ADVAITHA UNIVERSAL KNOWLEDGE MISSION

VEDA GYAN - 18

2010-10-27T00:17:00.000-07:00

PRIEST & GURUJI (ACHARYA) – THE DIFFERENCE

Priest is the person who helps the devotees to perform the pujas or any rituals. He guides them to perform the pujas, chanting of the Mantras, or he does it by himself on behalf of the devotees. He also sanctifies the marriage, birth, house warming etc. Generally, the Priests would have received the training for doing these rituals, either through their ancestors or through a Vedic School.

Unlike the Priest, an Acharaya or a Guruji, is the person who helps the devotees for attaining the spiritual enlightenment. He shows them the right path of performing the right ritual, right puja practice, right way to do different duties mentioned in the scriptures. Such Acharayas do not do regular pujas or rituals on behalf of the devotees, like a Priest. Normally, the Priests under the guidance of the Acharya, perform the pujas. The Acharyas generally do special pujas or special rituals like Maha Rudhra Yagna, Sarva Aishwarya Puja or Yagna, Adi Rudhra Yagna, Chandika Homa etc.

Priest is the person who is like a general medicine doctor, where one goes for all types of general pujas, whereas, an Acharya is like a specialist who is referred to by the general medicine doctor. One a devotee reaches an Acharya, and if the Acharya find the devotee, capable of going up the next stage of spiritual development, will advise the devotee the ways to move to the next stage of spiritual development, through special prayers, pujas, meditations, japas etc.

The Priest should be rewarded by the devotees as ritual Dakshina for every pujas. The reward should be in the form of cash and kind such as food items, clothes etc. The Priest can receive any form of Dhaan (offerings) given by the devotees.

Whenever any form of Dhaan is given to the Priest, it should be accompanied by good sum of cash as Dhana Dhaan. Dhana Dhan is considered to the most simplest and superior form of any Dhaan.

The Dhana Dhaan given, should have more value than the reason for the other Dhans given. For example, if a man is sick and is not getting well despite many treatments, if any Dhaan is given to the Priest with the prayer to for curing the sickness, the Dhana (Cash) Dhaan should be more than the money that could be spent for the treatment. It may be given in one stroke or in stages. Otherwise, the Dhan may not have desired effect. This is done because the Priest who receive the Dhan, is taking the Karmas of the sick man and is exchange for his spiritual virtues (his spiritual assets), he had accumulated so far. If this is not adequately compensated, the desired effect will not take place. The simple logic goes well here also - “never try to move a mountain with a pie”.

An Acharaya, generally does not accept any form of Dhaans. For him, the best from of reward is the Dhana (cash) Dhaan and it is called Guru Dakshina. The Vedas prescribe that the Acharya has to be given more Guru Dakshina, which should be adequate for the Acharya to do more Spiritual works, spread the Spiritual knowledge to all, and establish and run his religious institution well.

The work and duties of an Acharya is of supreme importance. If, for example, there is one Priest for a thousand people, there need be only one Acharaya for a hundred thousand people. It is the duty of these one hundred thousand people to see to it that they support the Acharya in his livelihood, they support for the spread of his teachings, they arrange for his Satsangs etc. Such society will prosper.

While the duties of a Priest are of a daily routine to the society, the duty of the Acharya is to bring those devotees to more and more into the execution of the works mentioned in the Vedas. While the Priest can advise the society on religious matters (if he knows the real essence of what he advise) in the absence of an Acharya, it is the duty of the Acharya to advise the society on various aspects of life and spiritualism, and it is the duty of the society to follow it, for its betterment.

Hari Om !!

PART - 3

2010-10-26T23:58:00.001-07:00

Om Srim Anna Puraneswaryai Namah !!

The type of food consumed by a person also shows the quality of the person. The three Gunas – Satvic, Rajo and Tamo – are also in the food. Those foods which we can offer to the God as Boga (generally not containing garlic, onion etc) are considered to be Satvic; those containing all vegetables including the pungent spices, garlic, onion etc. are considered to be Rajasvic and those containing non vegetarian items including eggs are considered Tamasvic. The consumer of the food is said to posses the qualities of the food they eat, as the food becomes the part of their body and eventually the mind controller.

There is a story relating to this goes thus:

A good man was on a pilgrimage to Kashi Viswanath temple. On the way he met a person, who was a corrupt government official. The corrupt government official somehow like the pilgrim and invited him for a dinner and stay for that night at his house.

The pilgrim accepted it, as he had to take his food and rest for the night and continue the next morning. The official duly welcomed the pilgrim and did sincere service to him and provided him with the best food that he could offer. Later the pilgrim was shown his room, where he went to sleep.

The next morning, the official found that many of his household items, golden ornaments and cash were stolen. He and his wife were worried and sad. They understood it was taken by the pilgrim. But they could not believe that such a pious man could steal their belongings.

Later a few hours after, the pilgrim returned to his house and handed over all those items to the official and his wife. He apologized to them for his action.

The official asked him, why did he steal all these things, as he was such a pious person. The pilgrim smiled and replied “I never did such things in my life and it is the first time that I ever thought about stealing others items and doing it. You had served me the food that you bought through your corrupt ways of earning money. It was that food, that caused such intention in my mind also, provoking me to use the opportunity to take away your wealth”.

The official and his wife were aghast by the pilgrims reply and the wife of the official asked him with remorse “why did you return these items to us, which my husband never does”?

The pilgrim replied “after your food was digested, I was hungry and on my way went to a temple and had my food from the temple, which was the Prasad. After eating the Prasad, I got back my real thinking and felt that, although these properties are not your earned property, I had no reason to steal them, as it was not my really earned properties. Thus I realized my mistake and came back here to give it back”.

The official and his wife felt sorry for their past actions and apologized to the pilgrim and to the God for having served a guest with the stolen money. After apologizing to the pilgrim, they sincerely invited him for lunch and rest in their house. The pilgrim smiled and replied “now all the items in your house are the result of your corrupt way of working. If I have it again, I may do wrong things again. So I am going now. On my way back, if you had given up all these things and earned enough wealth through good means, I will be your guest and receive your hospitality”. The pilgrim said good bye to them and proceeded with his pilgrimage.

Thus the above shows, the actions of a man comes due to two reasons – his Vasanas as per his birth and the food he eats. By having the food that is good the character of a man becomes good.

Hari Om !!

To Continue

VEDA GYAN - 17

2010-10-17T04:12:00.000-07:00

LORD AYYAPPA – THE EPITOME OF ADVAITHA

After the Krishna avathar, the people of Sanatana Dharma were taken into the grip of the Kali Yuga, resulting in the foolish debate and fight between themselves. They were into two groups. The followers of Lord Vishnu were known as Vishnavits and those of Lord Shiva were known as Shivites. Vishnavites were claming that Lord Vishnu is superior to Lord Shiva, and the Shivites were claiming that Lord Shiva was superior to Lord Vishnu. The ignorance and arrogance of the man created by the Lord reached so high that they were virtually killing each other on this ground.

It as at this juncture that Lord Shiva took the avathar as Jagad Guru Adi Sankaracharya, as a Philosopher and teacher, to teach the world, that Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu should not be seen as a two different entity. In order to make people understand more better, Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Mohini. Lord Ayyappa was born of Mohini as mother and Lord Shiva as father.

Kerala, which had the blessings of the avathar of Jagad Guru Adi Sankaracharya, also had this blessings of the birth of Lord Ayyappa on the banks of the river Pampa.

Lord Ayyappa is the epitome of Advaitha. Lord is the manifestation of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu in a single form. This avathar was to give the knowledge to the world that both Hari and Hara is inseparable. It is the unlearned people and the semi learned self styled gurus who separate the Hari and Hara. With the life so small, the Vedas and the greatness of the Gods, so vast, who are we to judge the greatness of any God over the other?

Lord Ayyappa took the avathar as Hari Hara Suta (son of Hari and Hara). The main temple of Lord Ayyappa is situated in the hills of Sabarimala (Sabari Hills), in the district of Pattanamtitta, in Kerala. This is the hills where Sri Ram met Sabari. It was the place where Sugriva resided when He was exiled by his brother Bali. This place is called Balikeral Mala, found before reaching the abode of Sabari, the Sabaripeetam.

One has to take Vrat for 48 days before going to the temple of Lord Ayyappa. There is no road beyond the river Pampa. Every devotee has to trek around 5 Km in the hills. Ladies between the age of 10 to 50 are not allowed to go to this temple. There are many special rituals to be done before going to this temple, which is very unique in the whole of India.

The importance of this temple is that it is opened only during the two months period from around November 15 to January 15 (Makar Sankaranti). Rest of the period, except on the first day of the Kerala Malayalam calendar and Mesh Sankaranti – Vishu, the temple is closed.

The greatest fact is that people of any religion can go this temple. Lord Ayyappa’s main guard is Vavar Swami – a Muslim who infact came to attack the kingdom of Lord Ayyappa. Lord Ayyappa defeated Vavar in the battle, and instead of killing him pardoned him. Vavar realized his mistake and surrendered to Lord Ayyappa and sought His refuge. Lord Ayyappa made Vavar his chief of guards, and made him Vavar Swami. All those devotees who go to worship Lord Ayyappa, has to worship Vavar Swami also. The temple of Vavar is situated downstairs across the temple of Lord Ayyappa. Thousands of Muslim devotees also throng to this temple every year.

