a bulb or tube light? That too would remove darkness. But the traditional oil lamp has a further spiritual significance. The oil or ghee in the lamp symbolizes our vaasanas or negative tendencies and the wick, the ego. When lit by spiritual knowledge, the vaasanas get slowly exhausted and the ego too finally perishes. The flame of a lamp always burns upwards. Similarly we should acquire such knowledge as to take us towards higher ideals. Whilst lighting the lamp we thus pray:

Deepajyothi parabrahma
Deepam sarva tamopaham
Deepena saadhyate sarvam
Sandhyaa deepa namostute

I prostrate to the dawn/dusk lamp; whose light is the Knowledge Principle (the Supreme Lord), which removes the darkness of ignorance and by which all can be achieved in life.

The man who gives lights always illumines his race, attains to purity of soul and effulgence of form. Verily, such a man, after death, attains to the companionship of the luminous bodies in the firmament.

Why do we do pradakshina (circumambulate)?

We cannot draw a circle without a centre point. The Lord is the centre, source and essence of our lives. Recognising Him as the focal point in our lives, we go about doing our daily chores. This is the significance of pradakshina. Also every point on the circumference of a circle is equidistant from the centre. This means that wherever or whoever we may be, we are equally close to the Lord.
His grace flows towards us without partiality.

Why is pradakshina done only in a clockwise manner?

The reason is not, as a person said, to avoid a traffic jam! As we do pradakshina, the Lord is always on our right. In India the right side symbolises auspiciousness. So as we circumambulate the sanctum sanctorum we remind ourselves to lead an auspicious life of righteousness, with the Lord who is the indispensable source of help and strength, as our guide – the "right hand". Indian scriptures enjoin – matrudevo bhava, pitrudevo bhava, acharyadevo bhava. May you consider your parents and teachers as you would the Lord. With this in mind we also do pradakshina around our parents and divine personages. After the completion of traditional worship (pooja), we customarily do pradakshina around ourselves. In this way we recognise and remember the supreme divinity within us, which alone is idolised in the form of the Lord that we worship outside.

Outward symbols are necessary and beneficial. When viewed from the right angle of vision, you will find that they play a very important part in your material as well as spiritual life. Though they may look very simple and unimportant, they are very scientific and effective.


Tilak

Tilak is a mark of auspiciousness. It is put on the forehead with sandal paste, sacred ashes or kumkum (red tumeric). The devotees of Siva apply sacred ashes (Bhasma) on the forehead, the devotees of Vishnu apply sandal paste (Chandan), and the worshippers of Devi or Shakti apply Kumkum, a red tumeric powder.

The scriptures say: "A forehead without a Tilak, a woman without a husband, a heart without mercy, a house without a well, a village without a temple, a society without a leader, a woman not obedient to her husband, a knife which is blunt, - all these are worthy of condemnation. They exist for name’s sake only. From this you can imagine the importance of Tilak or the sacred mark.

Tilak is applied at the Ajna Chakra, the space between the two eyebrows. It has a very cooling effect. Application of sandal paste has great medicinal value, apart from the spiritual influence. Application of sandal paste will nullify the heating effect when you concentrate and meditate at the Bhrumadhya. Tilak indicates the point at which the spiritual eye opens. Lord Siva has a third eye at the Brumadhya. When he opens the third eye, the three worlds are destroyed. So also, when the third eye of the Jiva is opened, the three kinds of afflictions – Adhyatmika, Adhidaivika and Adhibhautika- are burnt to ashes. The three Karmas- Sanchita, Prarabdha and Agami,- and also all the sins committed in the countless previous births, are burnt. When you apply the Tilak, you mentally imagine: "I am the one non-dual Brahman free from all duality. May my eye of intuition open soon." You should remember this every time you apply a Tilak.


