Ojoswi's Two Cents

LOVE

2016-12-28T17:25:00.001-05:00

Let me start this piece with my three most favorite love quotes by Swamiji (Swami Vivekananda)
1. The first sign of love is when love asks nothing, [when it] gives everything
2. Love is the easiest of all, it waits for no logic, it is natural (talking about Bhakti Yoga among other forms of Yoga)
3. God is Love, and Love is God

Followed by lines from his holiness Dalai Lama: "When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace”

And in the words of Pope Francis "Men of good will must work, each with his own strengths and expertise, to ensure that love for others increases until it is equal and possibly exceeds love for oneself"

These quotes are a blazing reminder of the importance and all-pervasiveness of Love. Why then does our modern society and learned worldly methods try to educate us into selfishly loving what is 'mine'? From securing grades in school, to cheating others to possess the best tangible things for oneself, to evaluating other using the yardstick of 'wealth' and not love and compassion? Why have we been 'taught' to only love ourselves? This question, I am yet to find an answer to.

"You shall love your neighbor as yourself" Matthew 22:39
"Those who believe and do good deeds, the Gracious God will create love in their hearts" Al Quran 19:97
Based on my personal experiences and the collective wisdom in various books of faith (a few examples shared above), I feel confident that we as humans are capable of being in love with every living thing around us. Where love stands for acknowledging that the universal energy-consciousness conglomerate within me is the same as that within other life forms around me, at different levels of manifestation, intensity, and complexity. Once we are able to come to terms with this fundamental truth, being in a state of Love is easy and natural.

Love is immortal and transcends the finite boundaries of body, space and time. We are at the center of an infinite effulgence of Love. Let me give an example; a man dearly loves his wife and from their union, a child is born (same is true for most life forms, as they are capable of reproducing their kind). With the birth of this child, the man loves the baby most dearly (sometimes even more than himself). Does this phenomenon look like a natural process where Love was manufactured? To me it does. Before the baby, man loved his wife with all his heart. After the baby, man loves both his baby and wife most dearly, completely, with the fullest fervor; without compromising his love for either of them. With arrival of a second baby, man loves both his children and wife most dearly and so on. An interesting prose from Upanishads explains this idea wonderfully

ॐ पूर्णमदः पूर्णमिदं पूर्णात्पुर्णमुदच्यते
पूर्णस्य पूर्णमादाय पूर्णमेवावशिष्यते ॥
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥

Which Translates to:
Outer World is 'Purna' (full with external Love consciousness); the Inner World is also 'Purna';
From Purna comes Purna, Taking Purna from Purna, Purna Indeed Remains (because Love is infinite).
Om Peace, Peace, Peace.

So dear friends, immerse thyself into this eternal flood of Love. Once you drown, only then shall you arise awakened in His Kingdom of Love

Tableau Cost Vs Opportunity

2015-10-13T11:16:00.005-04:00

Its been more than three years of my fantastic relationship with Tableau, nothing short of a 'love-affair'. Having worked on other BI tools earlier including Eclipse BIRT, OBIEE, Cognos, Hyperion and Microstrategy over the last 10 years of my IT career run; was swept off my feet when i first used Tableau to create Visualizations and BI Reports!

Tableau has a few core strengths that allows:

Self-Serve BI to IT development 'non-savvy' Business/Functional SMEs
Easy to create BI Visualizations by mere drag-and-drop (SQL queries get built by the tool internally)
Complex statistical calculations (like Bell-Curve, Trend, Correlation, Forecasting) within a few clicks
Run-time calculation of complex business logic on the presentation layer without detrimentally affecting performance
Published reports to be presented across devices (PDAs/Monitors/LCD TVs), printable and shareable as image exports/PDFs. The data under the hood could be exported to CSV for more traditional 'Excel' savvy users
Fast run-time query on VizQL, data compression, incremental refresh of extracts enable users to massage and render TeraByte(s) of data on an actionable, visually rich dashboard

The way i look at it, the best people to build reports are leaders and owners of the data. Why?

The data experts know their data best (relationships, correlation between KPIs and metrics)
Leaders know the past business direction, BI reports serve as a feedback loop helping them make informed business decisions based on past observations

Think about it, if an organization could empower their data experts/SMEs and leaders to prepare reports when they needed BI the most (not having to wait for IT to condition data and build reports) how effective would that business model be? How proactive and dynamic would the informed decisions be? The Tableau license fee is a mere cost-to-opportunity with a massive ROI.

'Lets make data beautiful' and chose to live in an informed, capable and 'quick-n-easy-anybody-can-build' BI savvy world!

Significance of 108

2015-10-02T10:15:00.000-04:00

I have come to believe that 108 is a very special number. There may be a longer list of significance. But i am sharing some very interesting facts:

- 108 connects the Sun, Moon, and Earth: The average distance of the Sun and the Moon to Earth is 108 times their respective diameters

- 108 Puranas and 108 Upanishads in Hindu Ancient Literature/Philosophy

- 108 Shakti-Peeth (where Sati's body fell on earth)

- 108 energy lines converging to form the heart chakra: The chakras are the intersections of energy lines that connects one with the universe.

- 108 is 12 times 9: River Ganga spans a longitude of 12 degrees (79 to 91) and latitude of 9 degrees (22 to 31)

- 108: where 1 stands for One God, 0 stands for 'Shunya' the eternal circle of completeness and 8 stands for infinity. God is infinite completeness.

- 2 Sin (108^○/2) = ø, the Golden Ratio. Anything that is organized per this Golden Ratio appeals to human eye

Varanasi: The Ancient Holy Land of India

2015-09-24T10:15:00.000-04:00

Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world. According to the historians, this city was founded almost ten centuries before the birth of Christ. Many Hindu scriptures, Buddhist text, travelogues from ancient travelers have significant references to this ancient city. Ancient sages like Shankaracharya, Ramanujacharya and Vallabhacharya carried out philosophical disputations in Varanasi.

