Why We Consider Books To Be Sacred

Why do we not touch papers, books and people with the feet?
To Indians, knowledge is sacred and divine. So it must be given respect at all times. Nowadays we separate subjects as sacred and secular. But in ancient India every subject - academic or spiritual - was considered divine and taught by the guru in the gurukula.
The custom of not stepping on educational tools is a frequent reminder of the high position accorded to knowledge in Indian culture. From an early age, this wisdom fosters in us a deep reverence for books and education. This is also the reason why we worship books, vehicles and instruments once a year on Saraswathi Pooja or Ayudha Pooja day, dedicated to the Goddess of Learning. In fact, each day before starting our studies, we pray:
Saraswati namasthubhyam Varade kaama roopini Vidyaarambham karishyaami Sidhirbhavatu me sadaa

O Goddess Saraswati, the giver of Boons and fulfiller of wishes, I prostrate to You before starting my studies. May you always fulfill me?
To touch another with the feet is considered an act of misdemeanor. Why is this so?
Man is regarded as the most beautiful, living breathing temple of the Lord! Therefore touching another with the feet is akin to disrespecting the divinity within him or her. This calls for an immediate apology, which is offered with reverence and humility.

Significance Of Pradkshina

Arunachala Temple At Tiruvannamalai View While Doing Giri Pradkhshina on Full Moon Day

We cannot draw a circle without a center point. The Lord is the center, source and essence of our lives. Recognizing 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 center. 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 symbolizes 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 recognize and remember the supreme divinity within us, which alone is idolized in the form of the Lord that we worship outside.

The Best Preacher is the Heart. The Best Teacher is Time.The Best Book is the World.The best Friend is GOD.

Why We Prostrate To Elders

Prostrate Elders
Indians prostrate before their parents, elders, teachers and noble souls by touching their feet. The elder in turn blesses us by placing his or her hand on or over our heads. Prostration is done daily, when we meet elders and particularly on important occasions like the beginning of a new task, birthdays, festivals etc. In certain traditional circles, prostration is accompanied by abhivaadana, which serves to introduce one-self, announce one’s family and social stature.
Man stands on his feet. Touching the feet in prostration is a sign of respect for the age, maturity, nobility and divinity that our elders personify. It symbolizes our recognition of their selfless love for us and the sacrifices they have done for our welfare. It is a way of humbly acknowledging the greatness of another. This tradition reflects the strong family ties, which has been one of India’s enduring strengths.
The good wishes (Sankalpa) and blessings (aashirvaada) of elders are highly valued in India. We prostrate to seek them. Good thoughts create positive vibrations. Good wishes springing from a heart full of love, divinity and nobility have a tremendous strength. When we prostrate with humility and respect, we invoke the good wishes and blessings of elders, which flow in the form of positive energy to envelop us. This is why the posture assumed whether it is in the standing or prone position, enables the entire body to receive the energy thus received.
The different forms of showing respect are :
Pratuthana: Rising to welcome a person.
Namaskaara: Paying homage in the form of namaste
Upasangrahan: Touching the feet of elders or teachers.
Shaashtaanga: Prostrating fully with the feet, knees, stomach, chest, forehead and arms touching the ground in front of the elder.
Pratyabivaadana: Returning a greeting.
Rules are prescribed in our scriptures as to who should prostrate to whom. Wealth, family name, age, moral strength and spiritual knowledge in ascending order of importance qualified men to receive respect. This is why a king though the ruler of the land, would prostrate before a spiritual master. Epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata have many stories highlighting this aspect.

Significance Of Namaste

Namaste
Indians greet each other with namaste. The two palms are placed together in front of the chest and the head bows whilst saying the word namaste. This greeting is for all - people younger than us, of our own age, those older than friends, even strangers and us.
There are five forms of formal traditional greeting enjoined in the shaastras of which namaskaram is one. This is understood as prostration but it actually refers to paying homage as we do today when we greet each other with a namaste.
Namaste could be just a casual or formal greeting, a cultural convention or an act of worship. However there is much more to it than meets the eye. In Sanskrit namah + te = namaste. It means - I bow to you - my greetings, salutations or prostration to you. Namaha can also be literally interpreted as "na ma" (not mine). It has a spiritual significance of negating or reducing one’s ego in the presence of another.
The real meeting between people is the meeting of their minds. When we greet another, we do so with namaste, which means, "may our minds meet," indicated by the folded palms placed before the chest. The bowing down of the head is a gracious form of extending friendship in love and humility
The spiritual meaning is even deeper. The life force, the divinity, the Self or the Lord in me is the same in all. Recognizing this oneness with the meeting of the palms, we salute with head bowed the Divinity in the person we meet. That is why sometimes, we close our eyes as we do namaste to a revered person or the Lord – as if to look within. The gesture is often accompanied by words like "Ram Ram,” "Jai Shri Krishna", "Namo Narayana", "Jai Siya Ram", "Om Shanti" etc - indicating the recognition of this divinity.
When we know this significance, our greeting does not remain just a superficial gesture or word but paves the way for a deeper communion with another in an atmosphere of love and respect.