The Tuft - Its Utility And Significance
Brahmins (Brahmanas) as well as the other castes grow Choti or Sikha, a tuft of hair. This tuff of hair was not so small in olden days, as seen in the present day. It covered the whole brain. They allowed the hair to grow. They never cut the tuft. It protects the brain from any sudden stroke and keeps it cool. The heat of the sun does not affect the head directly. Lack of this tuff has necessitated the use of umbrellas, etc.
The tuft is most scientific as well as religious. Any religious act should be performed after tying the tuft. Only the funeral and death anniversaries are performed with tuft untied or with dishevelled hair. It is very inauspicious to remain with dishevelled hair. It is done only in times of great sorrow or calamity. Draupadi took an oath in the assembly of the Kurus when she was molested by Dussasana that she would remain with dishevelled hair until the enemies were properly revenged. Kaikeyi remained with dishevelled hair in her apartment with the object of getting two boons from Dasaratha which were detrimental to the interests of Rama, the favourite of Dasaratha. Auspicious acts are never undertaken with tuft untied. Nowadays, very few people wear tuft, and even women are neglecting this vital point in their feverish anxiety to copy the West. The tuft of hair has a salutary effect on the essential parts of the brain and the central nervous system.

Significance Of The Sacred Thread
Yajnopavita or the sacred thread is worn by the Brahmins, Kshatriyas and the Vaisyas. Wearing the sacred thread is a very holy and sacred ceremony amongst the Hindus. Brahmin boys between the ages of five and eight are invested with the sacred thread on a very auspicious day. By this ceremony, they become fit for the repetition of Gayatri. A Brahmin becomes a true Brahmin only after this ceremony. It is said: - Janmana Jayate Sudrah Karmana Jayate Dvijah - By birth one is a Sudra; by Karma (i.e., the investiture with the sacred thread) he becomes a Dvija or Brahmin. - Upanayana or thread ceremony is the second birth; hence, the Brahmins are called Dvijas (Dvija means - born twice -).
The sacred thread or Yajnopavita consists of three threads. It denotes that one should be a Brahmachari in thought, word and deed. Each thread represents a Veda, viz., the Rik, Yajus and Sama. It represents also Brahma, Vishnu and Siva. The knot in the middle represents the formless Brahman, the Supreme Principle. The three threads represent also Sattva, Rajas and Tamas of the Trigunatmika Maya, and the knot represents the Isvara who controls Maya. Those who worship God at the three Sandhyas and repeat the Gayatri holding the Brahma knot of the sacred thread, derive immense strength and power. In days of yore, a Brahmana meditating upon the Gayatri holding the Brahma knot, had the power to bless and curse others. The educated intelligentsia of the present day are quite ignorant of the power of the sacred thread and the performance of Sandhya. That is the reason why they have ignored it. The sacred thread is a great power for the Brahmin who leads a regulated life devoted to the worship of God. Kshatriyas and Vaisyas, too, acquire power, fame and wealth by the power of the sacred thread.
A householder wears, at the time of marriage, an additional sacred thread. A Brahmachari has only one. The additional thread at the time of marriage is intended for the well-being of the partner. The sacred thread should be on the body always. The custom of washing it after removing it from the body or sending it to the washerman, is a wrong procedure. Some people are ashamed to wear the thread when they go to the office and they leave it at home. How ignorant they are!
Yajnopavita, the Choti, caste-mark, etc., are the external symbols to show that one is a Hindu. Purity, self-restraint, non-violence, patience, love for ones fellow-beings - these are the internal marks of a Hindu.

Offering Food To God, Guests And The Pancha-Pranas
Before sitting for food, the place is purified, a seat is put and in a leaf the articles of food are served. Before taking the food, a little water is sprinkled making a line all round the leaf repeating some Vedic Mantras. This repetition purifies the food. Then a little water is sipped. According to science as well as medicine, a little water, if drunk before the food is taken, is highly beneficial. Then the food is offered to the five Pranas and Brahman seated in the heart, by repeating Om Pranaya Svaha, Apanaya Svaha, Vyanaya Svaha, Udanaya Svaha, Samanaya Svaha, and lastly, Brahmane Svaha. Just mark the importance of this offering. The person who takes the food offers it to the deities who dwell in the body in the form of Prana, Apana, etc. He does not eat for himself. The physical body is not the eater. It is the Pancha Prana that takes the food. Thus, taking food also can be converted into an act of Yoga or sacrifice and Yagnya.
One should daily offer to the Lord the food that he has prepared, before he partakes of it. He should say: - Tvadiyam Vastu Govinda Tubhyameva Samarpaye - I offer to Thee, O Govinda, this (food) which belongs to Thee only. - The custom of the Hindus is that they should feed the guest who comes to their house before they take food. The guest is a representative of the Lord. The Srutis say: - Athhi Devo Bhava. –

