The solar eclipse is a magnificent cosmic event that holds great significance for our spiritual journey and advancement
Yoga of the Lunar Eclipse
Important: some dos and donts for lunar eclipse (To my students I will send you more detailed personalized ritual details)
Dos and Don’ts for Lunar Eclipse: Following the Ancient Rituals and Purifying the Self
During a lunar or solar eclipse, certain regions of the world are affected, and to honor this event, we must follow the prescribed rituals as laid out in the scriptures. Our esteemed gurus advocate for embracing the sanctity of the occasion and abiding by the following practices:
The Shikshãpatri, a revered text, commands us to stop all activities at the time of the eclipse and chant the name of God in a purified state. After the eclipse, householders must bathe with their clothes on and then donate according to their means.
The Purãnas tells the story of how the eclipse came into existence, narrating how during the churning of the ocean by the gods and demons, the nectar of immortality was produced, and a demon named Rãhu, disguising himself as a god, drank it. Thus, when God beheaded Rãhu, he became a planet, and during certain times of the year, he holds the sun and moon by his mouth (Grahan), causing solar and lunar eclipses.
The rules to follow before, during, and after an eclipse are as follows:
Before the eclipse, one must not eat for 12 hours before the solar eclipse begins and for 9 hours before the lunar eclipse begins. During this period, one must not offer meals to God, but one can perform arti, pray, and sing devotional songs. If the solar eclipse occurs before sunrise, one may see the eclipse only after the sun has risen, and in this case, one must not eat after sunset the previous night.
During the eclipse, one must sit in one place, chant the name of God, and sing devotional songs. One must also observe a waterless fast while the eclipse is in progress.
After the eclipse, one must bathe immediately with clothes on and preferably with cold water. The Satsangijivan recommends offering donations according to one’s income, as this expresses one’s joy at the release of the Sun and/or Moon god from Rãhu’s grasp. Sadhus rejoice by performing puja.
To remain pure during the eclipse, one must get rid of extra cooked food, and not touch anything such as clothes, food, personal items, etc. After the eclipse, one must not touch anyone, and if one has touched anything by mistake, it must be purified by washing or by sprinkling water over it.
It is crucial to take a bath after an eclipse as darkness during the eclipse symbolizes impurity. Once the eclipse is over, light returns to the earth, and to rejoice, one must cleanse the impurity that darkness brought, worship God, and offer donations to express happiness.
We must also remember that we are all engulfed by an eclipse in the form of mãy, and purifying ourselves on this occasion will enable us to transcend this illusory world and reach the ultimate goal of yoga. Let us embrace the sacredness of the lunar eclipse and follow these ancient rituals to purify ourselves and connect with the divine.
Dussehra – The tale of DASHA HARA
Happy Dussehra
DASHA HARA is a Sanskrit word that means removal of ten bad qualities within you.
On the auspicious occasion of Dussehra, hear the tale of DASHA HARA – the removal of ten wicked qualities that reside within us. These vices are Kama vasana (Lust), Krodha (Anger), Moha (Attachment), Lobha (Greed), Mada (Over-Pride), Matsara (Jealousy), Swartha (Selfishness), Anyaaya (Injustice), Amanavta (Cruelty), and Ahankara (Ego).
As we conclude the nine sacred nights of Navratri, we witness the triumph of good over evil in the celebration of Vijayadashami or Dussehra. It symbolizes victory (Vijaya) over these ten wicked qualities. Like the sun that rises every day, reminding us that light will always conquer darkness, let us embrace this natural order and rejoice in the triumph of good over evil.
This moment is one of jubilation, where we honor the power of good, and the world witnesses its victory over the forces of darkness. May this joyous occasion bring success to your life, and may you overcome all evils with the grace of the divine. As we celebrate this occasion, let us wish our loved ones good health, happiness, and prosperity. Let us chant the mantras of
Jai Sri Ram
Bolo Siya pati ram Chandra bhagwan ki jai
Dharm ki vijay ho 🙏🏻
Adharm ka nash ho 🥊
Praniyo mai sadbhavna ho😇
Vishwa ka Kalyan ho🕉
Bolo shankar bhagwan ki Jai ❤️
HAR HAR MAHADEV
Importance of 108
Welcome to the sacred knowledge about the importance of 108. The mala, consisting of 108 beads, holds great importance in the practice of yoga and meditation. Although there are numerous explanations for the number 108, none are superior or inferior to the others.