Why We Have Prayer Room

Temple
Most Indian homes have a prayer room or altar. A lamp is lit and the Lord worshipped each day. Other spiritual practices like japa - repetition of the Lord’s name, meditation, paaraayana - reading of the scriptures, prayers, and devotional singing etc are also done here. Special worship is done on auspicious occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, festivals and the like. Each member of the family - young or old - communes with and worships the Divine here.
The Lord is the entire creation. He is therefore the true owner of the house we live in too. The prayer room is the Master room of the house. We are the earthly occupants of His property. This notion rids us of false pride and possessiveness.
The ideal attitude to take is to regard the Lord as the true owner of our homes and us as caretakers of His home. But if that is rather difficult, we could at least think of Him as a very welcome guest. Just as we would house an important guest in the best comfort, so too we felicitate the Lord’s presence in our homes by having a prayer room or altar, which is, at all times, kept clean and well-decorated.
Also the Lord is all pervading. To remind us that He resides in our homes with us, we have prayer rooms. Without the grace of the Lord, no task can be successfully or easily accomplished. We invoke His grace by communing with Him in the prayer room each day and on special occasions.
Each room in a house is dedicated to a specific function like the bedroom for resting, the drawing room to receive guests, the kitchen for cooking etc. The furniture, decor and the atmosphere of each room are made conducive to the purpose it serves. So too for the purpose of meditation, worship and prayer, we should have a conducive atmosphere - hence the need for a prayer room.
Sacred thoughts and sound vibrations pervade the place and influence the minds of those who spend time there. Spiritual thoughts and vibrations accumulated through regular meditation, worship and chanting done there pervade the prayer room. Even when we are tired or agitated, by just sitting in the prayer room for a while, we feel calm, rejuvenated and spiritually uplifted.

Why do we light a lamp

Krishna With Arjuna

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
Deepa sarva tamopahaha
Deepena saadhyate saram
Sandhyaa deepo 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.

Enough Is Enough

Kedarnath

He Whose undertakings are all free from desire and thoughts of world, and whose actions are burnt up by the fire of wisdom, him even the wise call a sage. He, who, having totally given up attachment to actions and their fruits, has got over the dependence on the world, and is evr satisfied, does nothing at all, though he may be ever engaged in action. He who has subdued his mind and body , has given up all objects of enjoyment and has no craving ,performing sheer bodily action, such a person does not incur sin.
Bhagvad Gita Chapter-4 19-21

He who is content can never be ruined

History Of Holi

History of Holi
Holi is an ancient festival of India and was originally known as 'Holika'. The festivals finds a detailed description in early religious works such as Jaimini's Purvamimamsa-Sutras and Kathaka-Grhya-Sutras. Historians also believe that Holi was celebrated by all Aryans but more so in the Eastern part of India. It is said that Holi existed several centuries before Christ. However, the meaning of the festival is believed to have changed over the years. Earlier it was a special rite performed by married women for the happiness and well-being of their families and the full moon (Raka) was worshiped. Calculating the Day of HoliThere are two ways of reckoning a lunar month- 'purnimanta' and 'amanta'. In the former, the first day starts after the full moon; and in the latter, after the new moon. Though the amanta reckoning is more common now, the purnimanta was very much in vogue in the earlier days. According to this purnimanta reckoning, Phalguna purnima was the last day of the year and the new year heralding the Vasanta-ritu (with spring starting from next day). Thus the full moon festival of Holika gradually became a festival of merrymaking, announcing the commencement of the spring season. This perhaps explains the other names of this festival - Vasanta-Mahotsava and Kama-Mahotsava.Reference in Ancient Texts and InscriptionsBesides having a detailed description in the Vedas and Puranas such as Narad Purana and Bhavishya Purana, the festival of Holi finds a mention in Jaimini Mimansa. A stone incription belonging to 300 BC found at Ramgarh in the province of Vindhya has mention of Holikotsav on it. King Harsha, too has mentioned about holikotsav in his work Ratnavali that was written during the 7th century. The famous Muslim tourist - Ulbaruni too has mentioned about holikotsav in his historical memories. Other Muslim writers of that period have mentioned, that holikotsav were not only celebrated by the Hindus but also by the Muslims. Reference in Ancient Paintings and Murals The festival of Holi also finds a reference in the sculptures on walls of old temples. A 16th century panel sculpted in a temple at Hampi, capital of Vijayanagar, shows a joyous scene of Holi. The painting depicts a Prince and his Princess standing amidst maids waiting with syringes or pichkaris to drench the Royal couple in coloured water. A 16th century Ahmednagar painting is on the theme of Vasanta Ragini - spring song or music. It shows a royal couple sitting on a grand swing, while maidens are playing music and spraying colors with pichkaris. There are a lot of other paintings and murals in the temples of medieval India which provide a pictoral description of Holi. For instance, a Mewar painting (circa 1755) shows the Maharana with his courtiers. While the ruler is bestowing gifts on some people, a merry dance is on, and in the center is a tank filled with colored water. Also, a Bundi miniature shows a king seated on a tusker and from a balcony above some damsels are showering gulal (colored powders) on him. Legends and MythologyIn some parts of India, specially in Bengal and Orissa, Holi Purnima is also celebrated as the birthday of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (A.D. 1486-1533). However, the literal meaning of the word 'Holi' is 'burning'. There are various legends to explain the meaning of this word, most prominent of all is the legend associated with demon king Hiranyakashyap. Hiranyakashyap wanted everybody in his kingdom to worship only him but to his great disappointment, his son, Prahlad became an ardent devotee of Lord Naarayana. Hiaranyakashyap commanded his sister, Holika to enter a blazing fire with Prahlad in her lap. Holika had a boon whereby she could enter fire without any damage on herself. However, she was not aware that the boon worked only when she enters the fire alone. As a result she paid a price for her sinister desires, while Prahlad was saved by the grace of the god for his extreme devotion. The festival, therefore, celebrates the victory of good over evil and also the triumph of devotion. Legend of Lord Krishna is also associated with play with colors as the Lord started the tradition of play with colours by applying colour on his beloved Radha and other gopis. Gradually, the play gained popularity with the people and became a tradition.There are also a few other legends associated with the festival - like the legend of Shiva and Kaamadeva and those of Ogress Dhundhi and Pootana. All depict triumph of good over evil - lending a philosophy to the festival.
Holi will be celebrated on the 22nd March this year.

