Importance of 108 number!

Aum Sai Ram.

When we see number of beads in vara mala/vrata mala, number of names of God and Goddess, I always wondered there should be some prominence for 108 which I do not know. Why do we give so much importance to 108 in Hinduism? Why 108 is so sacred for Hindus? Here is a brief explanation of the use and importance of this number:

The diameter of the Sun is 108 times the diameter of the Earth.

The distance from the Sun to the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Sun.

The average distance of the Moon from the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Moon.

In Ayurveda, there are 108 “Marma” points that are vital for giving life to living beings.

The powerful Sri Chakra yantra intersects in 54 points each with a masculine and feminine quality, totalling to 108

In Indian astrology we have 12 houses and 9 plants. 12 times 9 equals to 108.

In Tantra, it is estimated that every day we breathe 21,600 times out of which 10,800 are solar energy and 10, 800 are lunar energy. Multiplying 108 X 100 is 10,800.

The famous saint Bharata wrote “The Natya Shastra” which has 108 karanas (Movement of hand and feet)

There are 54 letters in Sanskrit each can be mentioned as masculine (Shiva) and feminine (Shakti) aspect, totalling to 108.

There are 108 Puranas and 108 Upanishads.

9 times 12: Both of these numbers have been said to have spiritual significance in many traditions. 9 times 12 is 108. Also, 1 plus 8 equals 9. That 9 times 12 equals 108.

Powers of 1, 2, and 3 in math: 1 to 1st power=1; 2 to 2nd power=4 (2×2); 3 to 3rd power=27 (3x3x3). 1x4x27=108

Harshad number: 108 is a Harshad number, which is an integer divisible by the sum of its digits (Harshad is from Sanskrit, and means “great joy”)

Desires:
There are said to be 108 earthly desires in mortals.

Lies:
There are said to be 108 lies that humans tell.
Delusions: There are said to be 108 human delusions or forms of ignorance.

Heart Chakra:
The chakras are the intersections of energy lines, and there are said to be a total of 108 energy lines converging to form the heart chakra. One of them, sushumna leads to the crown chakra, and is said to be the path to Self-realization.

Pranayama:
If one is able to be so calm in meditation as to have only 108 breaths in a day, enlightenment will come.

Sri Yantra:
On the Sri Yantra there are marmas where three lines intersect, and there are 54 such intersections. Each intersection has masculine and feminine, shiva and shakti qualities. 54 times 2 equal 108. Thus, there are 108 points that define the Sri Yantra as well as the human body.

Pentagon:
The angle formed by two adjacent lines in a pentagon equals 108 degrees.

Time:
Some say there are 108 feelings, with 36 related to the past, 36 related to the present, and 36 related to the future.

Astrology:
There are 12 constellations, and 9 arc segments called namshas or chandrakalas. 9 times 12 equal 108. Chandra is moon, and kalas are the divisions within a whole.

River Ganga:
The sacred River Ganga spans a longitude of 12 degrees (79 to 91), and latitude of 9 degrees (22 to 31). 12 times 9 equal 108.

Gopis of Krishna:
There were said to be 108 gopis or maid servants of Krishna.

1, 0, and 8:
Some say that 1 stands for God or higher Truth, 0 stands for emptiness or completeness in spiritual practice, and 8 stands for infinity or eternity.

Silver and the moon:
In astrology, the metal silver is said to represent the moon. The atomic weight of silver is 108.

Numerical scale:
The 1 of 108, and the 8 of 108, when added together equals 9, which is the number of the numerical scale, i.e. 1, 2, 3 … 10, etc., where 0 is not a number.

Meditations:
Some say there are 108 styles of meditation.
Paths to God: Some suggest that there are 108 paths to God.

Jain:
In the Jain religion, 108 are the combined virtues of five categories of holy ones, including 12, 8, 36, 25, and 27 virtues respectively.

Sikh:
The Sikh tradition has a mala of 108 knots tied in a string of wool, rather than beads.

Buddhism:
Some Buddhists carve 108 small Buddhas on a walnut for good luck. Some ring a bell 108 times to celebrate a new year. There are said to be 108 virtues to cultivate and 108 defilements to avoid.

Chinese:
The Chinese Buddhists and Taoists use a 108 bead mala, which is called su-chu, and has three dividing beads, so the mala is divided into three parts of 36 each. Chinese astrology says that there are 108 sacred stars.

Stages of the soul:
Said that Atman, the human soul or center goes through 108 stages on the journey.

Meru:
This is a larger bead, not part of the 108. It is not tied in the sequence of the other beads. It is the guiding bead, the one that marks the beginning and end of the mala.

Praiseworthy souls:
There are 108 qualities of praiseworthy souls.

Japan:
In Japan, at the end of the year, a bell is chimed 108 times to finish the old year and welcome the new one. Each ring represents one of 108 earthly temptations a person must overcome to achieve nirvana.

108 signifies the wholeness of the divinity, perfect totality. So, let us follow what our ancestors told us to do.

Parikrama / Circumambulation

Aum Sai Ram.

In a famous story Lord Ganesha performed Parikrama around his parents which was considered equivalent to the journey around the universe.

Parikrama means circumambulation or moving around in a circle. It is also known as Pradaskshina.The word “Pradakshina” means “towards right”.

In religious context this journey is performed around temple, holy tree, holy hill and river. This is done in a clockwise direction. Only during inauspicious occasion like death ceremony, parikrama is performed anticlockwise .

The circular journey around the deity can be understood with an example that in geometry we need a center to draw a circle and from the centre all the points on the circle are equidistant. It indicates we are equally close to God.

Symbolically this ritual indicate touching the feet of deity. In another variation, at the end of the puja , it is a custom to do parikrama around ourselves three times. This is called “ Atma Pradakshinam”.

This is to invoke the god in itself and to express the gratitude to HIM. We all are the part(ansh) of supreme soul.

Generally odd number of parikrama is considerd auspicious. For Example , 1 parikrama around Lord Ganesha, Half parikrama around Shivlingam, 3 parikrama around Lord Vishnu, 5 parikrama around Lord Kaartikeya and 7 parikrama around peepal tree is considered auspicious.

Many classics consider 21, 27 or 108 numbers as auspicious to perform parkirama. While performing parikrama, an invisible link is established between a person and deity.

The mantras pronounced during the circumambulation holds the key of transferring the energies from the god to a person. Always make sure that parikrama should be performed slowly while chanting mantras.

Significance of Sashtanga Namaskar.

Aum Sai Ram.

Sashtang namaskar is a type of Namaskar in which all “Angas [body parts” touch the ground. As such, this type of Namaskara is also called “Dandakara Namaskaram”, “Uddanda Namaskara”,etc.

The word “Danda” means “Stick”. The Dandakara Namaskaram is one which in which the person simply lies on the ground like a fallen stick. This is done because a fallen stick symbolizes ‘helplessness’, i.e it is a way of conveying to the Lord that you are as helpless as a fallen stick & have taken his refuge.

It is a symbol of Sharanagati in the Lord’s feet. This Namaskara is also a form of destruction of ego. When we fall from a standing position, we get injured.

Even in a seated position one can get injured. But look at the Sashtanga Namaskar position. There is no possibility of a person falling at all & hence no question of injury. As the height increases, the fall becomes more severe. The fate of one in high position is also similar. If he does wrong, slips and falls, he is unable to even get up – that is recover to the high position.

The biggest load for a person is his ego-sense, the I-sense, the Ahambhava/ Ahamkar. There is permanent peace if that load is taken off one’s self. The namaskara kriya is the best aid for getting that load off ourselves. Hence, sashtang namaskar is a process of removal of ego & development of humility. If the head is brought down by others, it is a disgrace. If we bring it down ourselves, it is reward, honour.