To write about Lord Ayyappa, and the temple of Sabarimala, could take many pages. To read about His instant answers to the prayers of His devotees, requires still many more pages.

Lord Ayyappa is the Kali Yuga Murthi. Worshipping Lord Ayyappa by going to the temple of Sabarimala once in a year, is a great remedy for the bad effects on their planetary transit of Sani Bagawan, in their horoscope or Chandra Chara, viz., Sade Sati (seven and half years of transit of Saturn in their 12th, 1st and 2nd houses), Kandak Sani, Ardhaashtama Sani etc.

Hari Om !!

VEDA GYAN - 16

2010-10-14T01:14:00.000-07:00

WEAPONS OF VEDIC TIMES – VARUNASTRA

Varunastra is a diving weapon of Varuna, the God of water and seas. This weapon produces rains so heavily in seconds that can cause flash floods. This can destroy a large amount of enemy armies and the land.

There is no weapon made to this date that can be compared to this. In the modern days, scientists have successfully found the use of Silver Iodide to mature the clouds by grouping moisture on the silver iodide particles. This takes a long time for the clouds to form. Recently, Chinese army used the silver iodide missile to blast and spread silver iodide in the sky. Although this method is generally, successful, it is not a full solution to induce rain within a given period of time.

Till today, this procedure to induce more rains is not developed as a weapon, that could unleash heavy rains on the enemy land, that can flood the land and fill the dams, that would burst with water. No such weapon is yet made.

Varunastra could be very specific. It could target an area, or group of people or a single individual. There are many instances in the Puranas, where this weapon had been used in simple or intense form to destroy the enemy by both Gods and the demons. The counter weapon that could stop the effect of a Varunastra is the Agnayastra.

The person who uses this Varunastra has absolute control on this weapon. Like the other weapons of Vedic time, the sender can use the intensity in any form, make it just light or intense.

These flexibility to use and hit a target precisely or to save the target after having sent the weapon against the target, made the weapons of Vedic times more superior compared to the weapons made till date. Modern weapons making is still very away in ages compared to the weapons used in the Vedic period.

Hari Om !!

VEDA GYAN - 15

2010-10-06T05:17:00.000-07:00

I am Brahman - Aham Brahmasmi

“AHAM BRAHMASMI” – I AM THE BRAHMAN. This term is quite familiar to many people. How does this term relate to us and our outlook.

The seeker for liberation always asks “Who am I” ? This question is to be asked by all. The following story can give one the answer he is searching for.

The names of persons, occupations etc. are just imaginary and it has nothing in relevance to any person dead or alive. These are used just to create a better awareness for the devotees of Sanatana Dharma.

A well learned man searching for Salvation goes to a great Seer. The all knowing Seer asks him:

“Who are you” ?
Man - “I am Anand”
Seer - “That is only your name, what you are identified with. Who are you” ?
Man - “I am a man”
Seer - “That is your gender. Who are you” ?
Man - “I am Anand from Mumbai”
Seer - “That is again your name with the name of the place you are currently from.
             Who are you” ?

Man gets confused…….

Man - “I am a Software Engineer”
Seer - “That is the name of your job. Who are you” ?
Man - “I am the son of Mr Srivatsa and Mrs. Janaki”
Seer - “That are the names of your parents. Who are you” ?
Man - “I am the CEO of XYZ Co. Ltd., a well reputed software company”
Seer - “That is the name of the place of your job. Who are you” ?

The forehead of the man starts seeing the droplets of sweat………

Man - “I am the brother of Mr Eshwar, the current Planning Commission Chairman”
Seer - “That is your relation. Who are you” ?

The man’s confidence starts waning……………..

Man - “I am the husband of Mrs. Janaki, who is the Chairperson of Women’s Commission”
Seer - “Again you are saying the relation. I am asking you, who are you” ?

The man admits his ignorance and ……………

Man - “Oh! Great Guruji, pl enlighten me who I am ? I cant find an answer. As you
            say, I find only names, positions, relations etc. Pl enlighten me who I am” ?

Seeing the man’s understanding what he thought was all his till today, turn out only to be the names, positions and relations, the Seer smilingly says……………

Seer - “I will again ask you a few questions. You answer them. At the end you will find
            answer to the main question. If you don’t know the answers for the questions,
            don’t, worry, I will help you out”.

The man now more relaxed than before says………………..

Man - “ OK Guruji. I will do as you say”
Seer - “Are you living “?
Man - “Yes. Sure”.
Seer - “How do you know it” ?
Man - “I am moving, I am seeing, I do everything a living man does. So I am living”
Seer - “Very Good. Where is your life in your body” ?
Man - “In my heart”
Seer -   “In your heart? Now a days people cuts open the heart, replaces its valves,
             keeps it in dead condition and operates, still you live with a mechanical heart.
             So without your heart in your body, you still live. So how you say your life
           is in your heart” ?

The man’s forehead again starts the sweat…………

He thinks that it is the brain that controls the whole body. So the life should be there.
Man - “It should be in the brain”
Seer - “Even brain is operated upon. People live when their brain is dead, in a comatose
        state. So it is not there. Where is it?
Man - “Then, it should be all over the body”
Seer - “Yes. The life is in every cell of the body. It is spread out through out the body.
            Good. Now pl tell me has any of your friends died recently” ?
Man -   “Yes. One of my friend. He died last year”
Seer -   “And what happened” ?
Man -   “His body was kept for 2 days for his family members to arrive and after that it was
             cremated”.

The Seer nodded as the man was now coming nearer to the state of knowing how he is………..

Seer - “Can you say again?
Man - “My friend’s body was kept for 2 days. After his family members arrived it was
            cremated”.
Seer - “Here, first you said “His body was kept…… It was cremated”, and on the second
            occasion you said “My friend’s body……… it was cremated” right’ ?
Man - “Yes”
Seer - “Why did you use the term of an object like “My friend’s body” and “it was cremated”
            Why did you did not say “your friend was cremated” ?

The man now seems to understand that he was somewhere near the answer to the great question………….

Man - “Because my friend is dead. His body does not live or talk like my friend. The body
             has no life. It cannot function, so it becomes an object. So we use third party term as
            “his body” or “it”.
Seer - “You are very correct. So in short you say your friend was the life. So when your friend
           was in that body, you called that body as your friend. The moment your friend – the
           life went away, you say his body is an object. Right” ?

The man thought for a moment and said……….

Man - “Right”
Seer - “So what was your friend? A body” ?
Man - “No. His body was there. But he was gone”
Seer - “You are right. So you understand your friend was different from his body. Right” ?
Man - “Yes”

The Sage understood that the man was very near to the Truth, as his eyes were now fully opened………

Sage - “So where did your friend go leaving his body and everything? So what was your
             friend” ?

The man thought for a moment deeply and said……………………..

Man - “Yes…..May be to……… God”.
Seer - “Yes. So what was your friend in that body” ?
Man - “The life”
Seer - “So what is that life, if it can go away leaving the body it occupies”?

The man thought deeply again for a while and said………….

Man - “The…. Soul”
Seer - “Yes. You are now on the answer. You are not your name or your position or your
            relation, but you are the Soul or the Spirit. Now do you understand”?

The tone of the man was now becoming softer with improved knowledge and …………

Man - “Yes Guruji”
Seer - “This Soul is called the Atman. The Atman is the form of the Ultimate – the
             Brahman. So when the body is occupied by this Atman, the body becomes alive.
             When the Atman leaves the body, it becomes an object, a thing. So when anyone say
           “I”, it really means the Atman, not the body, because this “I” is different from the body.
             The body is only a form, that was not there before, and that will not be there after.
             But the Soul always lives on, going from one body to another until reuniting with the
             Creator. Can you understand now”?
Man - “Very clearly Guruji”
Seer - "This Brahman is pure and untainted. So when we say “Aham Brahmasmi” meaning
             “I am the Brahma – the Soul”, it means “I use the idendity my Creator. So I will
             use the body that I dwell in a worthy way, so that my Creator is happy. I will do
             all that He ask me to do”. This is the real Truth and the meaning behind saying
             “Aham Brahamasmi”. Is it clear now that you are the Soul and belong to the Brahman”?
Man - “Yes. Guruji”
Seer - “Now you know that you belong to the Brahman. So please do that is required by you
             and lead the life that you are worthy of it. May the Almighty God be always with
             you and guide your intellect”.

The man having received the new revelations, paid his respects and all those necessary to seek his
Guruji’s blessings.

Hari Om !!

VEDA GYAN - 14

2010-10-06T05:07:00.000-07:00

WEAPONS OF VEDIC TIMES – NAAGASTRA

Naagastra is a diving weapon whose poison was given by the king of snakes Vasuki. This was shaped in the form of an arrow. This weapon contains the most poisonous gases and radiations, which could wipe out the enemy.

