Ganesh Chaturti

Aditya Celebrating Ganesh Chaturti @ Florida

GANESHA CHATURTHI

SIGNIFICANCE OF

Celebrated on the 23rd of Aug 09

EKAVIMSHATI PATHRA POOJAOn the day of Ganesha Chaturthi festival, there is a tradition of worshipping Lord Ganesha with 21 different varieties of leaves known as Ekavimshati Pathra Pooja. Ekavimshati is a Sanskrit word meaning 21. What is the significance of this number 21 and the specific variety of leaf (Pathra) used in the pooja? Since Vedic times, usage of sacred leaves and roots/stems/herbs of sacred trees is in vogue while performing any Homa/Yagna or any sacred ritual. Apart from spiritual significance there is also an element of health consciousness and environmental protection involved in its usage. Even today these leaves/herbs are used in preparing Ayurvedic medicines used for curing several diseases. Apart from this they act as a Divine way of controlling pollution, be it water or air.For example Ganesha Chaturthi festival occurs during monsoon season when the climate is generally not suitable for health. People suffer from various viral infections and water born diseases during this period. There will be lot of water pollution also due to rains and floods during monsoon. After the Ganesha festival, the worshipped Ganesha idols along with the pooja leaves (Pathra) are immersed (Nimajjana) in water (rivers/canals/lakes/sea). These leaves when they are thrown in to water it helps in purifying the water with its medicinal properties. When these idols are made up of natural clay (mud/soil) they get dissolved very easily in water and also cleanse the water without causing any pollution.Instead, what is happening today is, we find people using idols made up of Plaster of Paris coated with colours (enamel paints). These idols generally take lot of time to get dissolved and in the process water gets polluted with mixing of chemicals and paints used for the idols. Moreover, they are harmful even to the living beings inside the water. Hence, from the environmental angle as well as health point of view it is suggested to use only idols made up of natural clay which are eco friendly.ignificance of # 21 in Ganesha PoojaThe significance of # 21 stands for five organs of perception (Gnanendriyas) + five organs of action (Karmendriyas) + five Pancha Pranas (Vital airs) + five elements (Pancha Bhoothas) + the Mind, add up to 21.Now, let us see what these 21 varieties of leaves (Pathra) used in Ganesha festival stands for and their medicinal value.Maachi Pathram (Artemisia vulgaris/Imperata Cylindrica) - They have the property of purifying the surrounding. They are used for curing skin diseases (leprosy, leucoderma), nervous diseases, and abdominal related.Bruhathee Pathram (Solanum indicum/Carisssa Carandass) - Used for asthma, cough, constipation. Also used for women in post natal periodBilva Pathram (Aegle marmeolus) - Used for Dysentery. It also purifies water. Bilva leaf is very popular in the worship of Lord Shiva.Durva Pathram (Cyanodon dactylon/Cyanodon Dacry) – It is used for Skin diseases, arresting bleeding, anemia. Durva leaf is used in the worship of Lord Ganesha. It is also called as Garike.Dattura Pathram (Stramonium) - Used for joint pains, abdominal, skin diseases, hair fall. Also used in poisonous bitesBadari Pathram (Zizipus Jujube) – Used for digestive disorders, wounds and injuries, blood impurities. Also used for maintaining the voice. Badari Kshetra is known after these trees as they are in abundance in Badari. Lord Veda Vyasa is also called as Badarayana named after the forest of Badari trees which is said to be the hermitage of Lord Veda Vyasa.Apamarga Pathram (Achyranthus Aspera) – Used for digestive disorders and also used for poisonous bites.Thulasi Pathram (Ocimum sanctum) – Used for respiratory diseases, skin diseases, purifies air, water and surroundings. This is a common house hold plant which is considered to be very sacred and celestial. The leaves are used in the worship of Lord Vishnu who is very much fond of Thulasi.Chootha Pathram (Azadarcata indica/ Mangifera indica) - Used in Diabetics, for cracked heals, diseases of throat.Karaveera Pathram (Thevetia Nerifolium/Nerium indicum) – Used for leprosy, wounds and injuries, hair fall, lice.Vishnu Krantha Pathram (Evolvulus Aisinoides/Convolvulus pluricaucis) – Used for Nervous related, memory powerDaadimi Pathram (Punica granatum) – Used for Dysentery, Vata/Pitta/Kapha doshaDevdaru Pathram (Cedrus deodar) – Used for skin diseases, wounds/injuriesMaruvaka Pathram (Origanum Valgara/Origanum majoram) – Used for Joint pains, skin diseases, heart diseasesSindhudara Pathram (Vitex nirgundo) – Used for Vaata related problems and also used in anti poisonous drugs.Jajee Pathram (Jasminum grandiflorum/Myristica Fragrams) – Used for skin diseases, Mouth related problems and also in indigestion.Gandaki Pathram (Sterculia Urens/Latha Durva) – Used for Heart related, Piles, Skin diseases.Shami Pathram (Prosopis specigera) – It is used for respiratory problems. This tree acquired lot of significance from Pancha Pandavas who had kept there weapons on this tree during their Agnathavasa. This tree is also worshipped as a remedy and we find people taking pradakshina around this tree on the day of Vijaya Dasami.Aswattha Pathram (Ficus religiosa) – Its bark is used in preparation of many medicines. It is also used for arresting bleeding. The significance and importance of this tree is so much that it is considered as Trimurthi (Trinity) swaroopa (Trinal Lords, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva). We find people performing Naga Devatha Pratishta under this tree.Arjuna Pathram (Morinda Tinctoria/Terminelia Arjuna) – Used for Joint pains, Vata/Pitta/Kapha related, heart diseases, wounds and septic conditionsrka Pathram (Calotropis Procera) - It is used in poisonous bites, wounds and injuries, curing skin diseases, leprosy, tumors, joint pains, etc… It is said that it has 64 varieties of medicinal usage. It is called as a healing herb. We find usage of this leaf on the day of Ratha Sapthami. It is associated with the worship of Sun God, Lord Hanuman and also Lord Ganesha.While usage of these leaves has proven medicinal value, it is suggested to use them only under Medical advice.