108 is a Harshad number, a number that is divisible by the sum of its digits. The Sanskrit term for Harshad is “great joy.”
In mortals, there are said to be 108 earthly desires and 108 lies. The chakras, energy intersections in the body, have 108 energy lines converging to form the heart chakra, and the path to self-realization lies in Sushumna, one of the energy lines leading to the crown chakra.
The Sri Yantra, which has 108 points, as well as the human body, has 54 intersections where three lines meet, each having shiva and shakti aspects.
There are 108 human delusions or forms of ignorance, and 108 marmas in the subtle body. When reciting mantras on the mala, it is essential to remember the mantra with sincerity, devotion, feeling, and full attention.
In the practice of counting the number of repetitions of the mala, 100 beads are counted as completed, with the remaining 8 beads being offered to god and guru and used to cover errors or omissions.
Some say there are 108 feelings, with 36 related to the past, present, and future. The numbers 1, 0, and 8 have symbolic meanings, with 1 representing higher truth, 0 representing emptiness or completeness in spiritual practice, and 8 representing infinity or eternity.
The diameter of the sun is 108 times the diameter of the earth, while the average distance of the moon from the earth is 108 times the diameter of the moon.
Lastly, 108 is believed to refer to the number of Hindu deities, with each having 108 names. It is also said that there are 108 paths to god, and 108 styles of meditation. Let the knowledge of 108 inspire your spiritual practice and guide you on your journey toward self-realization.
The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra reads:
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात्
om tryambakaṃ yajāmahe sugandhiṃ puṣṭivardhanam
urvārukamiva bandhanānmṛtyor mukṣīya maamṛtāt
The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is a powerful chant that is believed to have originated from Rigveda. It is considered to be one of the most potent mantras for healing and is chanted to invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva, the three-eyed Lord who sees everything, both visible and invisible. The mantra seeks the Lord’s protection from disease, death, and all forms of suffering.
The mantra begins with the sacred syllable “Om,” which is a mystical symbol of the universe and the divine. The word “Tryambakam” refers to Lord Shiva, who is known as the three-eyed one. The next line, “Yajamahe,” is an expression of worship, adoration, and reverence.
“Sugandhim” means fragrant and is a reference to the Lord’s sweet-smelling nature. “Pushthivardhanam” refers to the Lord’s nourishing and life-giving qualities. The Lord is seen as a good gardener who takes care of all his creations, making them thrive and prosper.
The line “Urvārukamiva” compares the Lord’s protective powers to that of a cucumber, which is shielded by its strong vine. The Lord’s protection is believed to be as powerful as the vine that holds the cucumber. “Bandhanān” means bound down, and with “Mṛtyormukṣīya,” it means “liberate from the bounds of death.”
The last line, “Māmṛtāt,” can be interpreted in different ways. One interpretation is “Free me from death but not from immortality,” implying that the mantra seeks protection from death but not necessarily eternal life. Another interpretation is “Give me some life-rejuvenating nectar,” which implies that the mantra seeks the blessings of the Lord for a healthy and long life.
The origin of this secret mantra is steeped in mythology, with Rishi Markandeya being the only one in the world who knew it. Legend has it that the Moon was once in trouble and cursed by King Daksha. Rishi Markandeya gave the Mahamritryunjaya Mantra to Sati, Daksha’s daughter, for the Moon’s well-being.
The mantra is also known as the Rudra mantra, symbolizing the furious aspect of Lord Shiva. The Tryambakam mantra alludes to Shiva’s three eyes and is sometimes called the Mrita-Sanjivini mantra, as it forms a part of the life-restoring practice given to the primordial sage Sukracharya.
The Mahamritryunjaya Mantra is a potent tool for seekers of yoga and spirituality. It has found its place in the Vedas and holds within it the essence of the divine. So let us invoke the blessings of the three-eyed Lord Shiva and elevate our consciousness to new heights.
The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, a sacred and powerful invocation to Lord Shiva, is renowned for its benefits to mental, emotional, and physical health. This moksha mantra is believed to grant longevity and immortality, and to protect against untimely death.