Mathamatical Certainity Love OF God

Aryabhatta The Mathmatician

Absolutely amazing!Beauty of Math!

1 x 8 + 1 = 9

12 x 8 + 2 = 98

123 x 8 + 3 = 987

1234 x 8 + 4 = 9876

12345 x 8 + 5 = 98765

123456 x 8 + 6 = 987654

1234567 x 8 + 7 = 9876543

12345678 x 8 + 8 = 98765432

123456789 x 8 + 9 = 987654321

1x 9 + 2 = 11

12 x 9 + 3 = 111

123 x 9 + 4 = 1111

1234 x 9 + 5 = 11111

12345 x 9 + 6 = 111111

123456 x 9 + 7 = 1111111

1234567 x 9 + 8 = 11111111

12345678 x 9 + 9 = 111111111

123456789 x 9 +10= 1111111111

9 x 9 + 7 = 88

98 x 9 + 6 = 888

987 x 9 + 5 = 8888

9876 x 9 + 4 = 88888

98765 x 9 + 3 = 888888

987654 x 9 + 2 = 8888888

9876543 x 9 + 1 = 88888888

98765432 x 9 + 0 = 888888888

Brilliant, isn't it?And look at this symmetry:

1 x 1 = 1

11 x 11 = 121

111 x 111 = 12321

1111 x 1111 = 1234321

11111 x 11111 = 123454321

111111 x 111111 = 12345654321

1111111 x 1111111 = 1234567654321

11111111 x 11111111 = 123456787654321

111111111 x 111111111=12345678987654321

Now, take a look at this...101%

What Equals 100%?What does it mean to give MORE than 100%?Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%?We have all been in situations where someone wants you toGIVE OVER 100%.How about ACHIEVING 101%?What equals 100% in life?Here's a little mathematical formula that might helpanswer these questions:If:A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZIs represented as:1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.

If:H-A-R-D-W-O-R- K8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%And:K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E

11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%But:A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%THEN, look how far the love of God will take you:L-O-V-E-O-F-G-O-D
12+15+22+5+15+6+7+15+4 = 101%

Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that:While Hard Work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will get you there, It's the Love of God that will put you over the top!

Creation Of Universe

Universe

Creation of the universe

By Sri Velukkudi Krishnan

Courtesy The Hindu
Enquiring minds have always tried to find answers for baffling questions regarding the origin of this fascinating universe and the mind behind its functioning and upkeep. This is evident from the scriptures wherein are featured extensive discussions on these topics. But because of the metaphysical and mystical nature of the subject matter, the use of symbolic expression becomes inevitable. Symbols cannot be understood literally and many of the Upanishadic statements give room for different interpretations because of their deep and hidden meanings.
Knowing the distinction between the human and the divine is the basis of all spiritual knowledge and Lord Krishna emphasises this in great detail at the outset in the Bhagavad Gita, . Lord Krishna says that all created beings are compulsorily subject to the changes that the body undergoes. There is no escape from this fact. So the wise do not grieve over the changes the body undergoes through childhood, youth and age. One who is not troubled by the interlacing changes of pain and pleasure caused by contact with the sensory world is described as a realised soul.
The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad while explaining the process of creation states “Brahmam” is the cause of the universe in a unique way for it is the “Brahmam’s” body (universe) that changes into the infinite variety in creation. The Supreme Being manifests as the entire universe (Stula Sarira) at the time of creation (Srishti) and in a subtle form (Sukshma Sarira) at the time of dissolution (Pralaya). In both states the entire range of creation is with Him. In the manifested form are present the differences caused by name, form, tendencies, etc.
It also describes the eternal conflict between good and evil symbolically and shows that evil is more powerful than good. For instance, demons (evil) outnumber the celestials, and even in the creation of the Gunas, Satwa (good) is pitted against the combined might of Rajas and Tamas (evil). In this context, the chances to become divine or otherwise is open to the individual. For good to triumph one has to seek God’s grace.