This is vinaya sampath (humility that is wealth itself). It is to get away from “head weight” and mental conceit that the namaskara I performed with the head in the lowest position. Such a namaskara when done to a sanyasin/eders/guru means the the latter is a “carrier” of your prayer to god.

The person receiving the namaskar must not be of the opinion that the namaskar belongs to himself. Instead, he must understand that he carries this namaskara towards the Lord & prays to the Lord for the welfare of the person doing the namaskar.

Rudrani - The Female Counterpart of Rudraksha.

Aum Sai Ram.

As Rudraksha is to Shiva,
Rudrani is to Goddess Shakti.

Not many know of these Rare Tiny beads,
Which are the female counterpart of Rudraksha.

Small to a certain degree and orangy red in hue,
These seeds manifest the moving power of Shakti.

While Rudraksha stills the mind of the wearer,
Rudrani moves the mind and spirit into action.

Seeds are a natural storehouse of plant's energy,
Wearing them can induce it's vibrations into your body.

Coaxing you gently to be one with Nature's energies.

Body, Mind & Soul - The Art of Unison!

Aum Sai Ram.

He moved and She moved,
He stayed and She did too.

They looked into each other's eyes,
To see a fire within that was burning bright.

They danced like they wanted to burn each other,
Till they realized that, it was not all right.

That's when a strange synchronicity overtook them,
As they moved to a rhythm that came from the depths of their souls.

They danced as if they were one soul and two bodies,
Something they had never ever experienced before.

With it, when the two bodies became one,
The stories of their lifetimes, slowly started to unfold.

They danced slowly and rhythmically swaying their bodies,
To an inner music only they could here all the more.

When their fluid movements became a reflection of each other,
They joined together in a blissful union of body and soul.

In that very moment of stillness, they experienced liberation,
When their bodies were forgotten and their souls became whole...

Shiva holds, while Shakti flows

Aum Sai Ram.

The Kitchen has now become a sacred space for me,
For it reveals a deeper understanding of life naturally.

Today as I was washing some vessels with the tap open,
The water was flowing top down all so forcefully.

That's when a sudden flash of realization hit my head,
When I realized that just like the Tap, Shiva is cold, steely and steady.

And He holds within Him, the vast waters of Time and Space (T&S) inherently,
But it is the invisible Shakti which gives the water (T&S) the power to move.

Or to flow, fall, to wet, to cleanse, and to dissolve the rest naturally,
But if the tap is tightly closed, Shakti too becomes entrapped within it.

No matter how powerful Shakti is, it is Shiva who contains Her in Him,
Regulating Her powerful flow, so she doesn't find a way out of Him.

Causing wide spread chaos, in Her all-playful mood of making merry,
Without Him She cannot flow, without Her there will be no water (T&S).

This is how closely Shiva and Shakti are related to each other,
Just like the holding Tap & the flowing Water you see...

Swami Ramanagiri [Peer Wertin]

Aum Sai Ram.

I discovered Swami Ramanagiri on the internet and find him very inspiring. It's always wonderful to learn about holy souls, especially westerners who attained Enlightenment.

Swami Ramanagiri (Peer Wertin) was a natural born western mystic, a member of the Swedish Royal family, who renounced an $8 million inheritance to become a holy man in India and attained Moksha (liberation) under the great Sage Ramana Maharshi.

Sayings of Swami Ramanagiri:

"His Name, taken once with whole hearted love and a one-pointed mind, is worth more than the knowledge collected from every book all over the world."

"Learning is learned ignorance. Unlearning is learning."

"What you speak about others doesn’t reveal anything about them, but about you."

"The power of listening attracts more than the power of speaking."

"Jnana and bhakti are not separate from each other. One cannot know Him without loving Him, and one cannot love Him without knowing Him."

"Non-attachment does not mean indifference; love does not mean attachment; attachment is that which takes; love is that which gives."

"Shut the doors and the door will be opened."

"Religion is experience. It should be practiced, not studied or discussed, and at the very least not preached. Those who preach don’t know; those who know don’t preach."

"About your worldly troubles: you must do as you think best yourself, but it is good policy to keep away from other’s plates, however sweet and inviting they look. Both sugar and arsenic are white."

"When a soul turns his mind towards the divine, the following two things will happen. First, he will get some joyful experience, which shows that he is on the right path, and that he is progressing. Second, when the asuric forces see that he is progressing, they will put every possible obstacle before the sadhaka in the form of worldly troubles, mental botherations and sex urges. I think you have reached that second stage and will get further troubles. But don’t mind. They are good in so far as they make us fed up with the world."

"If the ego is allowed to play with our emotions, it is capable of causing havoc. Only by drawing the ego to its source can the saddest feeling be converted into ananda."

"Perfection in any form is the manifestation of the divine. The greatest service to humanity is self-enquiry, and the greatest remedy for this world is Self-realization, but that does not mean that we should not do anything for others. As long as we have not got the power to withdraw the mind from the objects of sense perceptions, we should do, and must do, whatever we can for others. Selfless activity will soon give the power of introversion, but when the mind has become introverted, we should not spoil what we have gained by outward activity."

"The main thing with worship is not what we worship, but that we worship, and if we have got love, we can easily surrender the feeling of ‘I’ which is the wall between ourselves and God."

"The disciple’s love for the Guru is more important than the Guru’s power."

"The behavior of a fool and a wise man is the same. The only difference is that a fool goes from life to lives while a wise man goes from lives to Life. One leaves the ocean behind; the other returns."

"To speak or write about Him is pollution. The only truth which becomes falsehood when expressed is Aham Brahmasmi or Sivoham."

"The best weapon of defense is ahimsa. The best weapon of offense is love."

"The ego will cry like a mad man when he sees that he is going to be killed."

"The human body is the greatest hindrance in realising the Self, but it is also the only means."

"O Mother! What a painful bliss you gave this child! Mother is always the same, but we are different, depending on the purity of the body, mind and heart. That is why Mother’s bliss sometimes gives extreme pain, sometimes extreme joy."

"Renunciation of that which renounces is renunciation."

"In my father’s lap, Mother, Father and I are one; or there is none; but IT is."

Love her!

Aum Sai Ram.

Every Man Should Read This:-

Love her.. when she sips on your coffee or tea. She only wants to make sure it tastes just right for you.

Love her.. when she "pushes" you to pray. She wants to be with you in Jannat (Paradise).

Love her.. when she asks you to play with the kids. She did not "make" them on her own.

Love her.. when she is jealous. Out of all the men she can have, she chose you.

Love her.. when she has annoying little habits that drives you nuts. You have them too.

Love her.. when her cooking is bad. She tries.

Love her.. when she looks dishevelled in the morning. She always grooms herself up again.

Love her.. when she asks to help with the kids homework. She only wants you to be part of the home.

Love her.. when she asks if she looks fat. Your opinion counts, so tell her she's beautiful.

Love her.. when she looks beautiful. She's yours so appreciate her.

Love her.. when she spends hours to get ready. She only wants to look her best for you.

Love her.. when she buys you gifts you don't like. Smile and tell her it's what you've always wanted.

Love her.. when she has developed a bad habit. You have many more and with wisdom and politeness you have all the time to help her change.

Love her.. when she cries for absolutely nothing. Don't ask, tell her it’s going to be okay.

Love her.. when she suffers from PMS. Buy chocolate, rub her feet and back and just chat to her (this works!).

Love her.. when whatever you do is not pleasing. It happens and will pass.

Love her.. when she stains your clothes. You needed a new shirt anyway.

Love her.. when she tells you how to drive. She only wants you to be safe.