Bells
Bells are rung in temples while doing Puja, to shut out the external sounds and to make the mind inward and concentrated.
Lights
Lights are waved before the Deity. This denotes that the Lord is Jyotis-Svarupa. He is all-light. The devotee says: - O Lord! Thou art the self-effulgent Light of the universe. Thou art the light in the sun, moon and fire. Remove the darkness in me by bestowing your divine light. May my intellect be illumined. - This is the significance of waving lights.

Dhupa
Dhupa or scented incense sticks are burnt before the Deity. The smoke spreads the whole room. It acts as a disinfectant. Burning of Dhupa denotes that the Lord is all-pervading and that He fills the whole universe by His living presence. It is to remind this fact that Dhupa is burnt. The devotee prays: - O Lord! Let the Vasanas and Samskaras dormant in me vanish like the smoke of this Dhupa and become ashes. Let me become stainless.
Camphor
Burning of camphor denotes that the individual ego melts like the camphor and the Jivatman becomes one with the supreme Light of lights.
Sandal Paste
The sandal paste reminds the devotee that he should, in his difficulties, be as patient as the sandal. Sandal emanates sweet odour when it is rubbed on a hard surface and made into a paste. So also the devotee should not murmur when difficulties arise, but on the other hand, remain cheerful and happy and emanate sweetness and gentleness like the sandal. He should not hate even his enemy. This is another precept we learn from this. Though the sandalwood is crushed and made into a paste, it silently wears out emanating only very sweet odour. One should not wish evil even to his enemy.

Prasada - Its Sacredness And Glory
Prasada is that which gives peace. Prasada is the sacred food offering of the Lord. During Kirtana, worship, Puja, Havan and Arati, the devotee offers sweet rice, fruits, jaggery, milk, coconut, plantain and such other articles to the Lord, according to his ability. After offering them to the Lord, they are shared between the members of the house or the Bhaktas in a temple.
Water, flowers, rice, etc., are offered to the Lord in worship. This denotes that the Lord is pleased with even the smallest offering. What is wanted is the heart of the devotee. The Lord says in the Gita: - Patram Pushpam Phalam Toyam Yo Me Bhaktya Prayacchati; Tadaham Bhaktyupahritamasnami Prayatatmanah - Whoever offers a leaf, a flower, a fruit or even water, with devotion, that I accept, offered as it is with a loving heart. - It is not necessary that one should offer gold, silver and costly dress to the Lord. The devotee offers these according to his ability and position in life, thereby denoting that the whole wealth of the world belongs to the Lord. A rich man offers costly things to the Lord. He feeds the poor and serves the sick, seeing the Lord in his fellow-beings.
Puja is done with Bael leaves, flowers, Tulasi, Vibhuti and these are given as Prasada from the Lord. Vibhuti is the Prasada of Lord Siva. It is to be applied on the forehead. A small portion can be taken in. Kumkuma is the Prasada of Sri Devi or Sakti. It is to be applied at the space between the eyebrows (Ajna or Bhrumadhya). Tulasi is the Prasada of Lord Vishnu, Rama or Krishna. It is to be taken in. They are charged with mysterious powers by the chanting of Mantras during Puja and Havan.