Usage of Durva (Garike) in Ganesha Pooja:It is said and believed that usage of Garike has attained lot of significance in the worship/pooja of Lord Ganesha who is very much fond of this item. The legend behind this relates to the curse given by Goddess Parvathi (Consort of Lord Shiva) to Nandeeswara (Mount of Lord Shiva). In order to get rid of the effect of curse, Goddess Parvathi had asked Nandeeswara to shed what is most pleasing to him and offer the same to her son Lord Vinayaka which will please him the most. Thus Durva became most pleasing item to Lord Ganesha. Generally Durva is offered in pooja in odd number (5/7/21)Thus worshiping of Lord Ganesha with different varieties of leaves is associated with the belief that these medicinal values will reach the human beings either through air or water apart from providing the required sanctity and spirituality.

Sri Krishnaarpanamasthu

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Beyond Compare

Prof.Francis X.Clooney

Courtesy

The Hindu Of 14th Aug 09

Srivaishnavism is an interesting tradition, philosophically and theologically.

The coming together of any two religions for most of us could mean raised voices and bloodshed… quite paradoxical to what all religions preach. But Prof. Francis X. Clooney, S.J., Harvard University, and author of several books, has a different perspective.

Prof. Clooney spoke about his book ‘Beyond Compare: St. Francis and Sri Vedanta Desika on Loving Surrender to God’, during a talk organised by Prakriti Foundation at Madras Terrace House recently. In his work, he compares the two preceptors who were from different times and countries, and practised different religions, but who were united in their approached the concept of surrender to God.

Prof. Clooney pointed out that since his work was like the interpretative work of a dancer or a musician, there was a great deal of practice and hard work that went into it right from the choice of subject. “It took me several years to narrow down on whom to compare”, he said. He added that “the minute you compare to celebrate one over the other, or compare to just get common quotes, it is not comparison in the real term.”