Love her.. when she argues. She only wants to make things right for both.

Love her.. she is yours. You don't need any other special reason!!!

All this forms part of a Woman's Character. 

Women are part of your life and should be treated as the Queen.

• Treat the women well.

• The best of you are those who are the best in the treatment of their Women.

Talking about Sex, can be the most Difficult Conversation!

Aum Sai Ram.

Talking about Sex, can be the most difficult conversation, a parent can have with their fast growing up child. Many who come for counseling, ask my opinion on it, as how to raise the topic with their children and what is the right age for orientation.

Well, there are no hard and fast rules about it. But before you orientate your children about Sex, you should re-orientate yourself about it; convincing yourself, that it's not a taboo and it's another natural act of nature.

So keep aside your concepts of sin, guilt, religion and repression about it and approach it with an open and respectful mind instead. A closed mind, imparts only one-sided biased thoughts on it. Today's children are attaining maturity at an alarming rate, some even at 7 or 8 years of age. Over and above, their mental maturity index also, is high as compared to the children just a decade ago.

So to talk to them about Sex, even at this age is permissible and acceptable. It is not about what they understand, it is about how you make them understand. A child's mind is a labyrinth of imagination, thinking in vivid colors and pictures. Why not use it to your advantage and tell them a story, where the characters play a part of falling in love and then consummating it with the actual act. In this way, you don't address them directly, yet convey the message effectively.

Sex is not bad and there is no "Sin" attached to it. Just ensure whoever chooses to do it, let them be correctly informed about it and the repercussions that follow it.

Apart from being an act of mutual understanding and trust, it is an act of soulful responsibility. If you can't shoulder it, then don't do it.

It's as simple as that.

Meditation.

Aum Sai Ram.

Meditation ~ The Conscious Act of becoming Nobody!

The eyes are constantly in rapid motion, 

And with it moves the fickle mind too, 

Stilling the eyes to see a single point, 

Steadies the wandering mind too, 

This is the secret of Mind Control.

Story of Bhasma [Sacred Ash]

Aum Sai Ram.

Listen to the story of Bhasma [Sacred Ash].

The One who appears blue,
Got transformed into white,
By applying this magical powder.

Shiva when affected by Halahala [Poison],
Didn't know what to do to escape it's side effects,
As He was a Master Yogi, he held it in his throat,
Through Jalandhara bandha & thus became Neelakanta.

But the effects of the poison slowly began to show,
As it started to mix into his blood stream,
Making him perspire, restless and tizzy.

Seeing the plight of the Lord of the Universe,
Sage Agastya, the mind born son of Brahma,
Took the ash that remained of his Yagna,
And dusted the burning Lord with it.

Within moments the fire of the poison subsided,
Making the Lord smile in a wondrous joy,
What's more to say, cus' then on, Bhasma and Shiva became inseparable.

P.S ~ No historic or mythical reference to this story. Words flowed, I just followed.

Radhe Krsna!!!

Aum Sai Ram.

The wind gently whispered in her ears,
So were the birds telling Her through their songs.

The trees and the animals around Her,
Were hinting to take notice of this phenomenon.

There was a strange kind of happiness that prevailed,
For Nature Herself was blushing green in anticipation.

Was He not the beloved soul mate of Hers,
And also of the millions of creatures abound.

She was immersed in the thoughts of Him,
So much that She didn't care to notice any thing.

A sweet fragrance wafted through the morning air,
Filling Her soul as if it was a sacred altar.

Her heart leaped in joy, even as it skipped a beat,
For She knew this fragrance of divinity from Her childhood.

He was around and She knew it in her very gut,
She turned around like a woman, who had lost her senses.

Shouting with joy as if She had unearthed a long lost treasure,
Trying to find the One who was mischievously hiding from Her.

He came behind Her all so silently and caught her by the waist,
The warm touch of Her beloved, made Her twitch like a fish in a bait.

A surge of love filled every cell in Her body and soul,
Now She was going to be with the one, She loved the most.

Did Radha find Krsna or was it the other way around,
Well no one, not even God knows.

The Egg of Life

Aum Sai Ram.

The Egg of Life is ever expanding,
In a way that no one understands.

Although it looks completely static,
It is constantly swelling from within.

This is the subtle play of Siva & Shakti,
While Shiva appears to be still and (e)static.

Shakti appears to move with grace & beauty,
But what appears to be, is not what it is.

In essence it is Shiva who actually moves in reality,
While Parashakti is happy to be like a dutiful wife,
Who loves to follow Her Husband coyly.

Radha - The Spiritual Consciousness of Krsna

Aum Sai Ram.

She smiled a sad smile,
As Her beloved was far away.

She longed for His fleeting sight,
But it would take Him many a days.

She sat near the foot of a tree,
Wondering when She will get to see Him.

Musing so she slipped into a deep reverie,
Suddenly everything around Her began to vanish.

The trees and the birds were no longer as before,
They all began to transform, into a form She knew only too well.

It was Her beloved Krsna, the suave debonair of Mathura,
With it her heart was bursting with an inexpressible joy.

The likes of which She had never experienced before,
That very moment in time, only Krsna prevailed.

In all of Her and the Universe,
He was in every leaf or stone or whatever She beheld.

That's when Radha Rani had experienced,
The universality of Her own soul.

~ Who is Radha? 
Well, Radha is the spiritual consciousness of Krsna ~

The Holiest Meditation of Shiva.

Aum Sai Ram.

Keeping the spine straight,
With the left and right regulated,
Sound gently the chant of Shiva,
"Om Namah Shivaaya!"

Feel the vibration from the base,
Travelling up the straight spine,
Till it ends in the tip of the head,
Retain the sensation at the tip.

Till you forget the rest of the downward trip,
This is the holiest meditation of Shiva,
The one which shall raise you,
And your consciousness to newer heights.

Making you steady like his powerful Trishul,
And your thoughts resound sacred, Like his beautiful Damaru!

Meditation!

Aum Sai Ram.

He sat in still silence,
Not wanting to be disturbed by none.

As his mental projections exhausted,
There was no movement left within.

His body became seemingly inert like a Tree,
As his breath began to slow down bit by bit.

He was left all alone with himself, in himself,
As all relation to the external world dropped away.

Just like the dry leaves of the tree gets castaway,
In that stillness of spirit, where nothing was everything.

He stayed for long, as if it was a wordless song,
Enjoying every bit of the stillness and silence.

Then a thought rose from the depth of his being,
Creating a small ripple in a still serene pond.

That lil' ripple grew bigger and bigger in it's reach,
Till his breathing got back to where He had left it.

He could now feel the warmth of his body,
And His eyes started moving slowly.

He was once again introduced to the ways of the world,
For His momentary peace was abruptly broken.

By a stray thought which was left uncontrolled.

Bonding in Life!

Aum Sai Ram.

She was feeling very lonely,
That's when He came to Her all so softly,
Touching Her with a love so tender,
Stirring Her from a soulful slumber.

As Krsna touched her delicate body,
Tears of joy and sorrow flowed from Her eyes,
Seeing Her shed tears, Krsna too began to cry,
Both were shedding tears like a flowing river.

From that was born a love, that was to last forever.
When you shed tears together, the bond invariably becomes stronger.

I searched for Him everywhere I could,
Traveled to places where He spent his childhood.

Looked for Him in the place where He even ruled,
But no where could I find Him, no matter what I did.

Then one night when I was trying to fall asleep,
I heard a song written by a saint long time ago.

It stroked a chord in my soul, I thought, I had never before,
She sang, "Krsna, where else can I find you, but deep within my heart.

Stay there safely hidden, that even death cannot do us apart",
Ah! Finally I found my Krsna, where I had least expected to.