The mental Bhava of the devotee offering Bhog to the Lord has a very great effect. If an ardent devotee of the Lord offers anything to the Lord, that Prasada, if taken, would bring very great change even in the minds of atheists. The Grace of the Lord descends through Prasada. Go through the life of Narada. You will realise the greatness of the sacred leavings of the Lord as well as those of advanced Sadhakas and saints.
Namadeva offered rice, etc., to Panduranga Vitthala and He ate the food and shared it with Namadeva as well. If the food is offered with an yearning heart, sometimes, the Lord takes that food assuming a physical form. In other cases, the Lord enjoys the subtle essence of the food offered, and the food remains as it is in the shape of Prasada. While feeding Mahatmas and the poor people, that which is left behind is taken as Prasada. When a sacrifice is performed, the participants share the Prasada which bestows the blessings of the gods. When Dasaratha performed Putrakameshti (a sacrifice performed wishing for son), he got a vessel full of sweetened rice which he gave to his queens, by taking which they became pregnant. Prasada is the most sacred object for a devotee. One should consider himself lucky to take the Prasada, and there is no restriction of any kind in taking Prasada. Time and place, and the condition in which one is placed - all these do not affect him in any way. Prasada is all-purifying.

The benefits of Prasada and Charanamrita are beyond description. They have the power to change entirely the outlook of a mans life. Prasada and Charanamrita have the power to cure diseases and even bring back to life dead persons. There had been ever so many instances in the past in this holy land of ours which bear witness to the potency and efficacy of Prasada. Prasada destroys all pains and sins. It is an antidote for misery, pain and anxiety. Faith is the important factor in testing the accuracy of this statement. For faithless persons, it brings very little effect.
Those who are brought up in modern education and culture have forgotten all about the glory of Prasada. Many English-educated persons do not attach any importance to Prasada when they get it from Mahatmas. This is a serious mistake. Prasada is a great purifier. As they are brought up in the western style of living, they have imbibed the spirit of westerners and forgotten the spirit of the true children of Indian Rishis of yore. Live for a week in Brundavana or Ayodhya or Varanasi. You will realise the glory and the miraculous effects of Prasada. Many incurable diseases are cured. Many sincere devotional aspirants get wonderful spiritual experiences from mere Prasada alone. Prasada is a panacea. Prasada is a spiritual elixir. Prasada is the Grace of the Lord. Prasada is a cure-all and an ideal pick-me-up. Prasada is an embodiment of Sakti. Prasada is Divinity in manifestation. Prasada energises, vivifies, invigorates and infuses devotion. It should be taken with great faith.

The Japa Mala - Significance of the Number of Beads

Generally, the rosary or Mala used for Japa contains 108 beads. A man breathes 21, 600 times every day. If one does 200 Malas of Japa, it becomes 21, 600; thereby, he does one Japa for every breath. If he does 200 Malas of Japa every day, that amounts to remembrance of God throughout the day. Malas may contain beads which form divisions of 108 also, so that the same calculation can be maintained. The Meru (the central bead in the Mala) denotes that you have done your Japa 108 times. This also denotes that every time you come to the Meru bead, you have gone one step further on the spiritual path and crossed over one obstacle. A portion of your ignorance is removed. A rosary or Mala is a whip to goad you to do Japa.
The Raksha Stotra – Anganyasa & Karanyasa
Before sitting for Japa and meditation, the Raksha Stotra is generally repeated. It means: - May the Lord protect me, staying in every part of my body. - Each part is separately named and a particular Name of the Lord is repeated for the protection of that part. Anganyasa and Karanyasa also have the same effect. They drive away the evil effects of evil spirits, if any. The obstacles that stand in the way of concentration and meditation are removed. Evil thoughts will not enter the mind. This is a prayer to remove obstacles in Japa and meditation.

OFFERING COCONUT
While it is true that our thoughts control the outcome of a situation, it is lots of work and takes lots of single pointed consciousness to control our thoughts. A little divine intervention goes a long way when obstacles can be smashed to smithereens and all in the time it takes to throw a coconut. What obstacle or obstacles are between you and your desired outcome?

"I was feeling totally frustrated because everything seemed to be going against me and I was starting to get depressed. I broke 108 coconuts and the mental cloud started to lift and I could see possibility again" --Ann B

The coconut is characteristic of the three elements of man:

1. The hard outer shell with its coarse fibers stands for the physical composition of the human body.

2. The inner white fruit represents man's psychological element and inner peace.

3. Untouched coconut water signifies the spiritual nectar within.

Only when the physical world or maya is stripped or smashed away can one taste the sweet untouched nectar of spiritual purity and bliss. The smashing of the coconut is symbolic of the removal of karmas that create obstacles on many different levels of spiritual and material evolution.