Every Morning Sri Velukkudi Krishnan talks on Bhagwat Gita,the present chapter being described is the VIth Chapter you can listen to him on Podigai Doordarshan channel at 6.30am every morning.

Palm Sunday

Find this year's date in the multifaith calendar to know something about other faiths this posting is done.
The most solemn week of the Christian year, Holy week is the week leading up to Easter, and is the week during which Christians particularly remember the last week of Jesus's life. Holy week begins on Palm Sunday.
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday commemorates Christ's triumphant arrival in Jerusalem to the cheers of the crowd.
The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem,
They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,
"Hosanna!"
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Blessed is the King of Israel!"
Later in that week many of the people in that cheering crowd would be among those shouting that Jesus should be executed.
Symbolism
Christian clergy will often use the Palm Sunday story to help people think about the strength of their own commitment to their faith. They may ask believers to think about times that they have been unfaithful to Christ, or been hypocritical in proclaiming their support.
Maundy Thursday
Jesus washed the feet of his disciples Maundy Thursday is the Thursday before Easter. Christians remember it as the day of the Last Supper, when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and established the ceremony known as the Eucharist.
The night of Maundy Thursday is the night on which Jesus was betrayed by Judas in the Garden of Gethsemane.
The word maundy comes from the command given by Christ at the Last Supper, that we should love one another.
In Roman Catholic churches the anthem Mandatum novum do vobis (a new commandment I give to you) would be sung on Maundy Thursday.
In many other countries this day is known as Holy Thursday.
Maundy Thursday ceremonies
In Britain, the sovereign takes part in the Ceremony of the Royal Maundy.
Maundy This ceremony, held at a great cathedral, involves the distribution of Maundy money to deserving senior citizens (one man and one woman for each year of the sovereign's age), usually chosen for having done service to their community.
They receive ceremonial red and white purses which contain coins made especially for the occasion. The white purse contains one coin for each year of the monarch's reign.
The red purse contains money in place of other gifts that used to be given to the poor.
In the 17th century, and earlier, the King or Queen would wash the feet of the selected poor people as a gesture of humility, and in remembrance of Jesus' washing the feet of the disciples. The last monarch to do this was James 2. The ceremony of the monarch giving money to the poor on this day dates back to Edward 1.
Pedilavium: the washing of the feet
Roman Catholic church services feature a ceremony in which the priest washes the feet of 12 people to commemorate Jesus' washing the feet of his disciples.
It was common in monasteries throughout history for the Abbot to wash the feet of the monks in a similar gesture.
Some other churches nowadays also have foot-washing ceremonies as part of their Maundy Thursday services.
The consecration of holy oil
In Roman Catholic churches, Maundy Thursday is usually the day on which the supply of anointing oil to be used in ceremonies during the year is consecrated.
This is done at a special Chrism Mass.
When Jesus and his disciples had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, "Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, `The Lord needs them.' And he will send them immediately." This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying,
"Tell the daughter of Zion,Look, your king is coming to you,humble, and mounted on a donkey,and on a colt, the foal of a donkey."
The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,
"Hosanna to the Son of David!Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!Hosanna in the highest heaven!"
When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, "Who is this?" The crowds were saying, "This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee."