He was there, hidden in the tender heart of Mira!

Wisdom has many Dimensions, Choose the Right Path!

Aum Sai Ram.

The Lord of Lanka was supremely happy,
That too over the fact that He would confront Rama,
He used to say, "Rama is just a mortal, come on!",
Mandodari, Ravana's wife was wiser than Him.

She reminded Him about the exploits of Rama,
She said, "Remember the Swayamvara!,
Where you had the chance to make Sita yours,
But you couldn't even lift the divine bow.

But He came and lifted as if it was an arrow,
Remember Vali, when He had captured you,
And you were struggling to set free yourself,
The same mighty Vali was felled down by Rama's single arrow.

Also don't forget the episode of Lanka,
When one of His soldier, came and burned it down all alone,
Just imagine when the entire army comes to our shore,
Forget Rama, you weren't even able to cross the line.

That his brother Lakshmana drew on the bare ground,
As soon as you stepped over it, you were thrown off it,
Do you still think my Lord, that Rama is just another mortal,
When you have so many proofs that are very clear.

He is the Lord of the Universe, come in the form of a Human,
Why not just refrain from the war and take surrender".

Ravana after listening to the wisdom of His wife said humbly,
"If He is truly the Lord of the Universe in a human form,
Then I think it's an opportunity to die at his hands,
So let it be, as it's meant to be,
I shall accept my fate as it is."

~ Wisdom has many dimensions; it depends from which angle you are seeing it ~

 

 

Centre of the Eye.

Aum Sai Ram.

There is a deep secret hidden in the center of the eye,
The left and the right are the channels of Shakti and Shiva.

Left is the Chandra and the right is the Surya,
Left is the Shankh and the right is the Chakra.

When the light of the Sun (Siva), penetrates the orb of the Moon (Shakti),
It'll give rise to Soma (Nectar), that will illumine the center of the Mind's eye.

Peace & Love - The Way to Transform the World!

Aum Sai Ram.

The world is racked with war,
Humans torture each other,
and slaughter billions of animals each week.

People are intolerant of others,
and fail to see the God in all,
The planet is being raped by greed.

The oceans are being poisoned,
Food is being genetically modified,
Doctors push drugs with negative side-effects.

Politicians are corrupt and no longer serve the people,
At times, the situation seems hopeless,
but the source of all hope already exists within us.

God said that the Kingdom of Heaven is within us,
All the great Masters agreed and recommended to turn within.

We all have the ability to discover that Kingdom of Heaven within us,
and transform the world into a Heaven World.

Meditation is the key that unlocks the inner treasures,
Turn within and focus on the third eye center.

God said "The eye is the light of the body,
When your eye shall be single,
thy body shall be full of light."

This is the key to realizing the Divinity within us all
and transforming the world through Peace and Love.

The Ancient Mrit Sanjeevani Vidya.

Aum Sai Ram.

The ancient Mrit Sanjeevani Vidya,
The Science of Infusing Life into the Lifeless.

Tapping and channelizing the cosmic energies,
Into a lifeless body, bringing it to life instantly.

This ancient elixir of life, was known to the seers of yore,
Who realized that life, is but a continuous expending of energy.

Add more to it methodically and one could prolong it.

Yoga was an integral part of it, cus if the vessel ain't good,
How could it ever hold the seeds of life in it.

This ancient science is now lost in the pages of History,
With fragments of it, appearing here and there sporadically.

There are many elements to it and without all of it,
It is nothing but a useless fishing line without a bait.

It's Mantra (Sound invocation) is a powerful combination of Sun and Shiva,
But apart from it, there is much more juice to it's mysteries.

Somehow I feel that the Sun's energy was ingeniously directed,
To the lifeless body (Shava) to infuse it with life (Shiva).

There has to be other elements to it, one I feel was purified mercury,
Which is considered to be the seed of Shiva Himself.

Well, the power of this Vidya, is lost to the world at large,
With only the mantra keeping itself known to all.

But there is much more to it, I dare say it with conviction,
Maybe someday, the cynical world will once again experience,
It's tremendous power, in full action.

~ Pic of Yama trying to snatch the life out of Satyavan; 

while Savitri, invoking Mrit Sanjeevani and binding Yama with it ~

Who is an Aghori?

Aum Sai Ram.

He is the fearless lover of Shiva,
Who roams the world like a Shava.

Unkempt and disorderly in appearance,
Yet firm established in the truth within.

He cares a hoot about customs or traditions,
Till you question or doubt his intentions.

That's when He becomes the fearful One,
Whom you can never control or win over.

He then becomes Rudra personified,
Let Him be what wants to be.

Let Him do what He wishes to,
Never care to come His way, in any way.

As He will not cease to chart his way through you,
So why flirt around with a dangerous Twister.

Because when it changes it's course, without intimation,
You will be ripped apart like a twig caught in the eye of it.

~ Aghora - The One who finds beauty in ugliness ~

Love yourself first and the world will RISE in love with you.

Aum Sai Ram.

I am not the same to everyone.

To some I am the serious one,
Who talks about things metaphysical.

Of far away things which are mysterious,
They prefer to look at me from a distance,

And treat me with a bit of Awe and Reverence.

To some I am the jovial one,
Always cracking jokes and pulling their legs,

Never in mood to get depressed.

To some I am the responsible friend,
Who sticks around when in need,
Supporting and caring till they heal.

To some I am the most Loving one,
Who loves them to no small extant,
Making them full and fat with my intent.

For my parents, I am their dutiful son,
Who cares for them, as they do for me.

Look at the different roles we have to play,
But thankfully to myself, I am the simple one.

Who prefers nothing much to be at peace with himself,
Be it things, friends, money, or even loved ones!!!

~ Love yourself first and the world will RISE in love with you ~

Who is a Guru and who is a disciple?"

Aum Sai Ram.

"A Guru is the Match Box and the disciple is the Match Stick, who catches fire, by striking itself on it. It can catch fire, only if ain't damp enough with self-pride or egotistic."

"Then whose is the hand, which holds them both?"

"The hands of fate, of course..."

The disciple seldom gets to find His Guru. It is the Guru, who ultimately finds Him and shows him the truth. Alas! These days, majority are just business partnerships.

Mystery of Unknown in Universe

Aum Sai Ram.

There are many things we don't know,
But that doesn't mean it ain't exist.

so to know that which cannot be known,
Takes special discipline in deciphering them.

so the five senses and the mind are the facilitators of wisdom,
And when the senses are sharpened and disciplined.

Then it becomes highly refined and sharp as a sword,
Capable of cutting through the veils of Maya.

Granting you the power of divine insight,
Meditation is the tool to sharpen the mind.

In time, when it is quiet and stilled perfectly,
The mysteries of the Universe, will be reflected on to it!

Mind is the reflection of the Universe. 

Still it and see the Universe as it is; 

else it remains muddled, 

prejudiced and muddy 

Dreams of Different Reality.

Aum Sai Ram.

I am a hopeless Dreamer,
Someone who dreams of a different reality.

A reality where angels and fairies do exist,
Even if it's unseen to human eyes that is.

So what if I can't see them for now,
I'm sure, they can at least.

and, That's more than enough for both of us to know,
That we exist in the opposite sides of same reality.

This is the secret of being enchanted by the Unknown,
You don't have to know the Unknown so to be known.

If you really believe, they'll know and let you know,
In some way or the other, of their invisible presence,
In or around your world of dreams and reality.

Trotakacharya's Guru Bhakti towards Guru Adi Sankaracharya!

Aum Sai Ram.

The chanting of the holy Vedas filled the morning air,
As Mother Nature was waking up Her children fair and square,
The Ashram of Adi Shankara was filled with peace incomparable,
As each & everyone of the disciples were doing penance of something laudable.