This could be compared to the Neutron Bomb of the modern days. The Neutron Bomb has many facilities lacking compared to the Naagastra. Neutron bomb could eliminate the life in the area where it is dropped without destroying the infrastructure. This is done by the radiation of the blast. Similarly in Naagastra could destroy the life in the area without having any explosive qualities.

Naagastra could be very specific. It could target an area, or group of people or a single individual. In Ramayan, Indrajit, the son of Ravan, used this weapon against Lakshman. Lord Lakshman who himself was the great serpant on which Lord Vishnu used to lie down, the Ananta Sesha, was knocked down and was battling for his life. It was only after Hanuman brought the Mruta Sanjeevini herbs, Lord Lakshman was brought back to life.

Similarly, in Mahabarath, Karna uses this weapon against Arjun. Lord Krishna pushes down the chariot whereby the Naagastra just hits the crown of Arjun.

Such was the precision of the use of the weapons during the Vedic age. The person who sends this Naagastra has absolute control on this weapon. Like the other weapons of Vedic time, the sender can recall the Naagastra before it crosses a particular distance, he can it render it harmless, before it crosses a further particular distance, he can split the power of poison and radiation into one and just the weapon into another before it crosses a further particular distance. This utility of the weapon can help the sender to save the target against whom he has sent the Naagastra. Only the weapon will hit the target causing just minor injuries, where as he can sent the poison and the radiation to another deserted place or to the sea.

These facilities are not present in the modern day Neutron bomb or in any other weapons made till date.

These flexibility to use and hit a target precisely or to save the target after having sent the weapon against the target, made the weapons of Vedic times more superior compared to the weapons made till date.

Hari Om !!

VEDA GYAN - 12.A

2010-10-06T04:47:00.000-07:00

WEAPONS OF VEDIC TIMES – VAJRAAYUTA

Vajraayuta is a diving weapon used by the king of Gods, Indra. This was shaped in the form of an twining arrow with like the crescent of the moon turned upwards at the top. This weapon contains the highest form of heat and high voltage electricity, which could wipe out the enemy.

There is no weapon made to this date that can be compared to this. Laser is a form of Vajraayuta but not fully developed as a weapon of mass destruction.

Vajraayuta could be very specific. It could target an area, or group of people or a single individual. There are many instances in the Puranas, where Indra had to use this weapon in simple or intense form to destroy the deamons.

The person who uses this Vajraayuta has absolute control on this weapon. Like the other weapons of Vedic time, the sender can use the intensity in any form, make it just light or intense. The weapon produces very high voltage of electricity that could be compared only to the lightening, which can reduce any matter into nothing in the fraction of a second.

These flexibility to use and hit a target precisely or to save the target after having sent the weapon against the target, made the weapons of Vedic times more superior compared to the weapons made till date.

Hari Om !!

VERSE - 2

2010-10-03T07:51:00.000-07:00

Ch - 1 Vr - 2

Sanjaya Uvacha:

Drushtva Tu Pandavaaneekam
Yutam Duryodanaastada
Achaaryamupasangamya
Raja Vachanamabraveet

Sanjaya said :

“Seeing the arrangements of the soldiers of the army of Pandavas, King Duryodhana went to (his) teacher (Dronacharya – the Commander in Chief) and spoke thus”

Narration:

Sanjaya who was viewing the battle field saw that Duryodhan seeing the armed force arrangement of the Pandavas, went to Dronacharya, who was the teacher of both the sons of Pandu and Drudarashtr, and who is the Commander in Chief of the Kauravas and said……

In an earlier incident, both Duryodhan and Arjun meets Lord Krishna, each of them seeking the support of Lord Krisha on their side. Lord Krishna tactfully joins Arjun’s side and offers his army to Duryodan. Although, foolishly satisfied about the success of getting one of the strongest army on his side, Duryodan boasts of his success to Sakuni. The perverted genius Sakuni immediately sense the failure of Duryodan’s mission and says that he has failed as he could not get Lord Krishna on his side. Sakuni knew the strength of Lord Krishna and always tried not of offend Lord directly. This incident instilled a fear in the heart of Duryodan, who thereafter, started suspecting each and everyone with him.

So, seeing the army formation of the Pandavas, which was unexpected, Duryodan goes up to the Commander – in Chief of his army and also his teacher, wanted to remind him a few things as a King. It is not abnormal for a King to remind his requirements to his Commander – in Chief, before the start of any battle. Duryodan, may have been upset at the mighty arrangements of the army of the Pandavas, under the passive leadership of Lord Krishna, wanted to remind his Commander – in Chief of his matters of concern.

Both Drutharashtr and Duryodan did not fully trust Dronacharya, as he was the teacher of both the Pandavas and Kauravas. He was also never for injustice. So Duryodan would have thought that he had to remind Dronacharya, his duties for the King.

Hari Om !!

VEDA GYAN - 12

2010-10-03T07:45:00.000-07:00

IMPORTANCE OF PINDA DHAN

The food and oblations offered to the departed souls are called Pinda. While the food offered to the living persons is called Anna.

Rice is the main factor for Pind Dhan. Normally in most of the communities in India, the rice ball is made and is offered to the departed soul. This rice ball is called Pinda.

Pinda is offered during the Sradh (the annual oblations given to the departed souls) on the Ammavasya (New Moon day / No Moon day) of Ashada / Karka month and also during certain specific specific period like the Pitru Paksha or Mahalaya Paksha, or on the day of their demise as per the local traditional calander, by different communities in India.

The Vedas say that it is important for the people to pay oblations to their ancestors and charity or Dhan in the form of food, money, sweets, fruits, clothes, slippers, fans, umbrella, alloy vessels, oils, cattle, books, pillows, mattress, blankets, ornaments, coins etc., are considered to be very auspicious. This is why, the Brahmins have to pay oblations to their great great forefathers, during their sacred thread changing ceremony, even if their parents are alive. They start giving the oblations from the first ancestors of all, from Soma Pitruman.

Those charities as food distribution done in the name of ancestors should be given before the sun set, preferably for lunch. It can be also given for the dinner. Generally the timing are for the three course of food, viz., breakfast, lunch or dinner. Other time is avoided.

The forefathers will receive these oblations and will bless the donors. The blessings is said to flow faster compared to the other rituals and in thousands of folds.

Even departed souls have taken rebirth, they will receive the effect of these oblations, as a surprise support they get in their jobs, business, work etc., in this life.

Some people would have seen, all of a sudden, out of the blue, they get someone to help them out of their problems. This is because the Atma is given the booster, by someone giving oblations to it, in the form of Pitru Karma or Dhan. The radiance and the vibrations of the person in this birth change on account of this. It attracts someone, and that person all of a sudden springs up to help this man.

In the same way, some people find, all of a sudden they start losing everything one by one. This is because the people who ought to the oblations to this Atma, for its previous birth, would have stopped giving the oblations. Thus this soul, although have reborn, starting losing its radiance, finds itself all of a sudden facing, all the problems alone. This can be overcome by such people offering a lot of charities.

Panda Dhan done during Sradh, is very important. No person should miss the opportunity of doing Sradh and giving the oblations with Pinda Dhan to their ancestors.

Now in India there are many fashions coming in Pinda Dhan, including “Pinda Dhan Online”. Let no one be fooled by it.

One can do any other Dhan, like Anna (Food) Dhan, Vastra (Clothes) Dhan, Dhana (Money) Dhan, etc by assigning the job of giving the Dhan to any other third person or a Mission. But Sradh and the Pinda Dhan has to be done only by the person, by personally doing it.

In Gaya, in India, Pinda Dhan and Sradh can be done for any person including one self. It is said that by doing the Gaya Sradh (as it is called) and the Pinda Dhan, the ancestors would get it in plenty that the person is needed to do it thereafter.

Pinda Dhan and Sradh is also a time, for all the members of the family to get together once a year and remember about their forefathers. Let no one miss the opportunity to serve their forefathers (for three generations before)them

Without doing the Sradh and Pinda Dhan, whatever charities a person do, it is useless. He cannot attain peace of mind in his life and Salvation after he leaves this world.

Hari OM !!

VEDA GYAN - 11

2010-10-03T07:42:00.000-07:00

SURYA GAYATRI MANTRA

There are Gayatri Mantras for all Gods. There are many Gayatri Mantras for every Gods too. Gayatri Mantra generally says the description of the God in a particular form and the devotees offering of his prayer to such God.

Surya Gayatri offered to Sun God is considered as the most important Mantra in the world. It is considered as the Supreme Mantra. This Mantra was written by Sage Viswamitra. The Mantra invokes the Sun God through the deity Gayatri Devi, Who is having the full grace of Sakti.

Surya Gayatri Mantra should be chanted only by Brahmins who are supposed to chant it. It should be chanted at least 3 times daily. It is a ritual for the Brahmins to chant Surya Gayatri Mantra.

Surya Gayatri Mantra should be chanted only in the mind. It is a Mantra for meditation. The chanter should meditate upon Gayatri Devi and invoke her presence in his mind. It should be chanted with proper devotion. It should not be chanted loud.