The City is names after the two rivers around it, the Varana to the north and the Asi to the south. Many refer to Varanasi as Kashi, translation of its Sanskrit meaning is 'City of Light', referring to the light of Shiva. Mythology and legend has it that Shiva never deserts this city, thus also named as 'Rudravasa' (place where Shiva-Rudra resides). Varanasi's associations with Shiva extends to the beginning of time, after his marriage to Parvati, Shiva left his Himalayan abode and came to reside in Kashi.

A Hindu beleive, to die in this city beside the river of eternal-life is a ticket to transcending the endless cycle of life-death-rebirth by gaining 'moksha'. This beleif has led many to Varanasi in their last days and thousands to-date bring ashes of the dead to immerse in the holy waters of Ganges in Varanasi.

The most sacred burning-ghat is Manikarnika, one of the 108 Shakti-Peeth where the ear-ring Devi Sati (avatar of adi-Shakti and consort of Lord Shiva) fell. When Sri Ramakrishna visited Varanasi, on a boat-ride of the city over the Ganges, while crossing over the Manikarnika Ghat, he had a divine vision. He saw, Lord Vishwanatha (another name of Shiva) whispering 'taraka' mantra in the ear of the 'jivas' from one side of the funeral pyre and on other side, Adi-Shakti removing bondages of the soul from cycle of transmigratory existence

Glory to Varanasi!

Shri Krishna Govind Hare-Murari

2015-09-22T14:07:00.000-04:00

Hum Hari so lagan lgayenge
Charno me preeti badaynge
Ek din to karuna karke Karuna-nidhi daude aayenge
Rasikan ke sang baith baith hum Madhav ke gunn gaayenge
Komal hiye keu na pighle ko jab ro ro vyatha sunayenge

I wish to attach my heart and soul with 'Hari' the Divine
Offer my devout love at the feet of 'Hari' the Master
One day (if i keep at my devotion) out of His grace, God shall rush to bestow his 'Karuna' eternal bliss
I shall spend my days singing the glory of 'Madhav' the Lord
Why would His heart not melt when i offer my pined tears?

Shri Krishna Govind Hare-Murari hey Naath Narayan Vasudeva

Shri Krishna, O Govinda, the divine cowherd!
O Hare, the one who steals our hearts!
O Murari, destroyer of demon Mura!
O Naath, the master of beings, Narayan!
O Vasudeva, the divine Soul of this Universe!

The Secret of Krishna's Flute

2015-08-05T14:41:00.000-04:00

The devotees and Gopis of Krishna were very jealous of the Divine Flute (Murali) that got to spend the most time with the Lord, closest to his rose-petal like lips. On being approached by the devotees, the Divine Murali of Lord Krishna revealed its secret in these words:

I know neither magic nor the art of attraction.
I do not possess any merits either.
I am simply a forest reed, hollow within and bereft of any beauty.
Krishna, my lord, finds this attitude of mine as the greatest virtue.
In turn, i encourage you to ‘Empty yourself and He will fill you’
It is He whose breath blows through me and enchants you all.
My dear friends, if you too empty yourselves of all pride and ego,
He will fill every atom of your body with His love!"

Swami Vivekananda: Hymn of Samadhi

2015-07-29T15:51:00.000-04:00

নাহি সূর্য নাহি জ্যোতিঃ নাহি শশাঙ্ক সুন্দর।
ভাসে ব্যোমে ছায়া-সম ছবি বিশ্ব-চরাচর॥

অস্ফুট মন আকাশে, জগত সংসার ভাসে,
ওঠে ভাসে ডুবে পুনঃ অহং-স্রোতে নিরন্তর॥

ধীরে ধীরে ছায়া-দল, মহালয়ে প্রবেশিল,
বহে মাত্র ‘আমি আমি’ — এই ধারা অনুক্ষণ॥

সে ধারাও বদ্ধ হল, শূন্যে শূন্য মিলাইল,
‘অবাঙমনসোগোচরম্’, বোঝে — প্রাণ বোঝে যার॥

Lo! Neither the Sun nor the Moon, all light deluded,
In the great voids of creation, floats shadow-like the image of universe.

In the voids of mind involute, floats the fleeting universe,
Rises-floats, sinks again, incessantly in the currents of one's stream of ego.

Gradually the multitude of shadows, entering the primal womb,
Subsequently ensued the stream of 'Ami', flowing ceaselessly.

Lo! even that stream of 'Ami' flows no more, void merges into void
Beyond sensory faculties, only he understands whose 'atman' (soul) realizes.

Hindu Temple and The Golden Ratio

2015-07-24T10:03:00.000-04:00

A Hindu temple aligned to the Vedic architecture (Brihat Samhita) has a deep yogic relation to the human body and the spiritual chakras therein. Refer the image for more

- The feet represent the spire.

- The hands represent the walkway/exterior porch around the temple.

- The main hall represents the abdomen.

- The entrance porch represents the heart.

- The sanctum (garbha-griha) represents the head where the deity is consecrated

There is proportionality between the size of the deity in the sanctum and the sizes of the temple. As per the Samhita

- The height of the temple should be double its width.

- The height of foundation above ground should be equal to a third of temple height.

- The sanctum should be half the width of the temple

These guidelines translate into various interpretations of the Golden Ratio of 1.618 (Refer diagram, point C divides the line in such a way that the ratio of AC to CB is equal to the ratio of AB to AC)

Parashuram: The Warrior Rishi

2015-07-15T13:17:00.000-04:00

Jamadagni, was a direct descendant of Brahma. But Before the birth of their fifth son, Jamadagni with his wife Renuka, meditated for divine boons. With the blessing of Lord Shiva, Vishnu was born in his sixth Avatar, as the youngest son of Jamadagni-Renuka, Parashuram.

As he grew older, Parashuram left home to do devout austerities and pleased Lord Shiva. Shiva presented Parashuram with Divine weapons along with the indestructible axe, ‘Parashu’ and advised him to go and liberate the Mother Earth from ill-behaved extremists, demons and those blinded by pride.