When chanted, the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra imbues the practitioner with energy and guidance from the divine, while reconnecting the consciousness to its true nature. This transformative practice is known as Japa, which involves the repetition of the mantra and leads to greater concentration and awareness.
The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra can be used in various ways, including during the smearing of Vibhuti over various parts of the body, as well as in Japa or Homa (havan) to manifest desired results. While the Gayatri Mantra serves to purify and guide spiritually, the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra provides healing, rejuvenation, and nurturance to the practitioner.
Role of Women in the Sanatan Dharma
The Role of Women in the Sanatan Dharma is held in high regard and it is a unique culture where the Divine is also represented as a woman in Vedic scriptures. However, in the name of so-called “feminism”, the true essence of womanhood has been distorted and led society astray.
We must recognize that the world faces many challenges, and women’s rights are among the most important issues we must address. The greatness of any society can be measured by how it treats its women. Unfortunately, women are often objectified and depicted in negative ways through advertisements and media, which represents a deep-seated mindset that must be eradicated. It is our duty to educate all men, regardless of their age, country, religion, or any other parameter.
We must look back to our Vedic roots, as India’s customs regarding women were severely impacted by centuries of invasions and foreign occupation. The careful protection of Hindu women became essential during those times. However, all aspects of Indian society suffered during the Islamic invasion and the subsequent British slavery and the British-imposed educational system. As a result, the pious role that comes most naturally to most women, that of wife and mother, the children’s first guru, the Shakti of the home, and the preserver-enhancer of the spiritual force field of the home and family, has been effectively disparaged.
Let us not forget the powerful words of the Rig Veda: “May you be empress and lead all.” It is time for us to embrace the true essence of womanhood and empower women to lead the way toward a better tomorrow.
“O brilliant woman, remove ignorance with your bright intellect and provide bliss to all.” ~ Rig Veda 4/14/3
“O woman, may you be strong and powerful as a rock. May you gain brilliance of the sun and have a long prosperous life that benefits all.” ~ Atharva Veda 14/1/47
“O woman, you provide bliss and stability to the world. You are the source of valour.” – Yajur Veda 10/26
“O woman, you are as strong as earth and are on a very high pedestal. Protect the world from the path of vices and violence.” ~ Yajur Veda 13/18
“O woman, you do not deserve to be defeated by challenges. You can defeat the mightiest challenge. Defeat the enemies and their armies. You have valour of thousands. Please us all.” ~ Yajur Veda 13/26
“O woman, realize your potential. You are a lioness who can destroy criminals, ignorance, and vices and protect the noble ones.” ~ Yajur Veda 5/10
“May the scholarly woman purify our lives with her knowledge, noble actions and guidance.” ~ Yajur Veda 20/84
“Noble woman motivates us to be on the path of truth, love, and harmony.” ~ Yajur Veda 20/85
“O woman, you are the motherly force that provides direction to our life.” ~ Rig Veda 2/41/16
“The way a powerful river breaks down even strongest rocks and hills, in the same manner, an intelligent woman destroys the fraud propagated by perverted ones. May we bow to such intelligent women.” ~ Rig Veda 6/61/2
“Whenever I am hurt emotionally or physically, woman – as a mother, wife, sister – provides healing touch and rejuvenates me. I bow in humble respect to her.” ~ Atharva Veda 7/57/1
“Noble woman motivates us to be on the path of truth, love and harmony.” ~ Yajur Veda 20/85
i would like to summarize this by saying – “It is the women of my life who have been the biggest pillar of support, thank you for everything you have ever done for me and other people in your life and for being who you are, you are the real creators.”
The way you do your business makes it good or bad …
A story someone told me in India. In the olden days, it was a common custom for shopkeepers to keep a small chair outside the shop as soon as they opened the shop in the morning.
As soon as the first customer would arrive, the shopkeeper would lift the chair from that place and take it inside the shop.
But when the next customer would come, the shopkeeper would look around the market. Pointing to a shop with a chair still placed outside, he would say to the customer – “You will get what you need from that shop.” I have already got my bohni (the day’s first business) in the morning.”
This was because having a chair outside the shop was a sign that the shopkeeper had not received any customers yet. This inspiring affection and care between competing businessmen was probably the reason for the growth in not only their profits, but also in the respect they earned.