Surya Gayatri should not be chanted by ladies. Nor it should be sung as a song. It is the highest Mantra with full of power. It should be chanted with proper utterance of the words and notation should be fully followed.

Surya Gayatri Mantra is composed of five sentences. It should be chanted as five sentences. It should not be mixed up or broken into more.

It is said “Pancha Avasane Gayatri, Pancha Papa Vinasini”. Gayatri Mantra chanted as five sentences removes the five horrible sins, viz., Kama, Kroda, Moha, Loba and Mada Maatsarya.

The Upadesa of Surya Gayatri Mantra (learning Surya Gayatri Mantra) is given by a father to his son. It is the supreme teaching a father can give to his son. It is handed over to generations thus.

Hari Om !!

VEDA GYAN - 10

2010-10-03T07:36:00.001-07:00

CHANTING OF MANTRAS

Vedas are full of Mantras that are to be chanted for various reasons. There are our ritualistic Mantras which one has to chant daily as a daily routine, Mantras chanted to please Gods to receive special boons and blessings, Mantras chanted for removing our sins, Mantras chanted for special occasions such as birth, death, birthday, marriage, cleansing etc. Mantras are also categorized into many – such as Ugra (powerful) Manthra, Beeja (the life giving seed) Mantra, Slokas, Stotras, Namavalis (Chanting of various names), Gayatri Mantra etc.

Learning the Mantras from a learned Guru is the only way of receiving it properly. This is called Mantra Upadesha. Mantras can also be studied by a person himself, if he has received the Deeksh (blessings) from a Guru belonging to the divine line of tradition like from Sankaracharya Mutts, Madavacharya etc. for self learning of the Mantras. Generally Gurus give such Deeksha to his pupil only after he fully teaches the prelims of the Vedas, which takes a few years (takes normally around 7 to 10 years of regular learning)

There are many rules for learning and chanting Mantras.

1.    Mantras are to be learned from a proper Guru face to face. Learning it from books, cassettes, internet etc. will render no effect on chanting. A Guru will know how to cleanse the sins of his disciple before teaching any Mantra.
2.    Mantras has to be learned by following the austerities living like a Brahmin. Eating any for of non vegetarian food is mainly and strictly prohibited for the person, who chant Mantras.
3.    Ladies are prohibited from chanting Mantras other than Soundrya Lahari, Lalitha Sahasranaman, Kaliyuga Taraka Mantra, Mahishaasura Mardini Stotram,, Sri Saraswati Vidyaramba Mantra, Sri Sakthi Ayur Vardana Mantra and Sri Lakshmi Daridrya Samani Mantra. Other than these, ladies are not expected to chant any other Mantras, and such chanting will render no effect also.
4.    Gayatri Mantras of different Gods, Mula Mantras, Beeja Mantras, Upanishads, Suktas, and all other Vedic Mantras are to be chanted only by a person who has received it as a Upadesh from a learned Guru face to face.
5.    Kaliyuga Taraka Mantra can be learned through any means like books, cassettes etc., by assuming Lord Krishna as the Guru. The person chanting this Mantra will have the full benefits if he learns it thus.
6.    Soundrya Lahari, Lalitha Sahasranaman and Mahishaasura Mardini Stotram can be learned through books, cassettes etc., assuming Jagad Guru Adi Sankaracharya as the Guru. It will also give full effects on chanting, if it is learned thus.
7.    Mantras has to be chanted from properly, as per the notations given in the Vedas. Just saying the words of Mantras as any one likes or like a song, render it sinful. The words has to be properly spelt and the notations to be fully followed for a person to derive the full effects of chanting.
8.    If any mistake is committed by error of wrong pronunciation or notations unknowingly and unwinfully, Kshamapana (asking of forgiveness) Mantra is to be chanted always at the end of the daily prayers. This forgiveness is only for the mistakes and errors and not for one where the person has chanted in the wrong way after learning it from a book or a cassette. There is no forgiveness for such actions as it is like a person who does not know driving and who does not possess a valid driving license, drives a car and involves in an accident. There is no pardon in such a case, and the driver is punished.
9.    Mantras has to be chanted as per the scriptures and requirements. There are Manasa Japas (chanting in the mind), there are Upanyasa (chanting it loud so others can also listen and understand it) and there are Japas (chanting it little loud so that others present can also join the Japa). Those Mantras that are to be chanted like the Surya Gayatri, Kaliyuga Taraka Mantra etc are to be done as a Manasa Japa. Upanashids, Srimad Bagawat Gita etc., chanting has to chanted as Upanyasa and other Mantras are to be chanted as Japas. The Mantras in Japa category constitute the major category of Mantras chanted for regular pujas in the homes and temples.
10.    Mantras should not be shouted or sung a as a song or accompanied by any musical instruments.
11.    Mantras should always chanted with love and devotion to God. There should be a feeling that God is present in front of you and listening to your chanting. It should not be broken for any purpose in the midway. The passage or the line that is being chanted should not be broken. There should not be any talking or laughing while chanting any Mantra by an individual. This is treated as a total disrespect to the Deity.

There are many more rules to chant any Mantra. A river is said to flow with its full force, if there are no obstacles in its flow. Similarly, the effects of a Mantra will flow properly in its full force, it is chanted as per the Vedic Scriptures. No chanting can be proper, so all prayers should be followed by the Kshemapana Mantra chanting at the end. Avoid chanting Mantras if you have not learned it from a proper Guru, as it can also be counter effective. Ultimately, even if everything is proper, but the Chanting is not done with love and devotion to the God, it may not be accepted by God, the results of such chanting can be very minimal.

Hari Om !!

VEDA GYAN - 9

2010-09-30T00:26:00.000-07:00

KARNA’S ANGUISH

Karna who is the eldest son of Kunti Devi, is very well known for the charities he gave throughout his life time. There is no one who is as famous as Karna, when it comes to charities. Yet, there was a time when Karna himself found that his charity was not enough!!

After Karna was killed by Arjun, in the Kuruksetra War, Karna attained the Veer Swarga, the place in the Heaven where the warriors who are killed in the battle field reach. In the Veer Swarga, the person will receive the good materials more than a thousand folds of what that they have done, when they were living on this earth. So anyone who had done a charity, he would receive it thousands of folds.

Thus, there in the Veer Swarga, Karna was able to receive so many gifts, more than thousands of folds he had given to others, when he was living on the earth. He received so much of golden gifts, silver gifts, precious stone gifts, good servants to take care of him and what not !! Unfortunately, he did not get any food to eat. He wondered why just food was denied to him!! He enquired, why he was not given food, and finally reach the Yama Dharma with the same question.

Yama Dharma told him that he has to receive in thousands of folds, the same items what he had given as charity when was alive in this world. So, whatever he was receiving he ought to receive it, and whatever he did not receive, it was because he was not eligible.

Karma understood his mistake he had done unknowingly, when he was living on the earth. He had given a lot of money, wealth etc as gifts and charity, but he never thought of giving food as charity. He did not consider it important to give food as charity, so in Veer Swarga, he got everything, except food.

Karna immediately requested Yama Dharma to allow him to go back to the earth and give food as charity also. Taking into account the good deeds of Karna when he was on the earth, Yama Dharma allowed Karna to go to the earth again, just for fourteen days, and do as much free distribution of food as possible as charity.

Thus Karna came to the earth again for fourteen days and gave as much food as possible to the people as he could within that time. This period during which Karna gave the food as charity came to be known as Mahalaya Paksha. This is the waning phase of the moon – from Purnima to Ammavasya – in the month of Ashwini every year.

On his return, Karna requested Yama Dharma that anyone who gives the charity of food and other items during this period, the donor’s forefathers in Heaven or Hell should receive it immediately. Yama was pleased with his request and accepted it. From then on, any charity done in the name of one’s forefathers, during the Mahalaya Paksha, is said to be received by the donor's forefathers immediately and the donor would be blessed by them in thousands of folds by them.

The above episode on Karna's life, gives the importance of giving free food as charity or Anna Dhanam and the importance of giving charity during the Mahalaya Paksha. So Mahalaya Paksha is the best opportune period for people to give as much food and gifts as charity to as many people as possible.

It should be noted that giving free food as Anna Dhanam is not only very auspicious during this period, but also anytime during the year.. It is one of the best forms of charity that could be done by all anytime.

Hari Om !!

PART - 2

2010-09-28T21:43:00.000-07:00

Om Srim Anna Puraneswaryai Namah !!

Food gives everything for sustaining the life. First it gives the Jivath Jiva or the life to the living. Then it gives different forms of Sakthi – like the energy to move around, energy to think – Gyana, energy to pro-create, energy to defend, energy to destroy etc. Hence, food assumes a greater role whenever any auspicious function is held in a temple or house.

If any auspicious function is held in a temple or house, food has to be served. Without serving food, no auspicious function is said to be complete. Even in Srimad Bagawat Gita, Lord Krishna says that He will not be present in an auspicious function, if no food distribution is done. The Boga given to the Lord should be amply distributed to the devotees present in any function. The Lord feels happy only if His devotees are fed well.