Wish Full Filled

Am I A Fireman Yet ??
In Phoenix , Arizona , a 26-year-old mother stared down at her 6-year-old son, who was dying of terminal leukemia.
Although her heart was filled with sadness,she also had a strong feeling of determination Like any parent, she wanted her son to grow up and fulfill all his dreams. Now that was no longer possible. The leukemia would see to that. But she still wanted her son's dream to come true..
She took her son's hand and asked, "Billy, have you ever thought about what you want to be once you grow up?
Do you ever dream about what you would do with your life?"
Mommy, "I've always wanted to be a fireman when I grow up."
Mom smiled back and said, "Let's see if we can make your wish come true."
Later that day she went to her local fire department in Phoenix , Arizona , where she met Fireman Bob, who had a heart as big as Phoenix .
She explained her son's final wish and asked if it might be possible to give her 6-year- old son a ride around the block on a fire engine.
Fireman Bob said, "Look, we can do better than that. If you'll have your son ready at seven o'clock Wednesday morning, we'll make him an honorary fireman for the whole day. He can come down to the fire station, eat with us, go out on all the fire calls, the whole nine yards! And if you'll give us his sizes, we'll get a real fire-man's uniform for him, with a real fire hat - not a toy
one-with the emblem of the Phoenix Fire Department on it, a yellow slicker like we wear and rubber boots.
They're all manufactured right here in Phoenix , so we can get them fast"
Three days later Fireman Bob picked up Billy, dressed him in his uniform and escorted him from his hospital bed to the waiting
hook and ladder truck.
Billy got to sit on the back of the truck and help steer it back to the fire station.
He was in heaven.
There were three fire calls in Phoenix that day, and Billy got to go out on all three calls . He rode in the different fire engines, the
paramedics' van, and even the fire chief's car. He was also videotaped for the local news program.
Having his dream come true, With all the love and attention that was lavished
upon him, so deeply touched Billy, that he lived three months longer than any doctor thought possible.
One night all of his vital signs began to drop
dramatically, and the head nurse, who believed in the hospice concept - that no one should die alone, began to call the family members to the hospital. Then she remembered the day Billy had spent as a
fireman, so she called the Fire Chief and asked if it would be possible to send a fireman in uniform to the hospital to be with Billy as he made his transition.
The chief replied, "We can do better than that. We'll be there in five minutes. Will you please do me a favor?
When you hear the sirens screaming and see the lights flashing, will you announce over the PA system that there is not a fire? It's the department coming to see one of its finest members one more time. And will you open the window to his room?
About five minutes later a hook and ladder truck arrived at the hospital and extended its la dder up to Billy's third floor open window------ --
16 fire-fighters climbed up the ladder into Billy's room. With his mother's permission, they hugged him and held him and told him how much they LOVED him.
With his dying breath, Billy looked up at the fire chief and said, "Chief, am I really a fireman now?"
"Billy, you are, and the Head Chief, Jesus, is holding your hand," the chief said.
With those words, Billy smiled and said, "I know. He's been holding my hand all day, and the angels have been singing." He closed his eyes one last time.
These postings are done as we are fast approaching Good Friday

God's Grace

Mother Teresa

Breakfast at MacDonald's

This is a good story and is true, please read it all the way through until the end! I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college degree.The last class I had to take was Sociology.The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with.Her last project of the term was called, 'Smile.'The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions.I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway. So, I thought this would be a piece of cake, literally.Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald's one crisp March morning.It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son. We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then even my husband did.I did not move an inch... an overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved.As I turned around I smelled a horrible 'dirty body' smell, and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men.As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was 'smiling'. His beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God's Light as he searched for acceptance.He said, 'Good day' as he counted the few coins he had been clutching.The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation.I held my tears as I stood there with them.The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted. He said, 'Coffee is all Miss' because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm).Then I really felt it - the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes.That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me, judging my every action.I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray.I then walked around the corner to the table that the men ha had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman's cold hand. He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, 'Thank you.'I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, 'I did not do this for you. God is here working through me to give you hope.' I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, 'That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope.'We held hands for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give.We are not church goers, but we are believers.That day showed me the pure Light of God's sweet love.I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand.I turned in 'my projec t' and the instructor read it.Then en she looked up at me and said, 'Can I share this?'I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class. She began to read and that is when I knew that we as human beings and being part of God share this need to heal people and to be healed.In my own way I had touched the people at McDonald's, my son, instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student.

Sri Balaji Temple Tirupati

Balji Padam Sri Kalahasthi Temple

Sri Balaji

Golden Chariot

Aireal View Of Balaji Temple

Golden Gopuram Sri Balaji Temple Tirumala
Pictorial Presentaion Of Lord Balaji Temple and Sri Kalahsthi is posted enjoy Viewing .

Jai Shri Krishna

We always find that a change in thought changes the feeling and then comes a change in action in our action. Human beings live by thoughts, feelings and actions. Purification of these three purifies the character.In Kalyuga, Shuddhi is Siddhi and Siddhi is Sadhana. From Purity rises calm and peace. The purity of the life of great men attracts us. There are many famous shrines in Saurashtra. The shrine of Sant Devi Das is one of them. Ma Amar Bai was inspired by Sant Devi Das and devoted herself to service at a young age. She was very beautiful. When she was finally proceeding to her husband's home after marriage, she was so enamoured of the purity of Sant Devi Das that she told her husband to find some other life companion because her path in life had undergone a transformation. She devoted herself to the service of lepers along with Sant Devi Das. She begged for food for them, served them and fed them. It is a blessing for a young and beautiful woman to be impressed by the purity of a great man's life and to change the course of her life.Thus, purification (Shuddhi) attracts. This purification is power (Siddhi). If no other power is attained, purity in life is self sufficient. It is for this purification that all these Gyan Yajna, Holy Saints, Shrines and Scriptures exist. All these are means to purification. Intelligence is not to be decried; but purity is more important. Bhagwan Ved Vyasa, while invoking The Lord in the beginning of Shrimad Bhagwat writes:"Sachchidaananda roopaaya vishvotpattyaadihetveTaaptraya vinaashaaya Shri Krishnaaya vayam numah"(We bow to Shri Krishna, embodiment of eternal and conscious joy, and the initial cause of all creation, for annihilation of the three kinds of agony.)Bhagwan is Sachchidaananda personified. The three parts Sat, Chit and Anand hold Action, Thought and Feeling respectively. These three: Action, Thought and Feeling together make a character. We are a part of the Almighty. Thus we should aspire to be Sachchidaananda. Our actions can be pure if our feelings are pure and that requires pure thoughts. Let us, therefore, try to be nearer to God, and pray for the purification of our character.