Everyone says they do meditation, but what is this thing called meditation?
Meditation, it’s not sitting in a posture, it is actually trying to concentrate on a particular thing. It could be your guru who you love a lot. Meditation is a practice in which an individual trains the mind or induces a mode of consciousness, for the mind to acknowledge its content without becoming identified with that content.
The term meditation refers to a broad variety of practices that includes techniques designed to promote relaxation, build internal energy or life force and develop compassion, love, patience, generosity and forgiveness. Meditation often involves an internal effort to self-regulate the mind in some way. Meditation is often used to clear the mind and ease many health concerns, such as high blood pressure, depression, and anxiety. It may be done sitting, or in an active way ; for instance, Buddhist monks involve awareness in their day-to-day activities as a form of mind-training.
Meditation has many benefits as it affects you physiologically, psychologically and also spiritually. It means a person who meditates, not only has a good sharp mind, with a great will power but the person is also physiologically sound with all the bodily functions working in harmony. By quoting spiritually, a person develops a knack of forgiving anyone for the mistakes, a person become enlightened. This level of enlightenment can only be achieved if a person meditates.
A person can do Breath awareness meditation, Mantra meditation. When you inhale breath, try to feel it, and then try to feel the way it exhales from the body. In the whole process of inhaling and exhaling, thoughts will come in the mind. Just acknowledge the thoughts and smile on it and then try to focus again on the breath. It will improve one’s concentration and patience.
Another simple technique is to close your eyes and try to see the image of guru or god. The whole purpose is to concentrate on the image. Random thoughts will definitely bother you but just smile on it. Meditation is something which can be done anytime and anywhere. It is not about closing eyes and sitting. It can be done by opening your eyes. But by closing eyes it becomes easier for the person to concentrate while cutting all the distractions. A relaxed peaceful mind can do wonders and this can only be achieved if we meditate!
PRIMARY GOALS OF HUMAN LIFE
In Vedic thought there are four goals of human life, not just relative the physical personality but to the Atman within.
First is DHARMA, which relates to our purpose in this physical incarnation, what our karma dictates and what develops our buddhi or inner intelligence.
Second is ARTHA, which relates to the resources and achievements necessary to fulfill that.
Third is KAMA, or the enjoyment in our dharmic activities.
Fourth is MOKSHA, or our liberation from body, mind and karma into our inner being, through the fulfillment of our dharmic purpose.
This isn’t in the main but sometimes is considered as fifth – AROGYA, or wellness of body and mind as the necessary instruments and vehicles to promote our dharma.
For those without awareness of their inner purpose, these four goals get externalized in the form of career, wealth, pleasure in general and personal freedom, but these get us caught in further karma and don’t align us with the Atman within.
Self Discipline – the most important tool of success
Self-discipline is one of the most important and useful skills everyone should possess. This skill is essential in every area of life, and though most people acknowledge its importance, very few do something to strengthen it.
Self discipline does not mean being harsh with yourself, or living a limited, restrictive lifestyle. Building this skill means using common sense, making priorities, and thinking before acting.
Self discipline means self control, which is a sign of inner strength and control of yourself and your reactions. This skill gives you the power to stick to your decisions and follow them through, without changing your mind.
When you improve this ability it becomes easier to develop good habits and get rid of bad habits. It also becomes easier to overcome addictions, overeating, procrastination and laziness.
If you wish to possess more inner strength and stronger willpower, you need to start working on developing your discipline.
Self-discipline means self-control, the ability to avoid unhealthy excess of anything that could lead to negative consequences. It is the ability to reject instant gratification and pleasure, in favor of some greater gain, which requires spending effort and time to get it.
It means perseverance and not giving up. It is the strength not to give in to negative feelings.
It means overcoming one’s weaknesses. It is the ability to pursue one plans despite temptations to abandon them. A disciplined person is more likely to take control and responsibility for his or her life.
Self discipline means Perseverance. The ability not to give up, despite failure and setbacks.
The ability to resist distractions or temptations. Trying over and again, until you accomplish what you set out to do.
Life puts challenges and problems on the path to success and achievement, and in order to rise above them, you have to act with perseverance and persistence, and this of course, requires discipline. The possession of this skill leads to self esteem and confidence, and consequently, to happiness and satisfaction.