How is the serving of the food to be done? Many people give their own opinion on the quantity and quality of the food that is served. But the scriptures say –

Food has to be served to the extent that the taker has consumed to his maximum.
Food has to be of good quality, not old and stale and cold ones.
Food has to be served in humble way that would be pleasing to the taker.
Food has to be served in a clean place
Food that is served should have been made in a clean place
Food should be made by clean people without any contaminating ailments
Food that is offered to God and as Anna Dhanam, should be prepared by men, and if by ladies they should not be in their menstrual periods during the preparations.
Food that is offered to God should not be prepared by people who are running the untouchable period due to the death or birth of anyone in their family.

The Vedas say, any auspicious function is said to be complete only after the food distribution is done. Let it be a Satsang or a festival in a temple, or a guest visiting our home or the Pitru Karma, or any spiritual gathering, at the closing of the ceremony food distribution has to be done. It is immaterial to how many people the food is served. Let it be one person, few people or any number, all of them should be served adequate food. But there has to be people, other than the family members and servants, present to partake the food that is distributed.

Traditionally food distribution was done as it alone could make the people satisfied. Any amount of money or gifts will not make the people satisfied. So the host used to feed the people with variety of food in ample quantity. There is a limit for anyone to consume food. Once he is full, he will be happy and satisfied. So at the time of leaving the place, the guests would be satisfied at least on one count – the food they ate. This was one of the best ways adopted from time immemorial, to get the blessings of the guests present in any function.

In the later editions we will see how the Vedas interpret the food, the difference between the food consumed by people living and offered to the departed souls, the food offered to the Gods as Boga etc.

HARI OM !!

To Continue

PART - 1

2010-09-27T21:29:00.000-07:00

General concept of Food - Annam

Our Pranams to Ma Anna Purani, who is the Mother of all, who is the provider of food to all Her devotees. Without Her will and wish, we cannot consume the Satvic and the Rajasvic food that we get in our lives. Pranams Sri Mate.

Food is called “Annam” in Sanatana Dharma. Otherwise, in Sanskrit Annam means cooked rice (which is served as food).

Food is the life sustaining element created and given to us by the God. Without food life cannot exist anywhere. Right from the Vedic time till today food assumes the first priority for all living beings, than anything else.

The first cry of a child is stopped by drinking the milk from its mother. Since birth, till the last moment in life, food assumes the greatest role in existence of life.

Therefore in our Mission, we have two main prayers to Ma Anna Purani. That prayer has gives us all the requirement for us to lead a worthy life.

1. We pray to Ma Anna Purani, to give me, my family and my friends always good and rich food, and may we be able to eat these foods as much as we want, so long as we retain our live in this world.

2. We pray to Ma Anna Purani, to make by all means, me, my family and my friends, to give free distribution of good and rich food to all those who need it, so long as we retain our lives in this world.

These are the two important prayers we say in our Mission. The brief explanation is given below:

By Prayer 1, we are requesting Ma Anna Purani to bestow me, my family and friends with good wealth, good health, ability to make good, tasty and rich food, till we are alive. So Ma has to give us -

Good money and we have the wealth. Without money we cannot make and consume good and rich food.
Good health, so we can eat all types of food. So we will be free of sickness like diabetes, cholesterol etc. which prevent one from taking the food that he likes.
The ability to eat as much as we want. So the food is not little. It is in abundance always. So there is no poverty in any form. There is good money to by the materials, there is the fuel to make the food, there is good health to make the food, there is enough water to make the food, there is assistance to make the food. so, we have good wealth, we can make large quantity, if we have good health, we can make and consume as much as we want.

Thus the first prayer will give us good wealth (so we are not poor), good health (so we can eat good food in abundance as much as we want always).

The second Prayer, we are requesting Ma to give us –

Good wealth again so that we are not only able to eat good food, but we are rich enough to make and distribute freely good and rich food.
Good health, so that we are able to make the food by our effort. So our body is not only healthy to eat good food, but is also very active to make and arrange to make good food.
Good philanthropic mind, so that we are concerned of others who are hungry. A philanthropic person is an asset to his family, to his society, to his nation and to the whole world. So while we engage in serving free food to the hungry, we are becoming a tool of Ma and thus we are engaging ourselves in the service of Ma. This will give us the protection in our lives from Ma who is our eternal Mother.
That the good and rich food is given as free to all those who need it, at that point of time of consuming it. The only criterion is “hunger”. There should not be any other criteria as caste, color, sex, race, nationality, rich, poor etc. If a person is hungry, he should be given good and rich food. Thus we will observe the prime necessity of satisfying the hunger of a man.

Thus the second prayer will also give us good wealth (so we are able to buy all the material and man power to make food for free distribution), good health (so we can offer as free good and rich food), good friends and family who are united with us for doing this good cause, and hence, we lead a harmonious and happy life.

To write about Annam, as explained in the Vedas, is never ending. I seek the blessings of Ma Anna Purani, to write more about Annam here, as much as I can.

HARI OM !!

VERSE. 1

2010-09-26T05:12:00.000-07:00

Ch: 1. Vr. 1

Drutharashtra Uvacha:

“Dharma Kshetre Kuru Kshetre
Samavedah yuyustavah
Mamakah Pandavaschiva
Kim akurvata Sanjaya"

Drutharashtr asked:

“Hey Sanjay. In the divine land of Kurukshetra, with all readiness to fight the war, what are my people (sons – like Duryodan etc), and the sons of Pandu doing" ?

Narration:

Kurukshetra is considered to be a very divine place, right from the Vedic Period. It is said tha justice will be meted out to the righteous in Kurukshetra. It was in this place that both the Pandavas and the armies of Duryodan decided to fight against each other.

The army of Duryodan was lead by the grand old sire Sri Bishma and the armies of the Pandavas was lead by Lord Krishna himself.

The battle field in Kurukshetra was filled with the armies of many nations, who are siding either with the Pandavas or the Kauravas. The built of the armies was so strong on the side of Kauravas, that the King of Hastinapur, Drutharashtr, thought that the victory to his army was sure. He wanted his son Duryodan to be the Emperor of Hastinapur, so doing anything for achieving it was not a problem. The blind king’s blind love for his wicked son, paved the way for one of the mightiest wars ever seen in this world, and finally for the destruction of all his sons in it.

Technically, both the Pandavas and Duryodhan and his brothers are Kauravas meaning, they are the descendents of the Kuru family. But, under the influence of his brother-in law, Sakuni, and out of the blind love for his son Duryodan, Emperor Drutharashtr, threw the sons of his brother Pandu from their family lineage. Hence, Lord Krishna uses the word “Kaunteya” meaning son of Kunti, to call Arjun. Very rarely, he address Arjun as Kurusresht – meaning the Gem of Kuru family.

Veda Vyasa, the father of Drutharashtr, who was blind from birth, offered the latter a special vision, using which he could witness the war sitting in his palace. Drutharashtr was in a confused situation, he could not accept to see his sons being defeated or killed, yet he wanted to see the destruction of the children of his brother Pandu. Hence, as usual, he adopted a tactful way. He received the vision passively. He requested Sage Veda Vyasa to give that vision to Sanjay, who would be with him in the palace when the war was going on in Kuruksehtra.

Sanjay equipped with the special vision blessings received from Sage Veda Vyas, was sitting with the Emperor Drutharashtr, when the battle of the Kurukshetra was to begin. He knew that both his sons and the sons of his brother Pandu would have assembled there with their loyal friends. Hence we wanted to know, what has happened, at the Kurukshetra.

Hari Om !!

VEDA GYAN - 8

2010-09-26T05:01:00.000-07:00

SIGNIFICANCE OF SESAME SEEDS

Sesame seeds are known in different names like Sesumun seeds, Til etc. The black sesame seeds has a huge importance in Sanatana Dharma.

There is a very big misconception that the black sesame seeds is related with death or dead people only. This is absolutely absurd. The importance of black sesame seeds are immense as per the scriptures of Sanatana Dharma. A few of them are discussed below.

Black sesame seeds is the Dhanya – the grain – of Lord Saturn. Burning black sesame seeds bundled in a black cotton cloth in the appropriate way in a lamp lit with cotton wick on sesame seed oil (til ka thel) set in a proper way, either in the house or in the temple, makes Lord Saturn happy and removes the bad effects of the Sani Dasa / Sade Saati (seven and half years of Saturn transit), Kandak Sasi, Ardashtma Sani etc.

A Havan done using black sesame seeds removes a lot of sins. It is one of the ways of expiation for a lot of sins committed intentionally. The Manthras in the Krishna Yajur Veda also describe the sins that are removed by doing such Havan.

If one has to enter into the last phase of life – Sanyasa, he has to perform Havan using black sesame seeds to clear himself of all the sins done, in order to qualify himself to become a Sanyasi. A part of those Manthras are given in the Mahanarayana Upanishad of Taittiriyaranyaka of the Krishna Yajur Veda.

Havan done with black sesame seeds invoke the blessings of Gods and bestows the performer soon with a lot of wealth, prosperity, properties, happiness, children etc. Any blessings received with the performance of a Havan using black sesame seeds are said to last very long.