2. The Divine Sacrifice

Dr. Pillai often refers to the coconut as an aspect of the divine. Only the coconut has three distinct eyes and this relates to the three eyes of Lord Shiva representing the holy Trinity of Evolution: Creation, Preservation and Destruction, or the trinity of ego, maya and karma out of where most obstacles rise.


"What a liberating feeling getting coconuts smashed. All my frustrations smashed with them. It's like they really did sacrifice themselves for my relief." --Pete D

UGADI SUBHAKANKSHALU...

GOALS IN HUMAN LIFE - PERSPECTIVE OF HINDUISM

From the very ancient times in India, Purshardhas- Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha have been considered as values, and formed its essential value system. Means `desired by purusha(human being)’ in other words `human needs’.

Study of these acknowledged as Sastra. These Sastras are known as Dharmasastra, Arthasastra, Kamasastra and Mokshasastra.


1. DHARMA – First, every human being needs to obey the law of nature by strictly following dharma. Dharma is stability of the society, the maintenance of social order, and the general welfare of mankind. And whatever conduces to the fulfilment of this purpose is called 'dharma'. Elaborately can be discussed later

2. ARTHA: Acquisition of wealth. Sutrakar has given a fairly large list of arthas as "Education, Land, Gold, Money, Household utensils, friends...."

3. KAMA (TO DESIRE): This leads to the next purusartha i.e., Kama. “Kama is the enjoyment of the appropriate objects by the five senses of hearing, feeling, seeing, testing and smelling, assisted by the mind together with the soul.” It is implied what one desires need to be within the threshold of one's wealth and within dharmic values! As a matter of fact this lies in the root of any activity. But only desire can not produce result or object; for this we require to have a relation of artha and kama.

DHARMA IN DETAIL:

But there are some problems associated with the artha and  kama purusarthas, for example, one may think to fulfil that desire or that kama, which is against the welfare of others. Therefore, here comes the need for the higher guiding principles which can guide or regulate the kama. For the purpose of this, Indian thinkers conceived Dharma. Dharma, in its very early meaning is in the form of natural law, is the maintenance of the order (Ethical order) of Universe.

The acquisition of wealth is through dharmic actions and wealth needs to be used in the preservation of dharma.

It is also an omnibus term which probably does not have any translation in English. Various meanings have been associated with dharma, with the progress of Indian civilization. Some of these are rita, yajna, satya, a characteristic, property, law, social code, conduct, morality, merits, virtues, rituals, and duty. Therefore, dharma consists of all meanings which are important and essential for sustenance and maintenance of mankind and Universe.

Hence, in the purusartha scheme the role of dharma is a guiding principle, a regulating authority. Almost all the places in Sastras, it is equivocally stated that through the dharma, artha and kama become real value otherwise become disvalue and get condemned. Therefore, it is priscribed in Sastras to pursue only those artha and kama which are aligned or not opposed to the rules of dharma.


Thus, the society, with the right kama, right artha and abiding by the regulation of dharma is bound to flourish. Therefore these three purusarthas are also considered as sufficient with regard to social life of a person.

4. MOKSHA:

But the Indian thinking does not stop at here, as it seeks to attain the highest goal. This has been described as moksha.

At one level of consciousness or one level of satisfaction or dissatisfaction one finds little interest in worldly affairs and then question looms what is next? What is higher reality? The Higher Reality and ultimate puruShArtha is Moksha

The three recognized states to the path for Moksha are: shravaNa, manana and nididhyAsana. shravaNa is the study of scriptures under a qualified Guru. manana means constant reflection upon what has been learnt so that intellectual conviction may be produced in the mind. Finally, nididhyAsana implies meditation that helps to cause a direct realization of the unity of things in God.

When Mahakavi Kalidasa writing Raghuvamsa Kavya illustrated about life of the Kings of Raghuvamsa as

Saisavaebhyasta vidyanam, yaune vishayeishinam, vardhake muni vrutteenam, yogenante tanutyajam

which means- learning sastras including dharma sastras in childhood , getting artha and kama while in youth in the footsteps of dharma, saintlyhood in old age and leave the bodies at their will i.e. moksha

We can say proudly that this is the way of living of Hindus.