So what does Vedanta Desika, the 13/14th century preceptor for Vaishnavites, have in common with St. Francis, a 17th century Catholic priest from Geneva? Both valued writing and in their written work, they hoped to pursue the devotee to perform a religious act itself. Both sought to transform the reader and used older texts to reinforce their message. Most important, both urged the reader to introspect and find out what it takes for him to surrender unconditionally to God. The book has several interesting passage on these topics. The audience was treated to a few enthralling readings. Catching up with Prof. Clooney after the session for a short interview, helped put the book in a greater context. Excerpts:

Tell us a little about your research.

I work in certain traditions of classical Hinduism, including Mimamsa Vedanta and Srivaishnavism. Of course, my work as a professor leads me to write on other topics and themes at times, but these are my areas of focus in the study of Hinduism. Beyond these, I am also a comparative theologian, and so, I reflect on what I learn from Indian traditions alongside my understanding of my Christian bearings. And, to understand comparative study, I am also a bit of a historian, studying how Western Jesuits over the centuries have understood Hinduism.

What got you interested in Srivaishnavism?

It is a very interesting tradition, philosophically and theologically, and it shows us a complete religious way of life. The fact that Srivaishnavism flourishes in both Tamil and Sanskrit makes it all the more beautiful. The poetry of Divya Prabandham in particular is very lovely. I also appreciate the Vaishnava temples, their architecture, imagery, and the worship that takes place there. In many ways, I have found Srivaishnavism to be parallel to Roman Catholicism, with a similar depth, breadth, and wholeness.

What is your mission on comparative religious studies and what forces do you see helping/hindering it?

I am a professor at one of the oldest and best universities in the U.S., and also a Catholic priest and Jesuit. So my mission is academic — scholarly writing on topics of religious importance, and doing comparative study. It is also spiritual, in the sense that I believe that inter-religious truths and understanding are valuable to one and all. If my work helps people appreciate and learn from other religions, then I think I would have succeeded and will be very happy. If people become more convinced of the truth of their own tradition, with deep faith, that too is very good. Since there is a lot of religious misunderstanding and intolerance today, my hope is that my work will probably show a way for people to relate to other religions more constructively and positively.

Your future plans and interests…

I have several book projects in mind, including more work on the Srivaishnava Bhagavatha Visaya, certain songs and commentaries compared with medieval Christian commentary on the Biblical Song of Songs. I have also been doing research on the Jesuit tradition of inter-religious learning in India, and may soon have something more to write on that.

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Akshya Patra

AKSHAYA PATRA RAISES $750,000 AT ANNUAL BENEFIT GALA

Boston-- The Akshaya Patra Foundation hosted a successful benefit gala on Sunday, September 21 at the Westin Hotel in Waltham. The sold out event attracted over 400 community leaders from diverse professions. For some it was their first introduction to Akshaya Patra. The gala featured speeches from the Guest of Honor, Narayana Murthy, Chairman, Infosys and Congressman Jim McGovern, D-MA, Co-chair, Congressional Hunger Center and an honorary member of the Akshaya Patra Advisory Board.

Akshaya Patra raised $750,000 that will help provide mid day meals to underprivileged school children in India. The pledges made during the evening were matched dollar for dollar by Jaishree and Desh Deshpande and two dollars for every dollar pledged by Sudha and Narayana Murthy.

Akshaya Patra USA’s board chair, Desh Deshpande, in his opening remarks outlined the twin purpose of the gala, to celebrate the successes of Akshaya Patra and to honor the guest of honor Narayana Murthy, recipient of Padma Vibhushan and an icon in the Indian community.

Congressman McGovern, an authority on international midday meal programs lauded Akshaya Patra as a global model of efficiency and sustainability. He said Akshaya Patra Foundation provides a model for the rest of the world to follow. Gene White, President, Global Child Nutrition Foundation, congratulated Akshaya Patra and shared Congressman McGovern’s sentiment, “We look to the future when hunger will no longer be a barrier to the health and education of the world’s children, and we are confident that Akshaya Patra will lead the way to achieve this.”