Law Of Karma

Law of Karma Courtesy- Dr. Anil K. Rajvanshi

Each one of us is born with a unique genetic makeup, which provides a basic template for our general behavior. This behavior is further modified by the surroundings that one encounters in life. These interactions especially in early life imprint powerful memories in our brain. Our mind is nothing else but the total sum of our lifetime memories. These memories which provide the makeup of our mind govern our actions. Thus we react to events and circumstances according to this makeup. Our actions then reinforce our memories in a feedback loop-type mechanism. These memories or Sanskaras as Patanjali calls them in his Yoga Darshan, are the genesis of Karma.Karma is a Sanskrit word meaning action. However it embraces the whole meaning of living. Thus according to Indian philosophy we are because of our Karma. Thus our Karma or actions or deeds (both good and bad) decide our future in this or the next life. Law of karma occupies a central position in Indian philosophy. According to some commentators the law of karma is very deterministic. They claim that you are born according to your Karma, things happen to you in your present birth because of your past Karmas etc. According to them because of past Karmas it is not possible for one to change the present life. This however negates the whole basis of Yoga which claims that one can change the Sanskaras (memories) and hence ones life. All the four systems of Yoga - Jnana, Raja, Bhakti and Karma teach us to live positively in thought, words and deeds. This helps us in producing positive memories and hence good Karma. I therefore believe that each one of us has the power to change our destiny and our memories by our actions in this life. Our actions change the neural pathways in the brain and hence the mind, which guides us to our future course of action. Thus we can change our memories or Sanskaras through Yogic process and cultivation of deep thought. This can subsequently change our Karma. Deep thought on any subject for a long time is the essence of Yoga and is referred to as Sanyam in Patanjali Yoga. Sanyam allows memory removal or sublimation of existing memories into new ones. Thinking deeply about a subject for a long time requires tremendous processing capability of the brain and it can only be achieved if the mind gets rid of some of the existing memories. This is the genesis of removing Sanskaras. Modern brain researches do show that brain is pliable and is capable of developing new neurons, neural pathways and hence memories. The intensity of an experience dictates the quality of memory formation. Deep thought allows a very intense experience. When we think continuously and deeply about a particular thought tremendous processing takes place in the mind, since the brain is evaluating millions of alternatives. This processing can be thought of as a cyclonic activity, which embraces other thoughts in its wake to produce the energy to focus on a single item. This process when continued for a long time helps in memory sublimation. Why are we interested in getting rid of our memories ? Our lives are full of happy and sad events. They produce happy and sad memories. Unhappy memories in individuals lead to violence, hatred and general unhappiness in the world. If we can willfully remove our unhappy memories, it will help us live a more fruitful and happy life. Besides it will also help us in liberating ourselves from the cycle of birth and death.Sometimes people feel that the the old unhappy or unpleasant memories which do not surface may have been removed or sublimated. However they surface again when we start thinking about some unpleasant events. Somehow the brain has the capability of bringing out certain type of memories as if they are stored in a certain section of the brain. Thus if one thinks of unpleasant thoughts all the unhappy memories start coming out. Similar is the case with pleasant and positive thoughts. How can we remove the unhappy memories ? Besides the yogic process another way is to think continuously about happy events so that this process reduces the intensity of unhappy memories. Sometimes they can also be removed completely. Initially it is difficult to do so but with practice and patience it can be achieved. This process is much superior to that of suppressing the unhappy memories. This is also the way nature evolves where it makes the negative things irrelevant rather than suppressing them. If we try to suppress the negative feelings and memories they come back with much greater force.Thus by positive thoughts, words and deeds or Karma we can change our memories and can become happy.

शंत्काराम बुज्गाश्य्नाम पद्न्ब्हम सुरेषम
विसह्वाधाराम गगानासद्र्षम मेघवार्नाम सुभंगम
लक्ष्मिकनतम कमाल्नायानाम योगिब्रित्यांगाम्यम
वंदे विष्णुम बवाभ्याहरम सर्वलोकैक्नाथं
"Obeisance to Vishnu, the dispeller of the fear of rebirths,the one Lord of all the regions,possed of tranquil form, lying on a bed of snake, from whose navel has sprung the lotus, the lord of all celesitials,the support of the universe, similar to the sky,possessed of the colour of a cloud and possessed of handsome limbs, the Lord of Lakshmi,having lotus like eyes, and realizes by Yogis in meditation."