FENG SHUI TIPS FOR YOUR HOME

Feng Shui tips for your home
1) There should be no shoes or slippers lying around outside the main door of your house. Remove it if you can. Allow that space at the main door to be free and clear. The chi (energy) rides with the wind and will collect all the smell of those shoes and slippers into your house causing sickness. Ch’i then travels about in your house looking for water to stay but if there are no water fountains or fish tanks, then the Ch’i will be dispersed by wind.
2) There should be no television sets in your bedrooms: If you cannot get rid of that habit then after watching the television cover it with a plastic table cloth. Remember it has to be plastic and not simply cloth.
3) There should be no mirrors opposite your bed or at the side of your bed. Mirrors opposite the bed can attract a third party to the relationship. Therefore, do not place mirrors anywhere you like and especially in your bedroom.
4) Place an indoor water fountain in your home, position in a favourable area to attract whatever you want in your life.
5) If you already have a fish tank in your house, be careful. A fish tank placed correctly can bring about greater fortune, as you will tap on the "Divine Water Dragon's Den". But if you tap wrongly, it can cause you to have lawsuits, bankruptcy, work pressure, troubles and problems. If you noticed any of these after placing the fish tank for approximately four months, shift your fish tank to another location.
6) In your kitchen, ensure that opposite your stove there is no refrigerator, washing machine, washbasin and toilet. The fire and water crash causing family members to have disagreements.
7) Try not to allow children to sleep on mattresses on the floor. Yes, this allows young children not to fall off beds but it also causes young children to fall sick frequently. The reason is: chi is not able to flow underneath the bed. Ideally, chi should circulate around the mattress where our children sleep to allow them to be healthy.
8) For young children, try to have their back to the wall when they write. It is important there should be a solid wall behind a children's writing table. This allows the child to have support so that he can sit there and study longer rather than for only half an hour and then they tend to move about because there is no solid wall behind their back. Adjust your writing table.
9) Do not allow children to sleep on double bunk beds even if it means saving space. The child sleeping underneath will not have "fresh chi" and so his health might be weak. But if due to space constraints, then monitor your child's health if not add in a metal 6 rods wind chime or a crystal sphere, to break up the "stale chi" around his bed.
10) Your bed should always have a solid wall behind you. This is important if you wish to have a good rest. A solid wall simply means that you can go into deeper sleep and therefore enabling you to have good rest so that when you wake up in the morning, you will feel fresh and well rested. This also allows you to be able to concentrate on your work better.
11) There should be no beam on top of your bed. The beam above causes chi to be pressured thus enabling you to have pressures in life. Therefore, don't place furniture underneath it or alternatively level the beam. But make sure if you choose the latter, it is important that you have enough height for that space.
12) If you have a lot of work pressure, maybe it's the marble table that you have in your dinning room that causes you to have those problems. Remove that marble table and change to a wooden one or alternatively live with that work pressure!
13) If your child usually falls sick in that bedroom: Then either change them to another bedroom or simply hang a six rod metal wind chime as the metal element will break all the earth energies in that room. After hanging, if the wind could not do the job for you then you will have to "chime" it yourself and then watch for the good results.
14) Do not use a red sofa set: The colour red represent the element of fire. And for Feng Shui, some places simply cannot have the colour red in that sector. For example: the wealth area or some other sectors which without a Feng Shui check would be unable to tell you where it is. A red sofa sets gives rise to heavy work pressure, troubles and obstacles.
15) Always open your bedroom windows at least once 20 minutes a day to allow fresh chi to come in, we do this so that it allows fresh new chi from outside to come into your bedroom, if not you will be sleeping with stale chi every night. And if that happens, then how can you expect your life to bring in more good fortune to come to you? So open that window and never mind if dusts comes in! The great good fortune that you can have will far exceeds the time you take to clean off the dust.