Murthy in his keynote address shared some chilling statistics on hunger and poverty and set the stage for why it is important to support Akshaya Patra with a proven track record and demonstrated impact. He discussed how far India has come over the last 50 years, but how far it has yet to go and how Akshaya Patra is addressing two critical challenges facing India - poverty and educational issues facing India today. His inspiring and energizing remarks were followed by a short movie that highlighted the Akshaya Patra’s centralized kitchens, hallmark of the program that beckons imagination.

“The event was an opportunity to honor Murthy who has given the global world a blueprint for leadership and for never shrinking from giving back to the society,” said MadhuSridha, President r of Akshaya Patra. “The evening brought together those committed to Akshaya Patra and those just being introduced to the cause. There was contagious enthusiasm, positive energy and strong commitment to address the challenge facing the next generation. “

The Akshaya Patra Foundation is the world’s largest NGO run midday meal program that feeds over 960,000 underprivileged children daily in over 5,700 schools in six states in India. Akshaya Patra is a public-private partnership that combines good management, innovative technology and smart engineering to deliver school lunch at a fraction of the cost of similar programs in other parts of the world. It costs $28 to feed a child daily for the entire year. For many of the children this is their only complete meal for the day. This gives them an incentive to come to school, stay in school and provides them with the necessary nutrients they need to develop their cognitive abilities to focus on learning.

Through kitchens specially designed by engineers to leverage technology and sourcing its food stocks from local markets, Akshaya Patra is able to reduce costs associated with transportation and food spoilage while supporting the local economy. In a short time, the foundation has grown to become the largest, and certainly most innovative, school lunch program in the world. Akshaya Patra is a great example of what a non-profit organization can achieve-- a cost effective, scalable solution with high quality service delivery.

The above article which appeared as news release on 10/07/2008, the same is dedicated to Sri Narayanamurthy.

Birth of Lord Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated to welcome and enjoy Lord Krishna's birth. The birth of Lord Krishna took place when the various planets were in auspicious places. It is said that God chooses a particular time, as to when he will take birth as a human and the planetary systems are adjusted accordingly. Auspicious Nakshatra (Constellation) Around the time of Bhagwan Krishna's birth, Rohini Nakshatra was predominant as it is considered to be quite auspicious. This is so because it is under the supervision of Brahma, the creator of Universe. Sri Krishna was born in the month Of Sravana more than 5000 years ago. Born in Dwapur Yug (Iron Age) According to some scholars, Krishna was born on Wednesday,the eighth day of second fortnight in Sravana month in the year of Visvavasu around 3227 BC, also known as Dwapur Yug. July 19th 3228 BC to be more accurate. He lived for 125 years and disappeared on February 18th 3102 BC on the new moon night of Phalguna. His death was the onset of the current corrupt age known as Kaliyug. Universal Happiness of all Forms of Life From the time, Devki conceived Sri Krishna, she began to glow and exude divine light. The prison walls glowed with the aura of the new born infant. Atmosphere of peace and happiness prevailed all over, Forests were all green and full of trees with all kinds of beautiful flowers, rivers were all swollen due to joy, peacocks began to dance in sheer joy, people in all villages started being happy. Objective of Krishna's Birth The main objective of Lord Krishna's birth was to free Mother Earth from the wickedness of demons. Playing an important part in Mahabharata (legendary battle in Kurukshetra) and propagating the theory of bhakti and good karma were other important objectives. Events Before The Birth of Sri Krishna The people of Mathura were extremely unhappy with the wicked king Kansa who put his father, king Ugrasen in prison and declared himself the king of Mathura. It was to put an end to his evil ways and other demons that Lord Vishnu decided to take birth on Earth in human form. According to Akashvani (heavenly voice) at the wedding of his beloved sister Devki, Kansa got to know that the eighth child of his sister will take birth to kill him. So, in turn he rushed to kill his sister. Kansa gave up the idea of killing after being assured by Vasudev that he will handover all his children to him. He put them in Prison. Kansa killed all the six infants as soon as they were born. The seventh child (Balram) was saved due to divine intervention, when he was transferred from Devki's womb to that of Rohini's (other wife of Vasudev). Events During the Birth of Lord Krishna Lord Krishna was born in a prison cell in the captivity of King Kansa. He took birth in divine form with lotus like eyes,his palms bearing the signs of a lotus and discus. He had a swastika sign on his sole. Wearing a yellow colored silk cloth, adorned with precious diamond earrings and a crown made of emeralds. Soon after the birth, a chain of events astonished Vasudev,when he saw the gates of the cell flow open and all the guards fast asleep. He immediately thought of Nand ,his close friend in Gokul and decided to handover his child to him in order to save him from the clutch of Kansa. River Yamuna Bows To The Feet of Sri Krishna The night of birth was witnessed by heavy rains which led to River Yamuna being in floods. As soon as the feet of Lord immersed in the river, the flow became normal and Yamuna made way for the Lord. Sheshnag, the serpent formed an umbrella to save the new born baby from rain. Exchange of the Babies Vasudev kept his child next to fast asleep Yashoda and took the baby girl lying with him back to Mathura. The baby girl is believed to be the sister of Lord Vishnu. Disappearance of The Divine Child On hearing the news of birth of the eighth child of Devki and Vasudev, Kansa rushed to the prison-cell and lifted the baby girl to kill her despite pleadings from Devki. However, instead of hitting the stone, the child flew up in the air and announced that the annihilator of Kansa was born and in safe hands. Krishna later grew in Gokul and finally killed his maternal uncle, King Kansa.