One day, while Parashuram was away in the forest cutting wood, King Kartavirya came to the hermitage of Jamadagni. In honor of the King, the Rishi served him a grand feast. Surprised by the grandeur, the King asked how the Rishi was able to serve up such magnificent food with limited resources. Jamadagni showed him the 'Kamadhenu' calf given by Indra. King Kartavirya wanted to take the calf. The Rishi refused and Kartavirya stole the sacred 'Kamadhenu'. On returning home, Parashuram was infuriated and traveled to the royal palace, he decimated the royal guards and killed King Kartavirya, thus retrieving the calf. Parashuram went on a pilgrimage of holy places for one year as penance of this act. Meanwhile, the sons of Kartavirya attacked the hermitage and murdered Jamadagni. When Parashuram returned home, he found his mother next to the body of his father, crying hysterically as she beat her chest twenty-one times in a row. Parashuram then vowed to rid the earth of the war-mongering Kshatriyas twenty-one times over, once for each time his mother beat her chest.

Parashuram among many heroic feats, once clipped the thousand arms of 'Sahastrarjun' (incarnation of Vishnu's Sudarshan Chakra') with his Parshu and killed him. Lord Indra pleased with this feat, gifted the Vijaya bow (of Lord Shiva) to Parashuram. Later, Parashuram had given this ‘Vijaya’ bow of Shiva to King Janaka, the father of Sita. As a test of worthiness, Sita's suitors at the 'Swayam-var' were asked to lift and string the mystic bow. None were successful until Rama, who in the process broke the bow into half.

Parashuram traveled to the Himalayas to pay respect to his teacher, Shiva. While travelling, his path was blocked by Lord Ganesha. Enraged, Parashuram threw his axe at the later. Ganesha, realizing the weapon to be that of Lord Shiva, paid its due respect and allowed it to sever his left tusk (thus named 'Ekadanta', meaning One Toothed). Parashuram on realizing the gravity of this event, sought forgiveness from Shiva-Parvati. Upon being forgiven, he gave this divine axe to Ganesha and blessed him.

Parashuram has the gift of immortality, he was witness to Vishnu's later avatars as Ram, Krishna and the rest that followed

Nandi: An Embodiment of Meditation

2015-07-14T14:07:00.000-04:00

Nandi is a symbolism of eternal ‘bhakti’ and meditation on inaction (a.k.a waiting). In Hindu Mythology waiting is associated with patience, tolerance, receptivity and considered one of the greatest virtues. Spiritually, Nandi represents the Jiva-Atman (Soul) that is meditative on the Param-Atman (God)

Prayer is our conversation with God. However, meditation expresses our willing to listen to God. Later is the quality of Nandi, full of alertness, selflessly waiting to listen and abide by his master's instructions. Reason why Hindu Mythology claims that Nandi had received the boon from Lord Shiva that any devotee of Shiva, who say their prayers into the ears of Nandi, their prayers would definitely reach the Lord!

While writing this piece, I am reminded of the sonnet 'On His Blindness' by John Milton; the concluding line: 'They also serve who only stand and wait'

Surpanakha & The Battle of Lanka

2015-07-13T12:22:00.001-04:00

Surpanakha (Sanskrit for sharp, long nails) was the sister of Ravana. Valmiki describes Surpanakha to be ugly, pot-bellied, cross-eyed, with brown hair and a grating voice. During a visit to the Forest of Panchavati she met exiled Ram. Smitten by his radiant looks, she proposed marriage to Ram. Ram rejected her offer as he was married to Sita. Rejected, Surpanakha then approached Lakshmana, who also rejected her he was married too. The humiliated Surpanakha attacked Sita, who was the reason behind Ram’s denial. Sita was defended by Lakshmana, who cut off Surpanakha’s nose.

Surpanakha first went to her brother Khara, who sent Rakshasa warriors to attack Ram, who were soon defeated. Surpanakha then went straight to Ravana's court and pleaded her brother to abduct and wed Sita by extolling her virtues and beauty. Ravana kidnapped Sita, thus triggering the Battle of Lanka.

The Vedas and its Origin

2015-06-29T13:08:00.003-04:00

Rigveda

The Rigveda Samhita is the oldest Veda. It is a collection of 1,028 Sanskrit hymns and 10,600 verses. The hymns are dedicated to Rigvedic deities. More than half the hymns are dedicated to Indra (250 hymns), Agni has 200 hymns, and Soma over 100 hymns.

Samaveda

The Samaveda Samhita consists of 1549 stanzas. The Samaveda Samhita comprises two major parts. The first part include four gāna (melody collections) and the second part composed of three ārcika (verse books). A melody in the gāna corresponds to a verse in the arcika.

Yajurveda

The Yajurveda Samhita consists of mantras. The early part of Yajurveda Samhita are in prose. The Yajur Veda has been the primary source of information about sacrifices during Vedic times and associated rituals. There are two major groups of texts in this Veda: the "Black" (Krishna) un-arranged collection and the "White" (Shukla) well-arranged section.

Atharvaveda

The Artharvaveda Samhita was composed by Atharvan and Angirasa poets. It has 760 hymns. Most of the verses are metrical, but some sections are in prose. The Atharvaveda is a comparatively late extension of the "Three Vedas". The Atharva Veda has been the primary source for information about Vedic culture, the customs and beliefs, the aspirations and frustrations of everyday Vedic life, as well as those associated with kings and governance.

What's the Origin of the Vedas and its inception?

Lord Brahma after a day full of creation, was tired and fell asleep. In his sleep, he was reciting the knowledge in the four Vedas from his four heads. Asura Madhu-Kaitabha started absorbing the knowledge in the Vedas. He then hid deep inside the ocean crater. Lord Vishnu knew this and was worried, if the Vedas were to be hid by the asura, the knowledge could not be passed on for the betterment of creation in the subsequent Yugas.

As Preserver, Lord took his Matsya avatar. A god-loving, honest and just king, King Manu, as part of his daily routine went to the river for his prayers at dawn. He took some water in his cratered palms to offer obeisance to Lord Vishnu. Right then, he heard a voice ‘O great king! Please do not put me back in the river. The bigger fishes would eat me!’ Manu looked closely to find a tiny fish floating in the water cupped by his palms. Kind King Manu put the fish in his ‘Kamandala’ (small jug carried by sages) and went about his daily duties. He woke up next morning to find a big fish staring at him from the top of the 'Kamandala'. The tiny fish had grown bigger and the ‘Kamandala’ was now too small for it.