They were sincere seekers of the highest wisdom - The Vedanta!,
Which uses the mind and intellect to cut through the veils of Maya,
Adi Shankara, the greatest Teacher of Mankind was sitting in peace,
Watching His disciples go about doing their duty religiously.

In all this there was but one disciple, who was least interested in Scholarship,
His name was Trotakacharya, who was a congenital dullard,
But He loved His Acharya with all His life, willing to do anything,
While all the other disciples of Shankara, made an effort to excel.

In mastering the various branches of the ancient Vedas,
Trotakacharya was happy to serve His beloved Master with all his heart,
He was untiring in his service to His Master, come rain or sunshine,
Once when Shankara was to begin expounding the loftiest ideals of Vedanta.

He waited on the dullard Trotakacharya to come and join in,
This act of the Acharya, amused the other disciples of His,
As they began to insist, to begin without wasting no time of His,
Seeing the haughtiness of his disciples, riding on their intellectual might.

Adi Shankara decided to teach them a fitting lesson in humility,
He lovingly called out, "Trotaka! Where are you?"
And within moments, hearing the voice of the Master,
Trotakacharya came rushing as if God Himself had called Him.

"Speak!" said the great Acharya to Trotaka,
Without least hesitation or getting anxious of his inherent inabilities,
Trotakacharya sang the gist of the entire Vedas in a song instead,
All the jaws dropped and eyes bulged out in sheer disbelief.

When they saw the dumb Trotaka sing the Vedas, instead of speech,
They fell at the feet of the Acharya, who was the embodiment of Siva,
He smiled in compassion and said, "Trotakacharya is the gem of Shankara;
because He knows how to serve his Acharya".

Almost everyone sits at the feet of the Blessed Guru,
Till they imbibe his wisdom and then become Gurus in their own right,
But very few serve at the feet of the Guru till the very end,
Knowing it in their hearts, that this service leads to incomparable bliss.

What is the use of Scholarship, when it swells your head with pride,
True learning is when your heart expands and embraces all as one,
And most importantly, never forget this, that,
One look of the Guru, is enough to make the dumb speak.

Bhairava.

Aum Sai Ram.

The lone Bhairava, waits patiently for His Bhairavi,
In the jungle of life, that's seething with fire perennially.

His eyes are closed, yet His mind is affixed on His Bhairavi,
He sits there in front of his dhuni, sitting animatedly.

The mind of the Bhairava, is a strange one indeed,
Never attached on anyone or on anything unnaturally.

Yet He craves for his Bhairavi, so He can experience,
The Oneness of spirit, which has evaded him since eternity.

Both Bhairava & Bhairavi are incomplete, without each other's company,
But when they finally come together in Mind, Body and Spirit.

That's when they shall experience the true nature of opposites,
Which is the oneness of Siva & Shakti...

When the darkness of ignorance,
Is shred by the light of Shiva.

In that very moment of time,
A mighty Bhairava is born!

Why Tulasi is not offered to Lord Ganesha?

Aum Sai Ram.

In majority of the regions Tulsi leaves are not offered to Ganesha. But in some regions Tulsi is offered during Ganesh Chaturthi Puja. There is a story which narrates why Tulsi is not offered to Ganapati. This story happened before Tulsi became a holy plant on earth. Legend has it Tulsi was a beautiful maiden and she was once visiting various Teerths (sacred places) chanting the name of Narayana.

Once she happened to see Young Ganesh meditating on the banks of Ganga. She was attracted by him.

Devi Tulsi tried various means to get the attention of Ganesha.

Ganesha who was disturbed by Devi Tulsi tried to find out the reason for her behavior. He also tried to make understand that it is not good to disturb a person who is meditating.

Devi Tulsi then requested him to marry her. But Ganesha told he was not interested in marriage. She tried several times giving various reasons. Ganeshji was not impressed and continued to ignore her. Finally, He advised her to marry someone else.

This angered Devi Tulsi and cursed Ganesha that he will surely get married in future.

For disturbing his meditation and cursing Him, Ganesha cursed her to live in the home of demons and to become a plant.

Devi Tulsi then requested Ganesha to forgive her as she was under the influence of senses. Ganesha relented and told her that she will become the favorite plant of Krishna on earth.

Tulsi later was married to demon Shankachuda. She later became the Tulsi Plant.

It is due to this incident that Tulsi is not offered to Ganesha.

Sadashiva Brahmendra Swami of Nerur

Aum Sai Ram.

A young boy born to poor parents in the mid 17th and 18th century AD showed uncommon traits of future greatness. His father passed away at an early age leaving the family to fend for themselves.

The young boy was put in Gurukula To study the Arts and Science of those times. As usual, prodigies find it too boring to study. So He began to explore the inner mysteries instead While the other students excelled in Math and Music.

He was happy to discover the hidden treasures of the Self. In time, his mastery over Time & Space multiplied exponentially Leaving others spell bound. Despite his best efforts to conceal it he began manifesting many things out of thin air Transporting himself to distant places through air instantly.

He could communicate with various entities Be it living or dead with no formalities. He loved chirping away like the free birds So he would keep talking as if there was no end to it. His school teacher saw all this and advised him to leave.

In search of a Master who will further hone his skills he took it his heart and went to the holy place of Kanchi,
Where the then Shankaracharya of Kamakoti saw his abnormal abilities suggested him to take part in the activities of the Ashram's upkeep.

He did every task assigned to him with utmost humility, But his paranormal powers manifested defying all rationality.  once when the Ashram was visited by Vedic Scholars for a debate, The young Sanyasi beat their wits off with his innate yogic ability.

His Guru seeing all this, reprimanded the young novice, saying, "Sadasiva! When will you be quiet?" The young man instantly replied, "From now on Master!" And He embraced silence for the rest of his life thereon. He traveled far and wide; and wherever He went, All the powers of the Universe traveled with him in all humility.

He was the great Sadashiva Brahmendra Swami of Nerur, Who was a Master of all the elements and a Master of Self.

Like the great silent God Dakshinamurthy himself, To Him I bow down in all humility.

Make a conscious Effort to see the good qualities of the person.

Aum Sai Ram.

A long time ago in China, a girl named Li-Li got married and went to live with her husband and mother-in-law.

In a very short time, Li-Li found that she couldn’t get along with her mother-in-law at all. Their personalities were very different, and Li-Li was angered by many of her mother-in-law’s habits. In addition, she criticized Li-Li constantly.

Days passed days, and weeks passed weeks. Li-Li and her mother-in-law never stopped arguing and fighting. But what made the situation even worse was that, according to ancient Chinese tradition, Li-Li had to bow to her mother-in-law and obey her every wish. All the anger and unhappiness in the house was causing the poor husband great distress.

Finally, Li-Li could not stand her mother-in-law’s bad temper and dictatorship any longer, and she decided to do something about it.

Li-Li went to see her father’s good friend, Mr. Huang, who sold herbs. She told him the situation and asked if he would give her some poison so that she could solve the problem once and for all. Mr. Huang thought for a while, and finally said, “Li-Li, I will help you solve your problem, but you must listen to me and obey what I tell you.”

Li-Li said, “Yes, Mr. Huang, I will do whatever you tell me to do.” Mr. Huang went into the back room, and returned in a few minutes with a package of herbs.

He told Li-Li, “You can’t use a quick-acting poison to get rid of your mother-in-law, because that would cause people to become suspicious. Therefore, I have given you a number of herbs that will slowly build up poison in her body. Every other day prepare some delicious meal and put a little of these herbs in her serving. Now, in order to make sure that nobody suspects you when she dies, you must be very careful to act very friendly towards her. Don’t argue with her, obey her every wish, and treat her like a queen.”