Yoga And Nature

Sri Ramakrishna Mission Temple

(August, 1919-20, pp. 103-104)

Yoga and Nature

By Swami Ramakrishnananda

Books are nothing other than the records of men’s experiences about Nature; so in reality Nature is our teacher. Whenever Nature teaches us,we become really learned and gain something thereby not only for ourselves but for others.When young James Watt studied the action of steam in the boiling kettle before him, he made a valuable contribution to the progress of the human race. When Benjamin Franklin was flying the kite and detected the existence of electricity in the clouds, he gained a new and most useful servant for man. Similarly by studying Nature George Stephenson was able to invent the locomotive engine. All these incidents clearly show that Nature is the book the study of which gives us the greatest return. Our Indian Yogis, knowing this, deeply studied the book of Nature and ultimately found out the methods which took them beyond Nature. Through the study of the inner aspect of Nature they opened a channel of unlimited knowledge; they could subsist without food any length of time; and they gained supernatural powers which our modern science cannot even dream of. That a man can become practically all-knowing they seem to have at first learnt from studying the property of a convex lens. Ordinarily the solar rays have no burning power; but if brought together at the focus of the lens, they will begin to burn. This burning power is brought about by the convergence of the scattered rays of the sun to a single point. This fact suggested to the mind of the Yogi that because the mind is distributed through the senses and as such is scattered in all directions, it has only the ordinary power of knowing what is visibly going on in this world and of knowing that but very partially. If, however, he could call his mind back from all external pursuits and concentrate it on one idea or at one point, as in the case of the focused solar rays, then why should it not be able to perceive both these ordinary things and many extraordinary things also? He made the experiment and was successful. This intense increase in the power of the mind was learnt also from the current of a stream. If we build a dam across a flowing stream, keeping only a very small aperture in the embankment, the water which then comes out of that aperture has a thousand fold more power than the ordinary current of the stream. This suggested to them the idea that if by shutting up all other outlets of the mind, it is made to flow through one outlet, it must acquire powers unknown to it before: In this manner the Yogi discovered the extraordinary powers which mental concentration can produce.

The above article is from the Archieves of Vedanta Kesari

Introduction To Meditation

By
Swami Parmarthananda

Meditation

Meditation is one of the spiritual disciplines which occupies an important position in most of the spiritual traditions. Therefore, a proper understanding of its role is necessary for every spiritual seeker. Now-a-days, Meditation is recommended for physical and mental health, personality development and better performance also. Hence, a clear understanding of meditation is useful for all, whether one seeks spiritual enlightenment or not.

The Upanisads vedanta point out that Self-Knowledge is the only means of liberation and that Self-enquiry guided by the Vedantic teachings is the only means of Self-Knowledge. So, Self-enquiry occupies primary position for a spiritual seeker.