Manu transferred the fish to a bigger container, but it kept growing bigger every time he put it into a bigger vessel. Manu then took the fish to the river from where he rescued it. However, like before it got bigger, taking up the width of the entire river. Finally Manu guided the fish to the ocean, where it grew into a gigantic fish. By now Manu had realized that this fish was no ordinary one and requested it to reveal its true identity. Upon Manu's request, this gigantic fish transformed into Lord Vishnu. In his Godly form, Vishnu told Manu that in the next seven days there would be huge deluge. The Lord instructed Manu to build a huge boat, collect seeds from all plants, gather male and female pairs of all animal species, and shelter the seven sages along with their families in this boat. Vishnu promised to return with Vasuki (The Snake God) on the seventh day, saying this Lord Vishnu transformed back into the massive fish and left in search of the demon Madhu-Kaitabha whom he soon located. After a brief futile struggle, Madhu-Kaitabha was fatally injured by the giant fish. However only Three Vedas could be rescued. Asura, in its dying breath sought forgiveness from the Lord and asked for a boon that would rid him of sins. Merciful Vishnu, granted him the boon to be reborn as a learned sages and compose the 'last Veda' that he had failed to give up at this time.

On the seventh day, after torrential rains and huge floods, the giant fish came to rescue Manu and all of creation. Vasuki was tied to the huge boat on one end, the other end was fastened to the horn atop the giant fish's head. Then the fish guided the boat over the waters to the shores atop Mount Himavan. The rescued flora and fauna started life afresh with the gift of the Three Vedas! Atharva Veda was to be introduced later by sage Atharvan and Angirasa (rebirth of the Madhu-Kaitabha as sages)

Swami Vivekananda's Chicago Speech

2015-06-24T11:19:00.002-04:00

Sisters and Brothers of America,

It fills my heart with joy unspeakable to rise in response to the warm and cordial welcome which you have given us. I thank you in the name of the most ancient order of monks in the world; I thank you in the name of the mother of religions, and I thank you in the name of millions and millions of Hindu people of all classes and sects.

My thanks, also, to some of the speakers on this platform who, referring to the delegates from the Orient, have told you that these men from far-off nations may well claim the honor of bearing to different lands the idea of toleration. I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance. We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions as true. I am proud to belong to a nation which has sheltered the persecuted and the refugees of all religions and all nations of the earth. I am proud to tell you that we have gathered in our bosom the purest remnant of the Israelites, who came to Southern India and took refuge with us in the very year in which their holy temple was shattered to pieces by Roman tyranny. I am proud to belong to the religion which has sheltered and is still fostering the remnant of the grand Zoroastrian nation. I will quote to you, brethren, a few lines from a hymn which I remember to have repeated from my earliest boyhood, which is every day repeated by millions of human beings: "As the different streams having their sources in different paths which men take through different tendencies, various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead to Thee."

The present convention, which is one of the most august assemblies ever held, is in itself a vindication, a declaration to the world of the wonderful doctrine preached in the Gita: "Whosoever comes to Me, through whatsoever form, I reach him; all men are struggling through paths which in the end lead to me." Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilization and sent whole nations to despair. Had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it is now. But their time is come; and I fervently hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honor of this convention may be the death-knell of all fanaticism, of all persecutions with the sword or with the pen, and of all uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way to the same goal.

Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesh: The Holy Hindu Trinity

2015-06-22T20:39:00.000-04:00

Every process is initiated on completion of its preceding process. The best way to carry out a set of activities for a given process, one needs to know the process preceding it. This establishes the cyclic infinitum of nature.

Brahma before creation needs to understand the universal spirit made available as a result of destruction, therefore he meditates on Shiva. Vishnu is the Preserver, to carry out his duties as the preserver he meditates on Brahma to understand the nuances of creation. Shiva as annihilator, meditates on \Vishnu to best understand what is under the spheres of preservation and what needs destruction before Brahma ushers in creation

Sheshnaga: The Serpent of Lord Vishnu

2015-06-22T10:09:00.001-04:00

Sheshanaga (Sanskrit meaning is one of the primal Snakes). Per the Puranas, Shesha holds all the planets of the universe on its hoods while constantly singing the glories of the God Vishnu from all its mouths. When Adishesa uncoils, time moves forward and creation takes place and when he coils back, the universe ceases to exist.

Shesha is depicted as a thousand hooded snake that floats on 'KhirSagar', forming the bed on which Vishnu lies. Along with many 'Avatars' (incarnations) of Vishnu, Shesha is said to have descended to Earth in human avatars of Lakshman (brother of Rama), Balarama (brother of Krishna), Ramanuja, Patanjali, etc.

As per scriptures, Shesha was born to rishi Kashyap and his wife Kadru (daughters of prajapati Daksha). Kadru gave birth to a thousand snakes, of which Shesha was the eldest.

Krishna, was born to Devika and Vasudeva and had to be transported to Yashodha for immunity from cruel Kamsa. When Vasudeva was carrying baby Krishna across the river to Gokul, Sheshnaga rose from the river and shaded the baby Krishna from the torrential rain. At the time of Samudra-manthan, Sheshnaga become the rope with which the seas were churned.