Spiritual Quest

Spiritual Quest

By Sri S.Ganesh Sarma Courtesy The Hindu
The Upanishads deal with the knowledge (Jnana) of the Absolute (Atman, Brahman), and in the process of leading the spiritual seeker on this quest, also throw light on various subjects which are important to worldly life. One such theme dealt with in them is food (Annam). The Vedas discuss food extensively and spiritual tradition emphasises that the type of food one eats has a bearing on spiritual growth. But, one may wonder what the connection is between food and Jnana.
There was an in-depth analysis of food in the Taittiriya Upanishad, which belonged to the Krishna Yajur Veda. The Taittiriya Upanishad comprises three sections — the Sikshavalli, Anandavalli and the Bhriguvalli. The Sikshavalli teaches the art of living at the micro, fundamental level. Human life can be lived in two ways: with full control and knowledge of how life is to be lived or living as one likes without any direction. The scriptural texts emphasise that one should choose how to live instead of allowing it to drift on its own course. Using discrimination one must analyse what is right and wrong, and follow what is ultimately good for one’s spiritual evolution. The Siskhavalli discusses what is good for man to show how to live rightly. The analysis in the Anandavalli is to show that only Self-knowledge results in eternal bliss.
The Bhriguvalli section discusses food as a tool in the enquiry into Self-knowledge through the instruction given by Varuna to his son Bhrigu. Bhrigu once approached his father with the request to teach him about Brahman (the Absolute). Varuna told him, “Food, vital force, eye, ear, speech — (these are the aids to knowledge of Brahman).” He further told him to know that as Brahman “from which all these beings take birth, that by which they live after being born, that towards which they move and into which they merge.” Bhrigu did penance and intuited that it was from food indeed that all beings were born, sustained and merged into finally. He also understood that food by itself cannot give rise to life, and so he progressed in his enquiry to subtler aspects (from food to vital force, mind, intelligence and to bliss) till he realised Brahman.

Maha Shivaratri

Omkara Jyothirlinga

Shiva Meditating

Today 6th March is Maha Shivaratri

A Brief Account of Mahashivartari is Posted Today

Sri Maha Shivaratri means "The Night of Shiva". The ceremonies take place chiefly at night. This is a festival observed in honor of Lord Shiva. Shiva was married to Parvati on this day. This is the night when Shiva is said to have performed the Tandava or the dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction.
People repeat the Panchakshara Mantra as it is said he who utters the Names of Shiva during Shivaratri, with perfect devotion and concentration, is freed from all sins. He reaches the abode of Shiva and lives there happily. He is liberated from the wheel of births and deaths. Many pilgrims flock to the places where there are Shiva temples.
Legends behind Shivaratri
Once Lord Vishnu and Lord Bramha argued over each other’s prowess. However, Lord Shiva challenged both of them. He appeared as a flaming Linga and challenged the duo to measure the gigantic Linga (phallic symbol of Lord Shiva). Lord Bramha, who took the form of a swan, and Lord Vishnu who became a boar and went to Netherland, were both unable to measure the Shivlinga. Then Lord Shiva came out of the Linga and declared himself the most powerful. Maha Shivratri therefore means the grand night of Shiva. The devotees of Shiva fast during this day and pray to the lord throughout the night. This legend goes to prove the supremacy of Mahadev over other Hindu Gods.
King Daksha, opposed Sati's marriage with Shiva. At a yagnya (holy sacrifice) the king ignored Shiva’s presence and thereby insulted the latter publicly. Sati was so angered by this that she jumped into the sacrificial fire and ended her life. Lord Shiva unleashed his fury at the death of his wife by performing the violent dance, Taandav. He wiped out Daksha’s kingdom, undertook rigorous penance and retired to the Himalayas. The Gods, who feared that the severity of Shiva’s penance might bring an end to the world, revived Sati in the new avatar of Parvati. Shiva-Parvati married and this reunion is celebrated on Maha Shivratri.
Significance of Jyotirlinga: The Puranas vociferously sing the praises of the greatness of the Jyotirlingas. By reciting the name of this, one can eliminate all the sins. The Sadhaka becomes calm, chaste and pure. He becomes illuminated and enlightened with supreme and divine knowledge. The names mentioned for the benefits of all:
SAURASHTRA SOMNATHAM CHA SHRISHAILE MALLIKARJUNAM UJJAINYAM MAHAKALOMKARE MAMMALESHWARAM PARLYAM VAIJNATHAM CHA DAKINYAM BHEEM SHANKARAM SETU BANDHE TU RAMESHAM NAGESHAM DARUKA VANE VARANASYA TU VISHWESHAM TRIBAKAM GAUTAMITATE HIMALAYE TU KEDARAM GHURMESHAM CHA SHIVALAYE AETANI JYOTIRLINGANI SAYAM PRATAHA PATHENNARAHA SAPTA JANMA KRITAM PAPAM SMARANEN VINASHYATI One who recites these 12 names regularly in the morning and evening he washes all the sins committed in the previous 7 births and attains all the powers and Siddhis