Tharpans are done for the departed soul using black sesame seeds. This helps the oblations given to them reach them faster, and the doer will receive their blessings fast.

Brahmins when they change their holy thread, perform the Pitru Tharpans to the long gone fore fathers, even if their parents are alive. This special Pitru Tharpan is done not for their father or grand father, but for the great great grand fathers who have achieved the salvations with the Lord, starting from Soma Pitruman. For this also, black sesame seeds are used as the oblations would reach faster to them and so their blessings will reach the doer fast.

Tharpans and rituals related to the dead people are also done with black sesame seeds, as it would remove the sins of the doer and make him eligible for doing that oblation, and would help remove the sins of the dead person thus helping him to attain salvation.

Maha Sudarshan Havan done with black sesame seeds, will remove the black magic and other Neecha Deveta / Dur Deveta effects. This is an effective way to remove the ill doings of the enemies, without doing the Satru Samhara.

The black sesame seeds has a very important role to play in our daily life. One has to use it in his satvic food at least once, so it can remove any health related problems created by the enemies.

In all cases, eating meat or non vegetarian food, nullifies any remedies done. It will also help one’s enemies to attack them using black magic. Although there are many expiations explained using black sesame seeds, for eating food as a Dhan, for eating from an enemy, for eating from a person of undesirable character, for eating in the wrong time, for eating stale food, for eating food meant for someone else, for eating stolen food, for eating food from a person who is not really willing to give, for stealing, for telling lies, for robbing other’s property, for drinking unwanted drinks, for having illicit relationship other ladies including Guru’s wife, etc., but there is no specific expiation for eating non vegetarian foods. Hence, the sins incurred by eating non vegetarian food, may not be removed by doing Havans using black sesame seeds.

HARI OM !!

SRIMAD BAGAWAT GITA – SLOKA DETAILS

2010-09-23T03:40:00.000-07:00

AN ANALYSIS OF SRIMAD BAGAWAT GITA

Srimad Bagawat Gita is a treasure of knowledge imparted by Lord Krishna to his faithful devotee and friend Arjun. The total number of Slokas in Srimad Bagawat Gita is just 701, yet it is called the essence of all the Vedas in condensed form.

Lord Krishna did not start the narration of Gita Upadesha in Srimad Bagawat Gita, nor it was ended by Him. It was started by the King of Hastinapur, Drutharashtr and was ended by Sanjay. Lord Krishna was the last (5th) speaker, yet He became the most powerful speaker in the total composition.

Lord Krishna did not give any Upadesh in the first chapter. He starts His upadesh only from the Second Chapter.

Apart from Arjun, it was only Sanjay who could see the Vishwarupa Darshan of Lord Krishna.

As fate could have its own course, even after knowing that Lord Krishna was bent upon making the victory of the war in favor of Pandavas, King Drutharashtr did not care to stop it even at the last moment. Infact, it was his last opportunity to stop the war, but his heartful of love for his wicked son Duryodan made him stick to the decision to go to the war.

Although Duryodan is wicked, the Lord somehow gave him the mercy to include his words in the first Chapter, may be to show how strong were the Kaurav army was.

The following is the analysis of slokas said by each of speakers in Srimad Bagawat Gita.

Out of the total 701 slokas -

Lord Krishna narrated 574 slokas
Arjun narrated 87 slokas
Sanjay 30 slokas
Drutharashtr 1 slokas
Duryodan 9 slokas

Through the 574 slokas Lord Krishna delivered to the world the Universal Truth and in Kali Yuga this Srimad Bagawat Gita is considered as the Fifth Veda.

HARI OM !!

VEDA GYAN - 7

2010-09-21T22:58:00.000-07:00

ANIMALS AND HUMAN BEINGS

The modern science calls human beings as an Animal. They say “man is also an animal”, but Vedas does not interpret so. Vedas consider human being as a great creation of God.

There are many similarities between human beings and animals. These similarities like eating, searching for food, defending, mating etc., are so, because the creator is same for all. Although we are born of the same Creator, we have different spirits and spiritual vibrations, which makes human beings different from animals.

Animals are created to serve the human beings and God in various means, and in turn the human beings are bound to protect the animals. For example, the cow has to give us the milk, the dung which is used as manure, for rituals of havens (which have proved to produce more porous carbon particles than silver iodide that can produce more rains naturally); the ox is used for carrying loads, for ploughing the fields, for mating the cows etc. Similarly, every animal gives the man some form of support for his living. In turn, man has to protect them, not kill them for just for eating.

A man can kill an animal only if it is going to harm him, otherwise, he has no right to kill it. Killing the animal for eating is not for human beings, but for the demons – Asuras. The God created us to live as a human beings. We have crossed the life of a stone, tree, worm, aquatic animals, land animals, birds and now we have got the human form. In the human form God has given us the intelligence, called the sixth sense. The sixth sense is to know what God has given to us for our use, for us to eat and for us to protect.

All of us know the pain when we are wounded. All of us know the mental pain when our near and dear ones are dead. Similar is the pain the animals also have. When they are tortured and killed, they also feel the mental agony and the physical pain. You would have heard the bleats of goat or the cries of chicken when they see their friends are killed in front of them. They know they are the next, their fear and pain is unimaginable. Should you create this pain just for satisfying our taste buds of your tongue? The urge of the tongue for better taste is never satisfied. It is just the four inches of the tongue that can know the taste. Once the food passes that and goes through the food pipe, the taste is gone. So for such a short distance and time, do you need to be a sinner directly or indirectly?

Hunger comes frequently, but it can be satisfied. But the urge for better and better taste is never satisfied, until we fall sick of what we eat. Most of the sickness are created because of what we eat. What is the result of that? You are forced to give up the same food that you ate so eagerly, because it turned out to be your slow killer. Do you need to eat such food?

The modern science is teaching that vegetarians live stronger and longer. You could find very less number of vegetarians admitted in the hospitals for treatment compared to the non vegetarian eaters. You can imagine, how the meat eating habits can make you a sick man rather than a strong man.

How many times God has warned not to eat animals? How many times the sickness like SARS, H1N1, Swine Flu, Mad Cow disease, Fish Plague etc has hit our land in the last two decades? Every year a new type of sickness with a new name hits the world. Still the people’s intelligence does not work. If you check how many vegetarians got sick in these epidemic? Their numbers are far and few compared to the non vegetarian eaters. Knowing all these, still does not your mind tell you to stop the false urge of the disastrous taste, that make you kill and eat?

People have a narrow sense. If a person cheats you once for anything small or big, you will not trust him even if he is refined. But here, even when you know your body is becoming sick of fat, intestine disorders, new type of ailments, still you turn a blind to yourself, cheat yourself and then go to the same sickness giving flesh and meat and eat it. Are you not cheating yourself?

Any living organism is a spirit, either of God or of demon. It is the case of man also. When a man is dead, he is either buried or burnt so his spirit can be released from the body. It is done because once the body is dead, the spirit become demonous. Unless it is properly set to the parth of God, it can be only destructive. What you do when you bring the dead animals to your house and put it in the refrigerator? Are you not converting your home into an mortuary or a cemetery? When you cook the dead ones, are you not converting yourself into a demon, whose job is to cut, cook, fry and eat the dead ones? When you eat the dead animals, are you not converting your body into a cemetery or a crematorium, yet you still ask God to come to your rescue? Are you not bringing those deadly spirits into your body and deprive yourself of the presence of God in you?

If you study in depth the Vedas, there is expiations for all sins. If you smoke there is expiations, if you drink liquor there are expiations, if you cheat someone there are expiations, if you womanize or woman has polygamous relationship, there are expiations, if you eat food as offered to the dead, there are expiations, if you rob a temple property, there are expiations and so on. But there is no expiation given if you kill animals and other moving living organisms for eating. This you will carry with you throughout this life and suffer, and also make yourself of low category in your next birth. Do you want to carry this burden by adding it on a daily basis until you are forced to stop your tongue’s urge by sickness?

In order to be worthy of what we are born of in Santana Dharma, let us all give our voice to stop this barbaric practice of killing for eating. Let us all enlighten the others to give up this sickness causing habit. Let us spread the knowledge about vegetarian foods. Let us encourage the non vegetarian eaters to eat vegetarian foods. Let us serve the hungry people with vegetarian food as much as possible, so that as many times they eat vegetarian food, so many animals are spared.

Arise ! Awake ! Let us serve the God by protecting what he has asked us to protect. Let us not fool the God by acting as the guards of His creations and at the same time killing them and eating.

Let us serve Him, so we will be served by His other creations.

HARI OM !!

PREFACE TO SRIMAD BAGAWAT GITA

2010-09-20T19:28:00.000-07:00

Srimad Bagawat Gita’s basic origin could be traced to the time when Bishma took the vow that he would not marry, but protect the kingdom of Hastinapur. Since then, whatever that happened, was paving the way for the eventual Kurukshetra War.. It was just the situations that were unfolding until the final eventuality of the untimely death of king Pandu, and his elder brother, Drutarashtr, blinded with the ignorant love for his son Duryodan, took over the kingdom, as its king.