Li-Li was so happy. She thanked Mr. Huang and hurried home to start her plot of murdering her mother-in-law.

Weeks went by, months went by, and every other day, Li-Li served the specially treated food to her mother-in-law. She remembered what Mr. Huang had said about avoiding suspicion, so she controlled her temper, obeyed her mother-in-law, and treated her like her own mother. After six months had passed, the whole household had changed.

Li-Li had practiced controlling her temper so much that she found that she almost never got mad or upset. She hadn’t had an argument in six months with her mother-in-law, who now seemed much kinder and easier to get along with.

The mother-in-law’s attitude toward Li-Li changed, and she began to love Li-Li like her own daughter. She kept telling friends and relatives that Li-Li was the best daughter-in-law one could ever find. Li-Li and her mother-in-law were now treating each other like a real mother and daughter.

Li-Li’s husband was very happy to see what was happening.

One day, Li-Li came to see Mr. Huang and asked for his help again. She said, “Mr. Huang, please help me to stop the poison from killing my mother-in-law! She’s changed into such a nice woman, and I love her like my own mother. I do not want her to die because of the poison I gave her.”

Mr. Huang smiled and nodded his head. “Li-Li, there’s nothing to worry about. I never gave you any poison. The herbs I gave you were vitamins to improve her health. The only poison was in your mind and your attitude toward her, but that has been all washed away by the love which you gave to her.”

Moral: Make a conscious Effort to see the good qualities of the person in relationships. Act it out, if necessary and gradually and surely let time heal relationships

Let’s start making amends.

To parents
To siblings
To friends
And many more.

Shiva Shakti Form in a Human Being

Aum Sai Ram.

There is a Feminine side to every Man,
And a Masculine side to every Woman.

But to retain our Defined Identity,
We prefer to stick around with what we know,

Forgetting the other side of our Identity.

Inner balance will be accomplished,
Only when we respect and acknowledge,
The other side of our personality.

Act of Cooking is a kind of Spiritual Attunement.

Aum Sai Ram.


Today I prepared Sambar and Rice for lunch. The very act of cooking, is a kind of Spiritual Attunement for me.

~ Washing Vegetables clean, reminds me to keep myself clean, within and without.

~ Chopping the veggies, reminds me to keep my mind sharp and focused.

~ The very act of lighting the cook top, prompts me to light my inner fire; because without the fire, you can't cook.

~ Pressure cooking the pulses, tells me of the pressures of life; for it's designed to make me gentle, mushy and compassionate.

~ Adding the different condiments to it, tells me there are many flavors, one can include in life; without which, it will be kinda incomplete.

~ Stir it now and then, so the broth won't stick to the bottom of the vessel; so does life stirs you, once a while, so you don't get stuck to the bottom of it.

~ Finally add the right amount of salt; because a pinch more of it, shall ruin it. So too with happiness or sadness; where a pinch extra will ruin you.

~ A good cook, never forgets to taste his dishes now and then, so to check if everything's alright. So too keep a reality check of your head and heart, every now and then, so you don't stick your head in the clouds and drown your heart in sorrows.

~ In time when the dish is complete, it's best shared with others, piping hot, to fully enjoy it.

~ Finally, clean the mess you have created, for no one will do it for you, in reality.

"Mercury Ball" of the Siddhas.

Aum Sai Ram.

A friend asked for further information on the purified and solidified "Mercury Ball" of the Siddhas.

Well, to begin with, I ain't an authority on it, so I can't enumerate the specifics of it. What little I know, I can share, and that's about it.

"It is called Rasavidya - The science of making gold through Mercury. An ancient science that was perfected by Indians. The Europeans took the Science with them and it was called Alchemy.

Mercury as a metal is a volatile metal. As it moves, it was considered to have life. And it was also called "The seed of Shiva". To transform it into a stable metal, is almost impossible, even for today's smartest minds.

However the Tamil Siddhas, devised a way of purifying it through a rigorous multi step-by-step procedure, by adding to it various herbs and salts and then finally lighting it with sacred fire. All the impurities used to dissolve through this procedure and what was left behind, was pure solidified Mercury.

When correctly done, the molecules of this volatile metal, fuse together to form a stable metal.

Pure solidified Mercury is considered highly medicinal as it aids regeneration of cells. There are many ancient spiritual practices, which uses Mercury, to deepen one's Meditation. But a word of caution, do not but anything that is sold in the market because, if not done by proper methods, it can be highly poisonous and dangerous.

In our ancient texts, it is said, that Mercury or Parad, is higher than any other metal, as it vibrates to the resonance of Lord Shiva himself. So to possess it and keep it and worship it, is an act of worshiping Shiva himself..."

Rasa Vidya or Alchemy as it's called in European countries, originated in India; especially the South of India. The ancient Siddhas, knew how to turn Quick Silver, as it's called else where, into solid for physio-spiritual purposes.

Mercury (Hg) is a highly toxic metal, which can eat into Gold also. Although used in the processing of Gold, it manifests many physical diseases to ones who handle it. Hence it is banned in many gold mining countries.

The Siddhas discovered ways to remove it's toxicity by introducing the raw Mercury to many herbal mixtures and minerals from nature, thereby nullifying it's inherent toxicity. Just like Snake venom, when introduced inside a horse, produces anti-venom Serum; like wise, the poisonous metal, becomes an elixir of life when it goes through these purifying steps.

This is a lost science and is not recognized by modern Chemistry. It is highly spiritual in nature and requires special skill set and precautions to bring out the finished product. Mercury is a liquid metal and it moves as if it has a mind of it's own. To bind it requires high will and skill of mind.

When the one who handles Mercury, has his mind wavering just like it; he painstakingly begins the process of solidifying it, by a step-by-step process of removing all the impurities from it. As he does this external act, his internal mind too acquires the same quality of Mercury. When this time consuming process comes to an end, his mind too becomes solidified like Mercury and becomes still and stationery. This is the hidden spiritual purport of it.

No one will teach you this vidya; as firstly, many of it is lost in time. Even if they know it, it will be the most guarded secret, and they will safe guard it with their very life. The Mercury (lingas etc.) products which are available in the market are nothing but sham; for the purest ones, are available only in the deeper forest regions of South India and up North at Gharwal; which are given away for free to the deserving ones, or they come with a hefty price tag even for a single gram.

When I met the old couple who possessed this rare metal, which was handed down to them, from their ancestors, they said a wonderful thing. They said, "Rasamani Vidya is not for everyone to know. When the deserving candidate has purified his own mind, to a high degree, this forgotten vidya, will be revealed to him/her by the Siddhas themselves or He will get a Gutika to benefit and safe keep." I agree!

I leave it at that, else the Siddha Masters, might get upset for revealing too much of it.

~ Pure Rasamani Shiva Linga at the Yogi Siddhanath Ashram in Pune ~

Who is Shiva, but the static aspect of Shakti, 

Who is Shakti, but the moving aspect of Shiva, 

See that's why they call Mercury an amalgamation, 

Of both Shiva and Shakti.

Parad Shivling at Harihar Ashram in Kankhal near Haridwar. 

This holy Shivling is made from 151 kg of pure Mercury. 

Why is ghee lamp preferred to oil lamp during puja ritual?

Aum Sai Ram.