Vishnu: His Weapons and Forms

2015-06-18T10:13:00.000-04:00

Shaantaa-kaaram bhujhga-shaynam padma-naabham suresham
Vishva-aadhaaram gagan-sadrisham meghvaran shubh-aangam
Laxmi-kaantam kamal-nayanam yogibhir-dhyan-gamyam
Vande vishnu bhav-bhay-haram sarva-lokeik-naathanam

He, who possesses a tranquil form, lies on the bed of snake, from whose naval has sprung the Lotus (of Brahma)
He, who is the Lord of all Gods, the support of the universe, complexion like dark clouds and possesses handsome features
He, who is the Lord of Laxmi, goddess of wealth has lotus-like eyes and revealed to yogis through meditation
Obeisance to that Vishnu who is the dispeller of the fear and Lord of all the worlds

The characteristic weapons of Vishnu in his four hands
1. Panchajanya Shankha (Conch-shell) that symbolizes purity of speech and 'Praan-Vayu' yoga of the Vishuddha Chakra
2. Sudarshan (Discus) symbolizes self-knowledge leading to emancipation of soul from Maya on activation of Ajna Chakra
3. Kaumodaki Gada (Mace) symbolizes victory over the five vices lust, anger, greed, attachment and arrogance
4. Padma (Lotus) represents purity of actions and spirit of detachment that comes from activated Anahata Chakra

Four objects held by Four hands of Vishnu, leads to 24 forms (factorial 4 = 4X3X2X1 = 24). These 24 forms are
1. Kesava, destroyer of demon Kesi (Padma left-upper hand, Shankha right-upper, Chakra right-lower and Gada left-lower)
2. Narayana, the universal shelter (Shankha, Chakra, Gada and Padma)
3. Madhava, Lord of knowledge (Gada, Chakra, Shankha and Padma)
4. Govinda, protector of cows and mother-Earth (Chakra, Gada, Padma and Shankha)
5. Madhusudana, the destroyer of the demon Madhu (Chakra, Gada, Shankha and Padma)
6. Trivikrama, the one who conquered the three planetary systems (Padma, Gada, Chakra and Shankha)
7. Padmanabhan, whose navel produced the universal Padma (Shankha, Padma, Chakra and Gada)
8. Shridhara, the possessor of fortune (Padma, Chakra, Shankha and Gada)
9. Hrishikesha, Lord of the senses (Shankha, Padma, Gada and Chakra)
10. Vamana, the dwarf incarnation (Shankha, Gada, Chakra and Padma)
11. Damodara, who is self-restrained (Padma, Chakra, Gada and Shankha)
12. Vishnu, the all-pervader (Gada, Padma, Shankha and Chakra)
13. Vasudeva, one who dwells within (Gada, Chakra, Padma and Shankha)
14. Pradyumna, who has the most wealth (Chakra, Shankha, Gada and Padma)
15. Aniruddha, who no one can oppose (Chakra, Shankha, Padma and Gada)
16. Purushottama, best of all men (Chakra, Padma, Shankha and Gada)
17. Adhoksaja, the expanse of the universe (Gada, Shankha, Padma and Chakra)
18. Narsimha, the half-man and half-lion form (Chakra, Padma, Gada and Shankha)
19. Achyuta, the inconceivable (Gada, Padma, Chakra and Shankha)
20. Krishna, the dark and all-attractive one (Shankha, Gada, Padma and Chakra)
21. Hari, He who removes obstacles or sorrow (Shankha, Chakra, Padma and Gada)
22. Janardana, He who gives rewards (Padma, Gada, Shankha and Chakra)
23. Upendra, the brother of Indra (Shankha, Padma, Gada and Chakra)
24. Sankarsana, who plows the mind-fields with 'bhakti' (Padma, Shankha, Gada and Chakra)

Translation: Shuddha Brahma Paratpara Raam

2015-06-16T13:52:00.001-04:00

Balya Kanda:
1. Shuddha brahma paratpara Raam
2: kalatmaka paRaameshvara Raam
3: shesa talpa sukha nidrita Raam
4: brahmadyamara prartitha
5: canda kiranakula mandana Raam
6: shrimad-dasharatha nandana Raam
7: kausalya sukha vardhana Raam
8: vishvamitra priyadhana Raam
9: ghora tataka dhataka Raam
10: maricadini pataka Raam
11: kaushikamaka sam Raam
12: shrimadahlyoddharaka Raam
13: gautama muni sampujita Raam
14: sura muni vara gana samstuta Raam
15: navikadhavita mrdupada Raam
16: mithilapura jana mohaka Raam
17: videha manasa ranjaka Raam
18: tryambaka karmuka bhanjaka Raam
19: sitarpita vara malika Raam
20: krtavaivahika kautuka Raam
21: bhargava darpa vinashaka Raam
22: shrimad ayodhya palaka Raam

Meaning:
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who is Essence of all that is Godly
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who is Essence of the destroyer
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who sleeps on the snake Sesha
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who was saluted by Brahma and all Devas
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who was born in Sun’s dynasty
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who was a source of joy to Dasaratha
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who made life of Kausalya very happy
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who was most dear to Viswamitra
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who killed ogress Thadaka in the deep forest
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who drove away Maricha
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who saved the prestige of Koushika
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who helped Ahalya to regain form
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who was worshipped by Goutama the sage
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who was given boons by Gods and Sages
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who was darling of people of Mithila
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who broke the bow of Trayambaka
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who was garlanded by Princess Sita
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who became happy marrying Sita
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who destroyed the ego of parasuRaam
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who looked after the people of Ayodhya

Ayodhya Kanda:
23: aganita gunagana bhusita Raam
24: avanitanaya kamita Raam
25: raka candra samanana Raam
26: pitru vakya-shrta kanana Raam
27: priya guha vinivedita pada Raam
28: taksalita nija mrdupada Raam
29: bharadvaja mukhanandaka Raam
30: citrakutadri niketana Raam
31: dasharatha santata cintita Raam
32: kaikeyi tanayarthita Raam
33: viracita nija pitru karmaka Raam
34: bharatarpita nija paduka Raam

Meaning:
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who is personification of all good
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who was darling of all citizens
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who was like the full moon in a cloudless sky
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who obeyed the words of his father
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who was worshipped by his friend Guha
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who was taken care of by Guha
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who was worshipped by Sage Bharadwaja
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who lived in Chitra Koota Mountains
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who became sad by death of Dasaratha
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who was requested to return by Bharata
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who did the obsequies for his father
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who gave his shoes to Bharata
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who went to Dhandaka Forests