Meditation is prescribed neither for Self-knowledge nor for liberation. It is meant for preparing the mind to receive and assimilate the vedantic teachings. Accordingly, Meditation can be broadly classified into two types, VIZ., Preparatory meditation, which is to be practised before one exposes oneself to vedantic teaching and Assimilatory meditation which is to be practised after one exposes oneself to systematic vedantic teaching consistently for a length of time.

One has to develop different mental faculties to receive the Self knowledge. Accordingly, Preparatory meditation can be subdivided into four types. This is based on the faculty to be developed.

Preparatory Meditations

(1) Relaxation - meditation

In this, you learn to relax at all levels. In any posture consciously relax every part of the body from head to toe. When the body is totally relaxed, you feel bodiless. Then, observe the breathing. This will help in making the breathing-process smooth and even. Next, relax the mind. The following methods can be used to relax the mind:

• Imagine you are seated in a natural setup like beach, garden, mountain, riverbank or Asram.
• Consciously unload all your mental burden at the feet of the Lord(in the form of your favorite deity) (Ista-devata).
• Repeat to yourself: "I am confident of facing any situation in life, now that the Lord is there to share my burden. I have no worries now. I am relaxed. Use any key word like "Santih" to invoke and enjoy the relaxation, ignoring all other thoughts.

(2) Concentration - Meditation

While the previous meditation is for simple, deep relaxation, this meditation is to develop the faculty of focussing.

The following methods can be used to develop this faculty:

• Perform a Puja to the Lord mentally. It can be a simple one offering a few flowers or an elaborate one involving ritualistic steps. Alternatively, you can visualise a Puja done by another person in a temple, Asram etc.
• Mentally chant the prayers you know in any language. Be conscious of you chanting.
• Mentally repeat any one name of the Lord or the words "Om Santih". Be conscious of every letter.

(3) Expansion - Mediation

All the time, being obsessed with personal or family life, one develops a narrow, frog-in-the-well mind. To break this, one has to meditate on the totality which expands the mind and makes the individual and family problems insignificant. Try the following:

• Mentally see the sky, stars, moon, earth, oceans, mountains, etc.
• Appreciate the cosmic processes of sunrise, sunset, planetary movements, flow of rivers, flight of birds, etc.
• In short, tune yourself to the natural rhythm, the cosmic orchestra. Learn to enjoy the cosmic dance of the cosmic Lord.

(4) Value - Meditation

This meditation is very important. This will help in internalising the values. This will bring about a transform in transactional life.

• Take up any value like confidence, patience, compassion, etc. Mentally see how important they are for a life of peace and progress. Bring to your mind any person who enjoys that particular value and appreciate him/her.
• Take the opposite trait like diffidence, irritation, rudeness, etc. Mentally see how they spoil the peace of yourself and others around.
• Look at yourself as one endowed with that particular value.
• The above four types of meditation can be practised by anyone. One need not be a seeker of spiritual enlightenment for practising these. These meditations will bring about a deep transformation is one's personality which will give inner peace. Peace does not depend on what one has but on what one is.

(5) Assimilatory (Vedantic) Meditation

The seeker of spiritual enlightenment should not stop with the practise of the above mentioned meditations. Self-enquiry with the help of a Guru and the scriptures is a must. Consistent and systematic study of scriptures for a length of time under the guidance of a traditional master will lead to Self-discovery. To assimilate and own up this wisdom, one has to practise Vedantic meditation as follows:

• Mentally dwell on the Truth of yourself as revealed by the scriptural teachings.
• Mentally dwell on the Truth of the lord as revealed in the scriptures.
• Mentally dwell upon the nature of the world to which your own body and mind belong.

Obstacles and Remedies

(1) Sleep

This is the most common obstacle. One need not feel guilty about it. The solution to this will vary from individual to individual. Some general methods can be tried by all:

• Meditate after a bath or atleast after washing the hands, feet and face with cold water.
• Meditate when the stomach is neither too full nor too empty.
• Choose any part of the day when you are alert.
• Give a strong autosuggestion, "I will be alert".
• Don't meditate after tiring activity.
• Don't meditate when there is a backlog of sleep.
• Have short sessions of 15 to 20 minutes only initially.