Even when the kingdom of Indraprasta was given to the Pandavas, Lord Krishna knew that the peace will not be ever lasting. It was true, and it ended in the invitation to the deceitful dice game planned by Sakuni. Although Yudishtr knew that there was a ploy with the invitation, as a Kshatriya, he had to accept the invitation. But what he could have done to prevent the cheating, he could have asked Lord Krishna to go with him while he was playing the game, and that would have stopped Sakuni from playing the tricks. But he did not even remember to do it. Even after having lost the game, Yudishtr did not approach Lord Krishna for help, but just accepted the defeat and allowed Draupati to be brought to the palace only to be insulted and disrobed by Dussasan. After having failed in all her attempts to get a favor from the elders in the palace assembly, she threw up her arms seeking the help of Lord Krishna, and He responded immediately by providing her unending robes, thus protecting her from being humiliated by Dussasan. Even at that time, Yudishtr or other Pandavas did not remember to seek the help of Lord Krishna. Thus they accepted their banishment.

Lord Krishna knew it very clearly. Pandavas were strong, good, just and honest, but they lacked the intelligence to tackle the wickedness and the deceit of Sakuni, Duryodan etc. So any solution for a separate kingdom for the Pandavas would not work. They would be again defeated in some way or other, and they would be either killed or thrown out into the forest. Therefore, He decided that the best solution to stop the wickedness of Duryodan and Sakuni was to have them all destroyed permanently. That it would be the Destined Duty of the Pandavas to do it. Thus Lord Krishna paved the way in all manner, in shaping the Kurukshetra War.

Lord could have just used His most minimal power to threaten Duryodan and Sakuni when He went there as an ambassador of the Pandavas, seeking just five houses, at least to live. Or, instead of accepting the invitation of Vidur and staying with him, he could have appeased Duryodan and stayed with him and influenced him to give at least five houses to the Pandavas. But, He did not want that to happen. He knew, even if He made Duryodan agree to the request of the Pandavas, it would not last long. The problems would just go on, until either of the siblings are killed. So, He decided that the wicked should die to give a permanent solution. Thus, He had decided what should be the fate of the Kauravas, and it was the Destined Duty of the Pandavas to do it.

Lord Krishna, meticulously planned how the Pandavas should be made stronger. He knew if ever Yudishtr knew Karan was his elder brother, he would have persuaded the other four Pandavas to accept the peace accord that would be dictated by Duryodan through Karan. Also, that Karan was stronger than any of the Pandavas, he should not be allowed to destroy the other Pandavas, but just to have the focus on Arjun. Lord had taken over the charge of protecting Arjun, so nothing could harm him. Thus, He appointed Kunti Devi to stop Karan and made her seek two important promise that he would not kill any other brothers, other than Arjun and he would not use the target weapon Naagastra more than once on Arjun.

Lord Krishna, worked so hard to see that the war would take place and the Pandavas would emerge victorious in that. Apart from the above, He played many tricks on Duryodan and Sakuni, before the war, during the war, and also protecting Bhim from the call of Drutarashtr for a killing embrace.

While the Lord did all these to make the Pandavas victorious, Arjun let Him down, by showing his weakness to fight the war. The Lord was annoyed that Arjun was letting his Destined Duty to go away from his hands. It was at this moment, that Lord decided to fulfill His Destined Duty also, providing the “Fifth Veda” called Srimad Bagawat Gita or Gita Upadesh.

Lord Krishna delivered the Gita Upadesh to the whole world. It is the essence of the Vedas. In Kali Yuga, when the life span of the people was very less, when the people would live in the world of illusions, they will not have much time to devote to the God. Hence, He wanted the Vedas to be in a condensed form, which the people could carry with them, could remember all the verses, which the people could teach it to the next generations, which the people refer to when they had any problem throughout their life in any form etc.

Thus the Lord, with all His mercy on the people of the world, gave us the Srimad Bagawat Gita, which so far had been transmitted throughout the generations, which would be passed on, until the end of the Kali Yuga.

HARI OM !!

SRIMAD BAGAWAT GITA – MY PRAYERS WHEN STARTING TO WRITE COMMENTARIES – PART 6

2010-09-20T19:25:00.001-07:00

I pray to Ma Prathyangra, the Roudhra from of Ma Sakthi, the consort of Lord Shiva, to protect me and my family, by destroying immediately all the enemies who even plan to trouble or harm me and my family, so that my mind is not deviated from wriring the commentaries on Srimad Bagawat Gita.

I pray to Ma Vaishnodevi, the consort of Lord Shiva, to protect me and my family, by destroying immediately all the bad omens, all the bad dreams in our sleep, all our bad intentions or thinking from our mind, all the evil forces and enemies that try, plan or execute their evil intentions of troubling, harming or destroying me and my family, so that my mind is not deviated from writing the commentaries of Srimad Bagawat Gita.

I pray to Ma Yogini Devi, to bring all good and positive energies, good thinking, peaceful mind, good friends, good teachers, good disciples, good relatives, good virtues, good wealth, good health, good knowledge to me and my family, so that my mind is not deviated from writing the commentaries of Srimad Bagawat Gita.

SRIMAD BAGAWAT GITA – MY PRAYERS WHEN STARTING TO WRITE COMMENTARIES – PART 5

2010-09-14T05:44:00.001-07:00

I pray to Lord Maha Vishnu as Parasurama Avathar, to protect me from any fears from all forms of enemies, by destroying them completely even without any provocation, even as they plan to build up any form of hatred or any intention to harm me and my family, so that my mind is not deviated from writing the commentaries on Srimad Bagawat Gita.

I pray to Lord Maha Vishnu, as Sri Ram Avathar, to protect my Pujas, Homas, Yagnas as He had done when He went to protect the Yagna of Sage Viswamithira, and use any tactics or weapons to destroy the enemies who may plan to harm me and my family, as He had done by killing Vali and Ravan, so that my mind is not deviated from writing the commentaries on Srimad Bagawat Gita.

I pray to Lord Maha Vishnu, as Sri Krishna Avathar, to give me peace of mind so that I can meditate upon Him to understand Him more and more, to give me wealth even without asking as He had done to His dear friend Kuchela, to bless me and my family to lead a very meritorious life by guiding us always, to be with us always as He had done for Pandavas, especially Arjun, to destroy those enemies who plan to harm me and my family, as He had done to protect the Pandavas, by getting all the Kauravas who were against the Pandavas killed, to do my Destined Duty, as He had mentioned in Srimad Bagawat Gita, so that my mind is not deviated from writing the commentaries on Srimad Bagawat Gita.

I pray to Lord Maha Vishnu, as Bal Ram Avathar, to give strength and protection to me and my family, and to destroy all those who plan to harm me and my family, so that my mind is not deviated from writing the commentaries on Srimad Bagawat Gita.

I pray to Lord Maha Vishnu, as Kalki Avathar, to give me and my family knowledge, presence of mind, strength and protection in every form in this Maya Kaliyug, so that we do not commit any sin of any sorts as much as possible, we do not refrain from doing our Destined Duty, we have ability to withstand the pressures of Kaliyug, and He shall always protect me and my family by destroying completely all those enemies – seen and unseen, known and unknown, humans and other beings, with form or formless, who even plan to trouble or harm me and my family, so that my mind is not deviated from writing the commentaries on Srimad Bagawat Gita.

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SRIMAD BAGAWAT GITA – MY PRAYERS WHEN STARTING TO WRITE COMMENTARIES – PART 4

2010-09-14T05:42:00.000-07:00

I pray to Sri Sudarshan, Who was gifted by Lord Shiva to Lord Vishnu, and Who always adores fore-finger or Sriman Narayan, Who chops His enemies into a million pieces, to protect me and my family from all sorts of Black Magics, Occults, Prethas, Pichaas, Sakini, Daakini, Pithru Doshas, evils, enemies, evil forces, evil intentions of others and evil doers, by destroying them completely by chopping them into million pieces, so they never recover, regroup and come alive again, so that my mind is not deviated from writing commentaries on Srimad Bagawat Gita.

I pray to Lord Maha Vishnu as Matsya Avathar, to protect me, my family and my writings from being cheated, robbed or stolen, like He assumed the form of Matsya to save the four Vedas from the deep sea, so that I don’t have the fear of being cheated or robbed, so that my mind is not deviated from writing commentaries on Srimad Bagawat Gita.

I pray to Lord Maha Vishnu as Kurma Avathar, to protect me and my family from sinking into any turmoils, problems or gossips created by the evil forces and evil intentions of enemies and others, like He had protected the mountain from sinking, so that my mind is not deviated from writing commentaries on Srimad Bagawat Gita.

I pray to Lord Maha Vishnu as Varaha Avathar, to bring me and my family up always from sinking into any forms of turmoils, problems or gossips created by the evil forces and evil intentions of enemies and others, like He had brought out Mother Earth from the ocean, so that my mind is not deviated from writing commentaries on Srimad Bagawat Gita.