USEFUL REMEDIES

USEFUL REMEDIES
• Put Your Dining Table As Close To The Kitchen As Possible And Avoid Eating While Seated On Your Bed.
• Dispose Of Articles Which Have Not Been Used For Decades, Do Not Clutter Your House /office With Unnecessary Articles.

The Above Two Steps Will Reduce The Bad Effect Of Dragon Head (Rahu) Who Is Natural Malefic And Whose Job Is To Cause Unnecessary And Unavoidable Worries And Fears.

• Do Not Look Down Upon Monks Or Elderly People
• Try To Get The Blessings Of Elderly People In Your Neighbourhood, Office Or Workplace.
• Do Not Ever Annoy Your Father

This Will Improve The Strength Of Jupiter Which Is The Planet Of Fate For All Of Us

• Do Not Kick Dogs, Nor Throw Stones At Them, If Possible Feed And Caress Them This Will Improve The Effect Of Dragon's Tail (Ketu) . It Is Symbolic Of Son And Of Luxurious Life
• Use Silver Tumbler And Utensils If Possible This Will Get You The Good Effect Of Moon And Remove The Bad Effects Of Dragon's Head.

• Feed Cows - For Better Conjugal Relations And Health Of Wife.
• Feed Crows/fish For Mothers Better Health /financial Prospects
• Feed Monkeys To Improve Financial Condition And For Getting Favours From The Government.
• Wear Gold Ring, Golden Strap On Your Wrist Or Apply Saffron On Your Forehead For Better Luck And All round Improvement In Your Affairs.

I hope that you will enjoy these simple remedies and get benefit from these remedies. Please do not forget to give your feed back on this.

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REIKI AS A PREVENTIVE AND CURATIVE MEDICINE

Sri Gurbhyoh Namaha

Reiki as a preventive and curative medicine

Eastern medical philosophy has always emphasized the superiority of maintaining good health over curing illness. Reiki is a preventive medicine par excellence. But it is even more: When practicing Reiki on yourself or others, you experience both its preventive and its curative functions at the same time. If you have a disease, Reiki will cure it, if not, Reiki will promote your health and longevity. This preventive cum curative quality of Reiki makes it a unique healing system. World Health Organisation (WHO) has recognized Reiki as an alternative therapy.

How does Reiki promote health
First, it frees us from disease; it prevents as well as cures illness. Then it helps us to grow emotionally, mentally and spiritually, giving us the wonderful benefits of health in its wider sense. The preventive and curative qualities of Reiki can be reduced to two simple principles: the cleansing of meridians and balancing of the chakras to achieve a harmonious energy flow.

How does Reiki prevent or cure contagious diseases?

When disease-causing micro-organisms attack certain parts of the body, reserve energy is channelled to meet these attacks. But if the meridians are blocked, then the flow of reserve energy is hindered, and illness results. When using Reiki you cleanse the meridians, harmonizing energy levels and promote a smooth flow of reserve energy to the areas under attack, thus restoring the balance. Practicing Reiki increases our reserves of energy, thus preventing any possible future outbreak of illness.

The following conditions can be cured by Reiki:
Allergic disorders, Arthritis, Asthma, Blood pressure, Cervical spondylosis, digestive disorders, diabetes, gastritis, gynaecological problems, heart problems, Stonesin the kidneys, Migraine, Headache, Piles, Sciatica (backache), Sinusitis, Psychological disorders, stress related problems and may other chronic conditions.

Uses of Reiki: To treat yourself and others – all acute & chronic problems, to improve children’s memory power, to treat people who are away from you, to improve business turn over and profit, to improve your relationships with others, to prevent accidents, to prevent your children from getting into bad company, to increase happiness and prosperity in the family, to prevent future suffering.

How can get Reiki treatment:

Reiki energy will not be transferred unless the person is consciously willing. Hence, one should ask to the Reiki practitioner for treatment. The treatment will be most effective if you can be as relaxed and quiet as possible at the time you receive it. Because distance treatments are more concentrated, a full treatment only requires 15-20 minutes for you to receive.

I hope your life will be as blessed with Reiki as mine has been!

Contact details: S.S.N. Sarma
Mobile: 9392276439
e: svsnsarma@gmail.com