Remembering The Elders

Appa With His Brothers & Sisters

Tomorrow is our father's date of birth 4th March, he was a self made man and had come up the hard way, he was the eldest in the family of four brothers and three sisters, today we have Kunju attai is the eldest person in the family. Our father was person of variety of intrest, he was a good photographer and had the hobby of developing and printing the photographs himself,he was keen sports enthusiast and used to conduct sports events for INCAB industries,he had directed number of stage plays including one or two in english language also. In 1957 he had written a prose-poetry form Sankara Vijayam in tamil and the same was published first by Sri Anantharama Sastrigal at Kumbakonam later on the english and sanskrit translation was published by Sri R.Sethuraman of Shanmugha engineering college and the book was released by Sri T.N.Seshan retd.election commissioner of India, which was attended by Mani from our family. The book was published at the instance of Seenu, the scanned first page of the book is shown in the photo. The english translation of the Invoction is put as photo at the begining of the blog.

Shlokhas From Guru Stotram

श्री रमना महारिशी

अखंडा मंडला कारम , व्याप्तं येना चराचरम

तत्पदम दर्शितम येना,तस्माई श्री गुरुवेह नमः

Brahman Pervades everything,movable and immovableand,in fact ,forms the whole universe.

That Brahman,the substratum is revealed to me by my Guru.My Prostrations to that Guru.

अग्यानती मिर्न्द्स्य, ज्ञान अंश शालाकाया

चक्शुरम मिलितम येना,तस्माये श्री गुर्वेह नमः

I was blinded by the veil of ignorance. My Guru opened my eyes with surgical needle (made of words)dipped in the ointment of wisdom.My prostration to that Guru.

Vedas Upanishads

Veda Vyasa
The Vedas are the ancient scriptures or revelation (Shruti) of the Hindu teachings. They manifest the Divine Word in human speech. They reflect into human language the language of the Gods, the Divine powers that have created us and which rule over us.There are four Vedas, each consisting of four parts. The primary portion is the mantra or hymn section (samhita). To this are appended ritualistic teachings (brahmana) and theological sections (aranyaka). Finally philosophical sections (upanishads) are included. The hymn sections are the oldest. The others were added at a later date and each explains some aspect of the hymns or follows one line of interpreting them. The Vedas were compiled around the time of Krishna (c. 3500 B.C.), and even at that time were hardly understood. Hence they are very ancient and only in recent times has their spiritual import, like that of the other mystery teachings of the ancient world, begun to be rediscovered or appreciated even in India. Like the Egyptian teachings they are veiled, symbolic and subtle and require a special vision to understand and use properly. The great compiler of the Veda and Puranas was Vyasa Krishna Dwaipayana. He was said to be the twenty-eighth of the Vyasas or compilers of Vedic knowledge. He was somewhat older than the Avatar Krishna and his work continued after the death of Krishna. Perhaps he is symbolic of a whole Vedic school which flourished at that time, as many such Vedic schools were once prominent all over India and in some places beyond.
Upanishad means the inner or mystic teaching. The term Upanishad is derived from upa (near), ni (down) and s(h)ad (to sit), i.e., sitting down near. Groups of pupils sit near the teacher to learn from him the secret doctrine. In the quietude of the forest hermitages the Upanishad thinkers pondered on the problems of deepest concerns and communicated their knowledge to fit pupils near them. Samkara derives the word Upanishad as a substitute from the root sad, 'to loosen.,' 'to reach' or 'to destroy' with Upa and ni as prefixes and kvip as termination. If this determination is accepted, upanishad means brahma-knowledge by which ignorance is loosened or destroyed. The treatises that deal with brahma-knowledge are called the Upanishads and so pass for the Vedanta. The different derivations together make out that the Upanishads give us both spiritual vision and philosophical argument. There is a core of certainty which is essentially incommunicable except by a way of life. It is by a strictly personal effort that one can reach the truth.
The Upanishads more clearly set forth the prime Vedic doctrines like Self-realization, yoga and meditation, karma and reincarnation, which were hidden or kept veiled under the symbols of the older mystery religion. The older Upanishads are usually affixed to a particularly Veda, through a Brahmana or Aranyaka. The more recent ones are not. The Upanishads became prevalent some centuries before the time of Krishna and Buddha.
The main figure in the Upanishads, though not present in many of them, is the sage Yajnavalkya. Most of the great teachings of later Hindu and Buddhist philosophy derive from him. He taught the great doctrine of "neti-neti", the view that truth can be found only through the negation of all thoughts about it. Other important Upanishadic sages are Uddalaka Aruni, Shwetaketu, Shandilya, Aitareya, Pippalada, Sanat Kumara. Many earlier Vedic teachers like Manu, Brihaspati, Ayasya and Narada are also found in the Upanishads. In the Upanishads the spiritual meanings of the Vedic texts are brought out and emphasized in their own right