Arannya Kanda:
35: dandakavana jana pavana Raam
36: dusta viradha vinashana Raam
37: sharabhanga sutiksana arcita Raam
38: agastyanugraha vardhita Raam
39: grghradhipa samsevita Raam
40: pancavati tata sustita Raam
41: shurpanakharthi vidhayaka Raam
42: kharadusana mukha sudaka Raam
43: sitapriya harinanuga Raam
44: maricartti krdashuga Raam
45: vinasta sitanvesaka Raam
46: grdhradhipa gati dayaka Raam
47: shabari datta phalashana Raam
48: kabanda bahucchedana Raam

Meaning:
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who killed the Bad Virata
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who was worshipped by Sage Sarabhanga
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who was blessed by Sage Agastya
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who was honoured by King of Eagles
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who lived near five banyans?
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who insulted the voracious Surpanaka
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who killed Khara and Dhushana
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who chased the deer wanted by Sita
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who killed Mareecha in deer’s form
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who started searching for the lost Sita
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who Sent The King of Eagles to Heaven
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who ate the fruits given by Sabari
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who cut the hands of Kabanda

Kiskindhaa Kanda:
49: hanumat-sevita nijapada Raam
50: nata sugrivabhistada Raam
51: garvita vali samharaka Raam
52: vanara duta presaka Raam
53: hitakara laksmana samyuta Raam

Meaning:
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who was served by Hanuman
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who promised to help Sugreeva
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who killed the proud Bali
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who sent monkeys all over the world
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who was consoled by Lakshmana

Sundara Kanda:
54: kapivara santata samsmrta Raam
55: tadgati vighna dhvamsaka Raam
56: sita prana taraka Raam
57: dusta dashanana dusita Raam
58: shista hanumad-bhusita Raam
59: sita vedita kakavana Raam
60: krta cudamani darshana Raam
61: kapivara vacanashvasita Raam

Meaning:
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who was worshipped by the Great Monkeys
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who removed all obstacles from their path
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who is the support of life of Sita
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who was abused by the bad Ravana
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who was praised by the great Hanuman
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who became upset because Sita cried
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who saw the Chudamani of Sita
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who was consoled by the great monkey

Yuddha Kanda:
62: ravana nidhana prasthita Raam
63: vanara sainya samavrta Raam
64: shosita sharidhisharthita Raam
65: vibhisana bhaya dayaka Raam
66: parvata setu nibandhaka Raam
67: kumbhakarna shirash-chedaka Raam
68: raksasa sangha vimardaka Raam
69: ahimahi ravana carana Raam
70: samhrta dashamukha ravana Raam
71: vidhibhava mukhasura samstuta Raam
72: khasthita dasharatha viksita
73: Raam sita darshana modita Raam
74: abhisakta vibhisana nata Raam
75: puspakayana rohita Raam
76: bharadvajabhinisevana Raam
77: bharata prana priyakara Raam
78: saketapuri bhusana Raam
79: sakala sviya samanata Raam
80: ratnalasat-pithasthita Raam
81: pattabhisekalankrta Raam
82: parthiva kula sammanita Raam
83: vibhisanaprita rangaka Raam
84: kica kulanugraha kara Raam
85: sakala jiva sam raksaka Raam
86: samasta lokadharaka Raam

Meaning:
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who marched towards Ravana’s place
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who was accompanied by the army of monkeys
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who gave protection to Vibhishana
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who built the bridge across the sea
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who killed Kumbhakarna
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who defeated the army of Asuras
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who made Ravana helpless
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who slew Ravana in battle
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who destroyed the bad asuras
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who saw Dasaratha from the heavens
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who became Happy on seeing Sita
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who made Vibhishana the king of Lanka
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who traveled back in Pushpaka plane
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who was honoured by Sage Bharadwaja
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who saved the life of Bharatha
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who was ornament to the city of Ayodhya
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who made everybody happy
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who sat on the throne of gems
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who was the greatest of Sun dynasty
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who got the respect from Vibhishana
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who was honoured by the dynasty of monkey kings
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who ruled over the entire world
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who granted all boons to his devotees

Uttara Kanda:
87: Agata munigana samstuta Raam
88: vishrta dasha kanthodbhava Raam
89: sita lingana nirvrta Raam
90: niti suraksita janapada Raam
91: vipina tyajita janakaja Raam
92: karita lavanasura vadha Raam
93: svargata shambuka samstuta Raam
94: svatanaya kushalava nandita Raam
95: ashvamedha krtu diksita Raam
96: kalavedita surapada Raam
97: ayodhyaka jana muktida Raam
98: vidhi mukha vibudhananda Raam
99: tejomaya nija rupaka Raam
100: samsrti bandha vimocaka Raam
101: dharma sthapana tatpara Raam
102: bhakti parayana muktita Raam
103: sarva caracara palaka Raam
104: sarva bhavamaya varaka Raam
105: vaikunthalaya samsthita Raam
106: nityananda padasthita Raam
107: Raam Raam jaya raja Raam
108: Raam Raam jaya sita Raam

Meaning:
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who was Praised by All the Visiting Sages
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who has His Fame Spread Far and Wide in the Ten Directions in the Voices of All
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who was Happy in the Embrace of Devi Sita
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who Protected His Empire by Moral Precepts
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who Abandoned Devi Sita (Born of Janaka) in the Forest.
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who Caused the Killing of Demon Lavanasura (through brother Satrughna)
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who was Praised by Shambuka who had Gone to Heaven
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who Made Happy His Own Sons Lava and Kusha
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who was Initiated into the Sacrifice of Ashwamedha
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who was Made to Know His Divine Position by Kala when His time to depart arrived
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who Gave Liberation to the People of Ayodhya
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who made the Faces of Brahma and other Gods Shine with Joy
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who assumed His Own Divine Form Shining with Light during His departure
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who Releases one from the Bondage of Samsara (Worldly Attachments)
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who is Eager to Establish Dharma in the World.
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who Gives Liberation to one Wholly Devoted to Him
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who is the Guardian of All Moving and Non-Moving Beings
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who Restrains All Diseases of Worldly Attachments from His Devotees
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who Established Himself in the Abode of Vaikunatha after His departure
I take Refuge in Sri Raam, Who was Established in His Divine Position of Eternal Blissafter His departure
O Raam, Sri Raam, Victory to You King Raam
O Raam, Sri Raam, Victory to You Sita Raam