(2) Distraction

This is the second common obstacle. One need not feel guilty about it. The following methods can be adopted to avoid this.

• Learn more and more and more about meditation and its value. Mind enjoys doing what it values.
• Reduce your likes and dislikes which are the root cause of disturbance and distractions
• Give up all anxieties by taking Lord as your partner in life.
• Give a strong autosuggestion, "I-have an appointment with myself. Let me die to all my wordly roles".

(3) Dullness

Sometimes the mind becomes dull. It is neither asleep nor restless. It this happens, nothing can be done. One has to hope and wait for clearance. However, one can try to avoid this situation by the following methods:

• Don't have suppressed feelings (which will create a loaded unconscious). Share your feelings with someone.
• Write your feelings (and tear-off the paper if you don't want to keep it).
• Express your feelings openly to the Lord, your Istadevata.

(4) Tasting the Tranquility

The withdrawal and quietitude in meditation create a sense of wellbeing. Many mistake this temporary experience of well-being as spiritual fulfillment and tend to enjoy it more and more. This is the subtlest form of obstacles. This can be solved only by applying Vedantic discrimination properly.

Conclusion

Everyone can practise the first four forms of meditation. It will be very useful whatever be one's field of activity. If one is a spiritual seeker, they become all the more important. One does not require any special initiation to practise these four forms of meditation.

Om Tatsat

courtesy:Yogamalika

You can visit the following site an listen to Swami Parmarthananda's summary of 7th chapter of Srimad Bhagwat Gita

http://ia331429.us.archive.org/2/items/BhagavadGitaCommentary_Chapter07_by_Swami_Parmarthananda/115_BG07.mp3

Month Of Shravan

Full moon
Sawan month or Shravan maas is the fifth Hindu month. As per the Hindu scriptures and Vedas, Shravan maas is considered as highly auspicious month. In Vedas, Sawan month is described as ‘Nabhas’. Shravan Purnima (the full moon day in Shravana masam) coincides with with the Nakshatra (birth star) of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu, Shravana nakshatra, hence the whole month is called as Shravana masam. This is the main reason why Sravan month is considered as important, significant and auspicious.
Sharavan Mangalvar, Shravan Shukravar and Sawan Sanivar – Three Most Auspicious days in Sravan Month:
Among the seven days in a week, Somvar (Monday) is auspicious in Kartik month; Guruvar (Thursday) is auspicious in Margashirh month and Sunday in Magh maas. But in Shravan month three days in a week are most auspicious – Shravana Mangalvar (Tuesdays in Shravan month), Shravana Shukravar (Fridays in Shravan month) and Shravana Shanivar (Saturdays in Shravan month).
On Tuesdays in Shravan month, newly married brides observe Mangala Gauri Vrata which is performed to get rid of bad omens. On Fridays in Shravan month, married women observe Shravana Shukravar Vrat (Varalakshmi Vratam). On Saturdays in Shravan month, devotees worship Lord Sri Maha Vishnu, particularly Lord Venkatesha (Lord Balaji).
Sawan maas is highly fruitful for good deeds. According to Puranas, performing Grihpravesh in this month is very significant and greatly forecasted. Hindu Astrology tells that the natives who born in Shravan maas are highly honored by the world. Hence Lord Jagannath, Sri Krishna, who was born in Sawan maas, is worshipped and honored by the world. Not only Sri Krishna, but Lord Hayagriva, who was born on Shravan Poornima, and Vaikhanasa Aagama Pravaktha, Vaikhanas Maharshi are also greatly worshipped.
Purnima (full moon day) in this month (Shravan Pournami) is very significant and important. Sharavan Purnima is celebrated as Jandhyala Pournami. On this day, dwijas (who can able to observe Upanayana punaskar) perform Upakarma. Vedas described that this Upakarma helps them in maintaining their spiritual, psychological and physical health. Sawan Purnima is also celebrated as Raksha bandhan (Rakhi festival). Rakhi festival is a great tradition of healthy relationship between brother and sister.
In Sawan month, Vishnu and Lakshmi aradhana (worshipping Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi) is highly meritorious.