I pray to Lord Maha Vishnu as Narasimha Avathar, to protect me and my family, by destroying my enemies absolutely and instantaneously, as and when they spring up even with the slightest intention to harm me and my family, as He had protected Prahlad, like the Narashima Kavach Storam narrated by Prahlad and Lord Brahma says, so that my mind is not deviated from writing commentaries on Srimad Bagawat Gita.

I pray to Lord Maha Vishnu as Vamana Avathar, to protect me from all forms of fears and from any of intentions of the enemies who plan to harm, trouble or destroy me and my family, as He had done by sending King Bali to Patal and destroying one eye of Sukaracharya, who was the Guru and the support of King Bali to take over the Heaven ruled by Indra, so that my mind is not deviated from writing the commentaries on Srimad Bagawat Gita.

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SRIMAD BAGAWAT GITA – MY PRAYERS WHEN STARTING TO WRITE COMMENTARIES – PART 3

2010-09-14T05:40:00.000-07:00

I pray to Lord Agni to burn away all the problem makers and trouble makers to me and my family, to burn away our sins, to give heat and fire for doing our daily prayers, Pujas, Yagnas etc., for cooking the Boga for the Gods, for my family, the warmth when we feel cold in our body and mind, as He always does to the devotees who pray to Him, so that my mind is not deviated from writing the commentaries on Srimad Bagawat Gita.

I pray to Lord Vayu, to provide me and my family with good and fresh breathing air, so that we continue to lead a healthy life and move and travel all around the world freely as if without boundaries, as He does, so that I can see the beautiful and wonderful creations of the Lord and meditate upon Him, be with Him and praise Him always, so that my mind is not deviated from writing the commentaries on Srimad Bagawat Gita.

I pray to Lord Garuda, Who always fly higher than the clouds, to see the whole world, to forewarn me and save me and my family from troubles that are hidden or not, that could come soon or in future, as He always promise to do to His devotees, so that my mind is not deviated from writing the commentaries on Srimad Bagawat Gita.

I pray to Lord Kubera, to provide me with plenty of money, wealth and prosperity always, so that me and my family can lead a worthy life, and always getting engaged in doing many rituals, Pujas, Yagnas, charities etc., so that my mind is not deviated from writing the commentaries on Srimad Bagawat Gita.

I pray to Lord Vasuki, the most poisonous serpent, to instantaneously destroy all my enemies who create or had created or is planning to create troubles and problems for me and my family, so that my mind is not deviated from writing the commentaries on Srimad Bagawat Gita.
I pray to Lord Kama, the God of cupid, to help me and my family to have clean mind and body, to meditate on Lord Krishna and His teachings of Srimad Bagawat Gita, so that my mind is not deviated from writing the commentaries on Srimad Bagawat Gita.

I pray to Ma Durga, to protect me and my family from all sorts evils, enemies and evil intentions of others, by destroying them completely, as She always does to protect Her children, so that my mind is not deviated from writing the commentaries on Srimad Bagawat Gita.

I pray to Ma Kali to protect me and my family from all sorts of black magics, evils, enemies, Prethas, Pichasas, Pitrus, evil forces, enemies and evil intentions of others, by the absolute destruction of these, so that my mind is not deviated from writing the commentaries on Srimad Bagawat Gita.

I pray to Ma Chamundi, to protect me and my family from all sorts of black magic, evils, enemies, evil forces and evil intentions of others, by severing their heads and putting it on Herself as a Munda Mala, so that my mind is not deviated from writing the commentaries on Srimad Bagawat Gita.

I pray to Ma Rakta Chamundi, to protect me and my family from all sorts of black magic, evils, enemies, evil forces and evil intentions of others by drinking their blood, like She had done of the Asuras and greatly earned the name Rakta Chamundi, so that my mind is not deviated from writing the commentaries on Srimad Bagawat Gita.

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SRIMAD BAGAWAT GITA – MY PRAYERS WHEN STARTING TO WRITE COMMENTARIES – PART 2

2010-09-14T05:36:00.001-07:00

I pray to Lord Subramanya to protect me and my family from any troubles, enemies and physical ailments, debts in any form, and give His strong will power, as He had promised to do so in Sri Skanda Sashti Kavacham, protect us with his Vel, so that my mind is not deviated from writing the commentaries on Srimad Bagawat Gita.

I pray to Lord Ayyappa, the only embodiment of Advaita, the son of Lord Shiva and Mohini (Lord Vishnu in lady form) to give me protection and to my family and save us from all enemies, occult forces and Abicharas, by destroying all the enemies or by destroying all the enemity those people could have in their mind for me, like He defeated Vavur, who had come to kill Him, and making him His most obedient servant and trusted friend, and by destroying all the enemies who are to be destroyed like He had destroyed the most terrible Mahishi, so that my mind is not deviated from writing the commentaries on Srimad Bagawat Gita.

I pray to Lord Sri Ram, to find support to me like that of his brother Lord Lakshman and His faithful friend Hanuman, who could protect me and my family always, so that my mind is not deviated from writing the commentaries on Srimad Bagawat Gita.

I pray to Ma Sita to prevail upon my wife and family, and protect all of us, in case I make errors of omission and commission in discharging my family duties, so that all of us are always united in person and mind, so that my mind is not deviated from writing the commentaries on Srimad Bhgawat Gita.

I pray to Lord Lakshman to give me and my family full protection from enemies, Abicharas and all forms of troubles, like He had protected Ma Sita by drawing the Lakshman Reka, and being with His brother Sri Ram always, so that my mind is not deviated from writing the commentaries on Srimad Bagawat Gita.

I pray to Lord Hanuman to always protect me and my family from any forms of enemies, troubles and problems, Doshas of planets like Saturn and Mars, give me and my family strength to do all our duties well, to keep us prosperous through the virtue of having Ma Lakshmi on the crown on His head, and maintain love and affection amongst all my family members like the one He had for Sri Ram and Ma Sita – keeping them always in His heart, so that my mind is not deviated from writing the commentaries on Srimad Bagawat Gita.

I pray to Lord Varuna, to protect me and my family always, from whirlpool of troubles, enemies, difficulties, poverty and problems, and to cleanse our sins, as He always does to His devotees, as mentioned in the Varuna Suktam, so that my mind is not deviated from writing the commentaries on Srimad Bagawat Gita.

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SRIMAD BAGAWAT GITA – MY PRAYERS WHEN STARTING TO WRITE COMMENTARIES – PART 1

2010-09-14T05:33:00.000-07:00

I pray to Lord Ganapathy to clear all the obstacles while I write the commentaries on Srimad Bagawat Gita and give me His Wisdom, so that I could complete the work of writing the commentaries on Srimad Bagawat Gita, and humbly present it to my Lord, the God Head, Sri Krishna, as one of my work the Lord has given to me, as my Destined Duty.

I pray to Ma Saraswathi to clean and clear my mind of any doubts and wrong interpretations that may arise as I compose my commentaries on Srimad Bagawat Gita, and enhance my intelligence to understand more and more, the depth of the meanings of words said by Lord Krishna, in His Gita Upadesh.

I pray to Ma Lakshmi to give me money, wealth, prosperity, happiness and support me financially always, and destroy all forms of Daridriya Yoga, Dhana Nashan Yoga, Alakshmi Yoga and Duka Yoga in me and my family, so as to enable me to do all my other duties simply as well, which I am bound to do as a son, husband, father, brother, grandson, friend, spiritual teacher, businessman etc., so that I would have enough time to meditate upon my Lord and write the commentaries on the greatest Gita Upadesh.

I pray to Ma Sakthi to give me and my family health and energy to do our duties on time, protect the ladies and children in my house always, protect the Maangalya Pushti Sthana of all the ladies of my family and give me mental ability to peacefully meditate upon my Lord and write the commentaries on Srimad Bagawat Gita.

I pray to Ma Anna Purani, to feed me and my family with good foods, that are Satvic, and enjoyed by us always, keep us physically fit and nourished always, so that my body and my mind is clear, peaceful and clean while I compose the commentaries on Srimad Bagawat Gita.

I pray to Lord Shiva give His Shiva Kavacha and protect me and my family from any destructive forces, enemies, Abichara Sakthis, Abichara Pujas, Pitru Doshas, Pitru Kopas, Mitra Doshas, Mitra Kopas, Mritu-Apamritu Yogas, evil intentions of the enemies and from any form of troubles, problems or destructions, that could prevent me or deviate my mind from writing commentaries of Srimad Bagawat Gita.

I pray to Lord Brahma, to ward off all the bad destiny of any sorts of me and my family, bestow me and my family with His all Powerful Blessings of Good Destiny, and protect us always His most powerful Brahma Astra from any evil intentions of the enemies, so that nothing could deviate my mind from writing the commentaries on Srimad Bagawat Gita.

I pray to Lord Vishnu to protect me and my family, from any sort of sickness of mind and body, accidents, being bed ridden, or harm and troubles from enemies or rulers, and give us wealth, prosperity, robust health and knowledge, so that nothing could prevent me or deviate my mind from writing the commentaries on Srimad Bagawat Gita.

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