Namaskar! We heartily welcome you all for this Satsang (spiritual meet)! Before we commence this Satsang let us pay obeisance at the Holy feet of Sadguru (spiritual master) so that by His grace the very objective of this Satsang is fulfilled. Please pay mental obeisance to your personal icon of faith and recite as follows:

गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्‍णु गुरुर्देवो महेश्‍वर: ।

गुरु साक्षात्‌ परब्रह्म तस्‍मै श्री गुरवे नम: ।।

Worship of a deity is a subject of faith for all of us. We build a temple room in our house and decorate it well. We also keep the images or idols of the deities we like and perform daily puja (ritualistic worship).We purchase the articles of puja according to our capacity. We are also quite familiar with such articles like kalash (a water vessel generally of metal), shankh (conch), a copper plate, a copper vessel, a small spoon, a lamp etc. Every article of puja has its own significance. Let us understand the significance of an important article of puja that is lamp.

Importance of lamp in Hindu Dharma

The lamp has its own special place in Sanatan Vaidik Hindu Dharma. It is a form and a symbol of Tēj (Absolute fire principle). The lamp is invoked as, ‘तमसो मा ज्‍योतिर्गमय ।’ meaning the lamp leads us from darkness towards light. It burns only to give the message of peace and light to man. That is its greatness. In this Satsang we shall try to understand what the scriptures have to say about the lamp. Amongst the articles of pūjā the lamp is an important article. The following mantra which is recited during the ritual of puja explains its significance.

    भोदीपब्रह्मरूपस्‍त्‍वं ज्‍योतिषांप्रभुरव्‍यय: ।।

    आरोग्‍यंदेहिपुत्रांश्‍चमत:शांतिं प्रयच्छमे ।।

Meaning: O Deity of lamp, you are of the form of Bramhan (the absolute truth). You are full of radiance. You never wither. Please bestow me health and good progeny and please fulfill my wishes.

Characteristics of Oil and Ghee Lamps

Agni Purāna clearly states that only oil or Ghee (clarified butter) be used in the lamp meant for pūjā and no other combustible substance.

According to the Science of spirituality the lamp with clarified butter is more sāttvik (spiritually pure) as compared to lamp in which oil is used. This is an important aspect which we will try to understand in details. So let us see the difference between the the lamp in which Ghee is used and the one with oil.

Generally the use of oil is more prevalent than that of Ghee. The oil containing lamp kindles longer while the ghee containing lamp kindles for a short period. Now let us see the difference from the spiritual view point.

1. Ghee lamp has more capacity to attract the sāttvik vibrations present in the surrounding atmosphere as compared to oil lamp.

2. The oil lamp can attract the sāttvik vibrations spread over a maximum distance of 1 meter while the ghee lamp can attract sāttvik vibrations spread over till Swarga lok (heaven)

3. When the oil or ghee gets exhausted or the lamp stops burning for some other reason then both the oil and ghee lamps are affected at spiritual level to some extent.

4. When the oil lamp stops burning the predominance of Raja particles in the atmosphere is enhanced and lasts for half an hour. On the other hand when the ghee lamp stops burning the impact of sāttviktā (the quality of being sāttvik) on the atmosphere is experienced even after four hours.

Now let us see the characteristics of kindled lamps containing oil and ghee from spiritual angle with the help of a subtle drawing. Here we have to take into consideration the fact that while the vibrations of a subtle drawing are three dimensional we see them in the subtle drawing in a two dimensional form. For example the sphere will appear as a circle. Now let us look at the subtle drawing:

The yellow coloured circles seen in this drawing emit divine consciousness (chaitanya) in the atmosphere. The red coloured circles are of radiant energy. The burning flame is emitting frequencies full of Tej tattva (absolute fire principle) in the atmosphere. The red particles which you see here are the emitted particles of energy. So you have seen in this drawing how a oil lamp emits energy in the atmosphere. Now let us observe the subtle drawing of ghee lamp. The blue colour just besides the flame is indicative of spiritual emotion (bhav). The yellow circles which you see here are of chaitanya in the form of Tej tattva projecting in the atmosphere. You can also see the red particles and rays consisting of energy projecting into atmosphere.

Effect on the worshipper as per Kundalini Yog

Now let us see the effect of both types of lamp on the worshipper.

1. The oil lamp generates a subtle armour of inferior quality around the worshipper while ghee lamp generates a subtle armour of superior quality.

2. The subtle frequencies emitted from the oil lamp activate the Mind-energy (Manashakti) of the worshipper whereas the subtle frequencies emanating from the ghee lamp activates soul energy of the worshipper.

According to yogic path of Kundalini Yog there are seven principle chakras or energy centers in the human being. These chakras influence practically every aspect of human being including physical body, mind and intellect. The oil lamp is effective in purification of Muladhar and Swadhishthan Chakra only to certain extent but the ghee lamp purifies Manipur and  Anahat chakras to a significant  extent.

Just as there are seven chakras in the human body, there are paths for the flow of vital energy (chetana). These are called as Nadis or channels. The three principle nadis are Chandra nadi (Moon channel), Surya nadi (Sun channel) and Sushumna nadi.

When Chandra nadi is active the person perceives coolness. The activation of Surya nadi imparts energy to the person.

The Sushumna nadi is activated when the person starts progressing spiritually. The oil lamp activates the Surya nadi of the person while ghee lamp activates only that nadi which is essential to the worshipper in a particular action.

Effect on the subtle sheaths of the worshipper

According to the science of spirituality the body which is visible to our eyes is called Annamaya Kosha or food sheath. Besides this there are four other Koshas namely Pranmaya Kosha or vital air sheath, Manomaya Kosha or the mental sheath, Vidnyanmaya Kosha or sheath of intellect and Anandmaya Kosha or bliss sheath. The Pranmaya kosha  is a seat for the Pancha pranas (five vital air elements) which provides energy to the gross body. The second Manomaya kosha is the seat of emotions. The third Vidnyanmaya Kosha is the seat of intellect and the fourth Anandamaya Kosha is the seat of Soul which is of the nature of existence, consciousness and bliss (satchidananda). Even these subtle sheaths or koshas are affected by the oil or ghee lamps. The oil lamp imparts power to the raja particles in the Pranamaya kosha which makes the individual restless. The ghee lamp strengthens the sattva particles of Pranamaya kosha and Manomaya Kosha and as a result of this the jiva (individual, embodied soul) becomes peaceful,stable and happy.

Spiritual experience imparted by oil and ghee lamps

Now let us compare the spiritual experiences obtained due to oil and ghee lamps. But before that let us understand what we mean by Spiritual experience or Anubhuti.

We are used to appreciate this world through  the media of five sense organs namely nose, ears, eyes, tongue, skin , mind and intellect. This is known as experience.

But when we experience something without the participation of all these then it is known as spiritual experience. Now let us compare the spiritual experiences obtained due to oil and ghee lamps.

The oil lamp gives us spiritual experience of Pruthvi tattva (absolute earth element) and Aap tattva (absolute water element). For example if we get an experience of fragrance without the actual presence of an object which can impart such fragrance then it is a spiritual experience of Subtle fragrance or gandha.

The fragrance is related to Pruthvi tattva. The example of spiritual experience of Aap tattva is dwelling sweet taste in the mouth.

When we see subtle light or vision of a deity then it is an example of spiritual experience related to Tej tattva or absolute fire element. When we experience a feeling of touch without any external reason  then it is a spiritual experience related to Vayu tattva or absolute air element. The ghee lamp gives spiritual experience of Tej tatva and Vayu tattva to the worshipper.

Why only ghee prepared from cow's milk should be used?

Generally any oil lamp emits frequencies consisting of raja particles but the sesame oil emits some sattva frequencies also. Therefore the lamp with sesame oil is comparatively more sattvik.

However the ghee lamp emits the sattvik frequencies in  maximum amount compared to any oil lamp. Here we have to remember one thing that it is useful to use ghee prepared only from the cow’s milk in the lamp lit in front of Deity.