Conclusion:
Bhayahara Mangala Dsharatha Raam
Jaya Jaya Mangala Sita Raam
Mangalakara Jaya Mangala Raam
Sangata Shubha Vibhavodaya Raam
Anandamrta Varsaka Raam
Ashrta Vatsala Jaya Jaya Raam
Raghupati Raghava Raja Raam
Patita Pavana Sita Raam

Kosha, Chakra and Sat-Chit-Ananda

2015-06-15T15:33:00.000-04:00

As described in the Taittiriya Upanishad, Sat-Chit-Ananda (Existence-Consciousness-Bliss) state of the ‘Atman’ comes from the innermost revelation once the outer layers of 'agyan' (like layers of an onion) is removed

These layers of ‘Maya’, known as 'Kosha', are listed in order from outer-most to the inner-most:

1. Annamaya: This is the outer-most layer nourished by 'Anna' (food). Man whose consciousness is bound in this layer identifies himself with a mass of skin, flesh, fat, bones and filth. Once the Kundalini, through Yogic practices has been activated beyond the 'Manipura' chakra, can one move beyond this layer

2. Pranamaya: this sheath is nourished by 'Prana' (energy from breath). The Kundalini has to be activated beyond 'Anahata' chakra to move beyond this layer

3. Manomaya: is composed of 'Manas' (mind-matter). This layer governs one's existential ego of I and mine. Adi Shankara compares this 'I' ego to clouds and the 'Manas' to the wind. Individuality of 'I' is ushered in by the mind (like clouds brought in by winds) just as liberation comes from the clarity of mind (winds blowing away the clouds) to reveal the divine light. Vishuddha Chakra needs to be activated to go beyond the Manomaya kosha

4. Vijnanamaya: layer is governed by Vijnana (Vishesh-Gyan or Wisdom). Ajna chakra on its activation enables man to move beyond this layer

5. Anandamaya: is the ultimate state of 'Ananda' (Bliss), where one identifies himself with 'Satyam-Shivam-Sundaram'. The truth (Satya) that it is eternally (Shiva) blissful (Ananda). Once the Sahasrara chakra is activated, the embodied eternal spirit liberates itself and unites with 'Brahma', the Universal energy

According to the Vedas the wise person, being aware of the kosha, discerns the 'Self' amidst its various manifestations at various layers.

Beef Taboo in Hinduism?

2015-06-15T14:10:00.000-04:00

The Vedas and ancient Hindu scriptures, shows that animal sacrifice was a dominant feature till the emergence of settled agriculture. Cattle were the major property during this phase. Wealth was equated with the ownership of the cattle. A few gods such as Indra and Agni are described as having special preferences for different types of flesh. The Maruts and the Asvins were also offered cows. In the Vedas there is a mention of around 250 animals out of which at least 50 were supposed to be fit for sacrifice and consumption. In the Mahabharata there is a mention of king Rantideva who achieved great fame by distributing food grains and beef to Brahmins. Even later Brahminical texts provide the evidence for eating beef. Even Manusmriti did not prohibit the consumption of beef.

In therapeutic section of Charak Samhita, the flesh of cow is prescribed as a medicine for various diseases. It is also prescribed for making soup. It is emphatically advised as a cure for irregular fever, consumption, and emaciation. The fat of the cow is recommended for debility and rheumatism. At that time there were ritualistic animal sacrifices (like Aswamedha, Gomedha, Purusmedha, Vajapeya, etc) which involved 500 oxen, 500 male calves, 500 female calves and 500 sheep to be tied to the sacrificial pole for slaughter. Buddha condemned these mal-practices of slaughter and killing without need for food. The followers of Buddhism continued to eat flesh including beef. Emperor Ashok after converting to Buddhism did not turn to vegetarianism. He only restricted the number of animals to be killed for the royal kitchen.

With the rise of agricultural economy and the massive transformation occurring in society, this ideology took up the cow as a holy symbol and became a way of life in Mordern India that considers beef consumption a taboo for Hindus

Flight Data: Tableau Viz

2015-06-13T11:30:00.004-04:00

I have used Tableau to create an Outbound Flight Data report for US. The historic data is derived from flight data available in public domain.
The vision has been to create a report where the map filters upon the Origin City and rest of the report analysis is based on the date and city selected. Clicking upon the marks within the graphical and tabular visualization would also further filter the data specific to the carrier clicked upon. Hope you enjoy this fun project i worked upon in my down-time!

To vote for my Viz, just write a tweet with the appropriate hashtag. Whoever gets the most tweets will win the crowd favourite prize from Tableau Public

Saptarshis and the Blood-Line

2015-06-10T10:27:00.003-04:00

The 'Saptarishi' (in Sanskrit meaning seven sages) are the ancient Rishis are patriarchs of the Vedic religion. These Rishis were recognized as the 'Manas Putra' of Brahma (Manifested from Brahma’s mediation). They are said to be 'seers' of divine law which rules all creation. They are free from worldly pleasures and the circle of life and death. The Rishis are:
1. Vashista: well renowned for his Vasishta Samhita and 'Yoga Vasishtam'. He was married to Arundathi
2. Bharadvaja: whose composed Vedic mantras were placed in Rig Veda and postulates in grammar. He was married to Susheela
3. Bhrigu: father of predictive astrology and author of Bhrigu Samhita. He was married to Khyati and has two sons Dhata and Vidhata
4. Gautama: Composer of the Gautama Dharma Sutra and Manu Smriti. He was married to Ahalya
5. Visvamitra: Author of 'mandalas' in Rig Veda and 'Gayetri Mantra'. He was married to Sruti
6. Jamadagni: His wife Renuka had five children, the youngest of whom was Parashuram, an avatar of Lord Vishnu
7. Kasyapa: gave us the Ayurvedic Paediatics and was author of Kashyapa Samhita. He is said to have been married to 13 daughters of Prajapati. Three of them listed here are of greatest significance. His wife Aditi bore Agni (fire-God), Adityas and most importantly Vamana (Lord Vishnus's fifth Avatar). Kasyapa also married Danu, who gave birth to several Danavs. His marriage with Diti bore the Daityas Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyaksha.