This is because in such ghee the Deities’ principles are already existent. Such a ghee which is dominant in sattva component emits luminous figures in the atmosphere. Such luminous figures are forms of Tej tattva or absolute fire element.

Thus even though the use of ghee is recommended because of its capacity to emit maximum sattva frequencies, we can use sesame oil lamp if the use of ghee is not possible because of financial restraints or otherwise.

Points to be considered while using a lamp

Now let us see the points to be noted while actually using a lamp.

1. Do not kindle an oil lamp with a ghee lamp and vice versa

2. Do not kindle one lamp with another similar lamp. For example if there are two niranjans (a type of lamp) in an arti platter then do not light one niranjan with another niranjan. Similarly do not light one pillar of lamps with another.

3. Sometimes while performing puja we unknowingly touch the lamp. We should immediately wash our hands then. This is because when we worship a deity the sattva component of the lamp increases. When we touch the lamp the raja-tama particles from our body enter the lamp by way of touch. This reduces the purity of the lamp.

The water has the property of encompassing everything. Anything which is offered to a deity through the medium of water reaches Him/Her faster. When we wash our hands we are one way dissolving our sins in the water. The spiritual practice of water is to assimilate in itself sins done by all. The extremely merciful Deities absolve us from our defects when we offer them at their feet through the medium of water.

Should electric bulbs be used instead of ghee lamps?

Now a days we see electric bulbs in use during the puja ritual instead of ghee lamp. What is the difference between two from the point of view of Spiritual science?

Some people may be finding it funny to worship a lamp of oil or ghee when the modern scientific era has offered us so much glitter by way of electrical bulbs. But our ancestors have given priority to the worship of lamp after profound experience and through the attitude of gratitude.

Let us now compare the electrical bulb and the lamp with ghee. The light emitted from the electrical bulb blinds our eyes while the gentle flame of ghee lamp reminds us of Atma-Jyoti or flame of soul.

The electrical bulb makes us extroverted and then the mind runs towards external objects. The ghee lamp makes us to look inwards. Thus we have seen the difference between the electrical bulb and ghee lamp. Now let us see the subtle drawing of an electrical bulb.

We can see here that via the medium of electrical current black frequencies are entering into the electrical bulb. These then activate frequencies dominant in tama component. The electrical bulb emits circles of tama component. In addition we can see that colliding black particles are emitted in the atmosphere.

Five wicks and single wick lamp

There are other varieties of the lamps also such as lamp with a single wick and lamp called niranjan wherein five wicks are used. The Niranjan with five wicks is symbolic of duality that is the manifest energy of a deity, whereas the lamp with a single wick attracts sattvik frequencies.

The lamp with five wicks attracts waves with destroyer property and dominant in raja component. The niranjan with five wicks denotes the relation of Panchpran (five vital air principles) with the Atmajyoti (flame of soul).

Niranjan is used for waving Pancharati. Every  single flame of niranjan is symbolic of Atmajyoti. Pancharti means invocation of God with the help of panchparanas.

While performing Pancharti we should have such a spiritual emotion that the Atmajyoti is kindled in me with the help of five panchaprans present in the body and I am performing the arti with such flame.

Why should a straight wick be used as compared to puffed up wick?

Now let us understand about straight wick and wick with one end puffed up (fulwat). During puja ritual a lamp is offered at various steps of the ritual according to purpose. For example performance of arti.

Two types of wicks are used in the lamp namely Puffed wick and straight wick. Nowadays a puffed wick is used in a ghee lamp or niranjan and used as lamp of worship. The wick is puffed up from below to offer it stability to stand in the center of niranjan. The puffed wick is used in a ghee lamp. This type of wick is relatively of recent origin.

The second type of wick which we all are familiar with is straight wick. Two straight wicks are joined together like a thread and used in a lamp. Not only there is difference between the two on a gross form but also on spiritual level.

1. The lower portion of the fulwat is puffed up while the straight wick is whole like a thread.

2. The fulwat is representative of various raja thoughts in the mind while straight wick is symbolic of detachment and also represents the thread which joins Panchaprans with Atamjyoti.

3. When a fulwat is kindled the inferior deities are attracted to it while the straight wick when kindled attracts principles of higher deities.

4. The frequencies emitted by the fulwat are of circular form while those emitted by straight wick are in the form of waves.

5. The colour of the divine consciousness emitted by the fulwat is reddish yellow while that emitted by straight wick is of yellow colour.

6. Sattvik earth frequencies get attracted towards fulwat while more sattvik frequencies moving in the upward direction are attracted towards straight wick.

7. The atmospheric frequencies get momentum due to fulwat while their momentum is slowed down by the use of straight wick.

8. An armour of Pruthvi (absolute earth element) and Aap tattva (absolute water element) is generated around the worshipper by use of fulwat while straight wick generates an armour of Tej tatva (absolute fire element) around the worshipper.

According to science of spirituality Tej tattva is more powerful than either Pruthvi tatva or Aap tattva. As a result the use of fulwat imparts heaviness to the physical body while the use of straight imparts cheerfulness to mind.

Thus we have seen the difference between the fulwat and straight wick and also why it is important to use straight wick.

24 Beautiful Tips for Life

Aum Sai Ram.

1. Take a 10 - 30 minute walk every day & while you walk, SMILE. It is the ultimate Anti Depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

3. When you wake up in the morning, Pray to ask God's guidance for your purpose, today.

4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in Processing plants.

5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, broccoli, and almonds.

6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Forgive them for everything !

11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

12. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

14. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

17. Help the needy,Be generous ! Be a 'Giver' not a 'Taker'

18. What other people think of you is none of your business.

19. Time heals everything.

20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

21. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

23. Each night before you go to bed ,Pray to God and Be thankful for what you have accomplished, today !

24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

What is the importance of Rangoli?

Aum Sai Ram.

The two aims of drawing rangoli are revelation of beauty and the acquisition of auspiciousness. The forms drawn in the rangoli are symbolic. A curved line produces a better effect of beauty than a straight one.

Usually it is women who draw rangoli. They do not require any devices such as a ruler, a thread, a brush, etc. to draw them. They freely move their fingers to create various shapes with ease.

Why rangoli is drawn?

When sweeping the floor or smearing with cow dung, subtle lines are created on it. These possess certain frequencies. As these lines are irregular, their vibrations too are irregular. These are harmful to the body, eyes and mind as well. To overcome these unfavourable frequencies if cones and auspicious symbols are drawn systematically with rangoli on the swept or smeared floor; the ill-effects of sweeping and smearing are overcome and favourable results are obtained.

Spiritual significance of rangoli

In Hindu Dharma, Rangoli is drawn during every festival, auspicious occasion, religious rituals, etc. All the festivals, auspicious occasions, rituals, etc. are associated with one of Deity principles. During these days, the Divine principle of a specific Deity is present in the atmosphere in a larger proportion on the day of the respective festival or is attracted to the venue where religious rituals of that Deity are being performed. In order to attract maximum Deity principle, rangolis that attract and transmit respective Deity principle are drawn so that everyone derives spiritual benefits from it.

According to a Principle in Spirituality that ‘word, touch, taste, form, smell and their energy co-exist,’ even if a small variation is made in the form and colour of the rangoli, its vibrations change. The booklet ‘Sattvik Rangolis’ illustrates various sattvik designs of rangolis which attract and transmit various Deity Principles such as – Deity Ganesh, Deity Rama, Deity Krushna, et. al.

The main feature of sattvik rangoli is that due to transmittance of Deity Principle, the devotees get various anubhutis (spiritual experiences) of Shakti (Divine Energy), Bhav (spiritual emotion), Chaitanya (Divine Consciousness), Anand (Bliss) and Shanti (Serenity).