Water and Hinduism

2015-06-05T08:24:00.001-04:00

• Holy places are usually located on the banks of rivers, sea-shores and lake-shores, convergence of two or three rivers, carry special significance

• Milk and water are symbols of fertility, absence of which can cause barrenness, sterility leading to death.

• The Matsya Avatara of Lord Vishnu is said to have appeared to King Manu while he washed his hands in a river.

• 'Poorna Kumba' literally means a full pitcher (of water). Poorna Kumbha, with fresh leaves of mango tree and a coconut on top symbolizing God, is used during different religious rites.

• 'Tarpana', means offer/gratify. It is the act of pouring water through the hands with the use of sacred grass for thanking and pleasing Gods or fore-fathers.

• During all purification rites water is sprinkled on the objects which are to be purified.

• Before starting a meal Hindus sprinkle water around the leaf or plate in which the meal is traditionally eaten.

• There is also an important ritual called 'Sandhyopasana'. The important features of this ceremony are: 'Achamana' or sipping of water with recitation of Mantras, 'Marjana' or sprinkling of water on the body to purify, 'Aghamarshana' or expiation for the sins of many births, and 'Surya Arghya' or offering water to the Sun-god

• Devotees takes water in his hands while facing the Sun, extends his arms outwards and lets a steady stream run from his eye-level to feet. This lets Sunʼs rays pass through the stream, and its rays refract before penetrating every part of the body.

• Water Therapy, both external and internal, has been practiced for centuries to heal the sick. 1.5 liters of water should be consumed each morning on an empty stomach, as well as throughout the day.

• Water plays a significant role in death as well. Many funeral grounds used to be located near the rivers in India. After cremation, the mourners bathe in the river before returning to their homes. After the third day, the ashes are collected, and on the tenth day these are cast into the holy river.

• The largest gathering of people in the world occurs at the Kumbh Mela which is a spiritual pilgrimage celebrated every three years. In Hindu mythology, it is said that a drop of immortal nectar was dropped into the Ganges during Samudra-Manthan (refer previous notes). Millions of Hindus bathe in the Ganga, believing their sins will be washed away and they will achieve salvation

Shiva Jyothirlinga

2015-06-03T09:19:00.002-04:00

According to Śiva Mahāpurāṇa, once Brahma and Vishnu had an argument over supremacy of creation (refer earlier post). To test them, Shiva pierced the three worlds as a huge 'Jyotirlinga' (endless pillar of light). The jyotirlinga symbolizes the supreme partless reality, of which Shiva manifests. 12 of the Jyotirlinga are considered to be very auspicious and at all these sites, the primary image is lingam representing the beginningless and endless 'Stambha' (pillar), symbolizing the infinite nature of Shiva. The twelve Jyothirlinga are in:

1. Somnath (Gujarat)

2. Mallikarjuna at Srisailam (Andra Pradesh)

3. Mahakaleswar at Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh)

4. Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh

5. Kedarnath in Himalayas

6. Bhimashankar in Maharashtra

7. Viswanath at Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)

8. Triambakeshwar in Maharashtra

9. Vaidyanath at Deoghar (Jharkhand)

10. Aundha Nagnath (Maharashtra)

11. Rameshwar (Tamil Nadu) and

12. Grishneshwar at Ellora (Maharashtra)

Bramha: Why No Temples?

2015-05-28T14:08:00.001-04:00

Shiva the ‘adi-yogi’ was in his formless pillar of fire/light state when Vishnu and Bramha (manifestations of the same supreme power) came to being. Vishnu and Bramha embarked on a quest to measure out this pillar of fire. It was decided that Brahma would go up to find the head of this pillar of Light (Shiva) and Vishnu would go down under the earth, to find the foot of Shiva. Their quest went on for thousands of years and yet they could find the head or foot to the pillar of light

Vishnu decided to end his search. At the same time, Brahma saw a Ketaki flower falling from the sky. He stopped the flower and asked it where it was coming from. The flower replied that it had been placed at the top of the pillar of fire as an offering and had fallen from there. Brahma decided to end his search and instead use the Ketaki flower as evidence of the pillar-head.

Both Brahma and Vishnu met and Vishnu truthfully declared that he had been unable to find the feet of the fiery pillar. Brahma on the other hand lied by saying that he had in fact reached the head of the pillar of fire and brought the Ketaki flower from the top. This false claim angered Shiva and He manifested to his physical form and then cursed Brahma that he would have no temple dedicated to his worship as he was undeserving. He also cursed the Ketaki flower that henceforth it shall not be used in the worship of Shiva.

Buddhism: The Begging-Bowl

2015-05-27T10:04:00.003-04:00

According to the Buddhist monastic code, monks and nuns are not allowed to accept money or even to engage in barter/trade with lay people. They live entirely in an economy of gifts. One gives what is appropriate to the occasion and means.

For a monastic the bowl represents opportunity given to practice the Dhamma in accordance with their means. This practice is a reminder that asking for basic necessities from householders is not an individual matter, But engages the entire community into the art of giving without pride. Thereby slowly instilling the quality of non-attachment to tangible objects among the society.

Having said this, personally I do not support giving money to beggars. Per our scriptures and the glorious Hindu ways, giving knowledge is considered the most valuable gift, second comes the gift of food and lastly is the gift of money. When confronted by a beggar asking for money, I usually buy some edible food and offer it to them. Also several non-profit organizations empower the needy with skills, training and point them in the direction of becoming financially independent.

NPO helping the poor:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Poor-Peoples-United-Fund/143227562397811

http://www.globalvolunteers.org/

http://www.unitedplanet.org/volunteer-abroad

Links to some articles:

http://www.quora.com/Ethics/Should-you-or-should-you-not-give-alms-to-a-beggar