Satsang in Losheng by Art Of Living Taipei Center from Taiwan
Lyrics
Shiva Raja Maheshwara
Jaya Shankara Shiva Shambo
Shambo Shambo Jaya Shankara Shiva Shambo
(Shambo Shambo Shambo Shambo Shambo Shambo)
Shiva Raja Maheswhara by Firangs
Lyrics
Shiva Raja Maheshwara
Jaya Shankara Shiva Shambo
Shambo Shambo Jaya Shankara Shiva Shambo
(Shambo Shambo Shambo Shambo Shambo Shambo)
Change of domain!
Changed the domain of this blog from art-of-living-blog.blogspot.com to blog.artoflivingyoga.info.
Henceforth artoflivingyoga.info will be an all-in-one place for Art of Living info & updates.
Henceforth artoflivingyoga.info will be an all-in-one place for Art of Living info & updates.
Art of Living Daily Sutra: Divine and the shell
You'll find everybody is Divine, every person is Divine, but everybody is covered with the shell of small ego, small mind. And if you drill through the small mind you'll find they're also beautiful, they're also Divine.
- Sri Sri Ravishankar
- Sri Sri Ravishankar
Sensory pleasures and bliss
Sri Sri Ravishankar says:
"All sensory pleasures in the world are like wrapping paper; true bliss is the present inside. Divine Love is the present, yet we are holding on to the paper believing we have already enjoyed the gift. It is like putting the chocolate inside your mouth with the paper still on. A little chocolate may seep into your mouth, but the wrapper causes discomfort.
Unwrap the present. The whole world is there for you to enjoy. The wise know how to enjoy the gift inside, while the ignorant get stuck with the paper."
"All sensory pleasures in the world are like wrapping paper; true bliss is the present inside. Divine Love is the present, yet we are holding on to the paper believing we have already enjoyed the gift. It is like putting the chocolate inside your mouth with the paper still on. A little chocolate may seep into your mouth, but the wrapper causes discomfort.
Unwrap the present. The whole world is there for you to enjoy. The wise know how to enjoy the gift inside, while the ignorant get stuck with the paper."
DIVINE LOVE AND THE COMPLAINING FACE
How would you like to see yourself happy and bubbling with enthusiasm or dull and difficult to please?
Often you like to be pleased, appeased and cajoled. So you put up a tough, upset face and act difficult to please. If a person has to appease and please ten people all the time, it will be so tiring. People who keep a long face and expect others to cajole and appease them make others run away. Lovers often do this. They expend a lot of energy in cajoling and this brings down the joy and celebration of the moment.
It is okay for you to show your upset mood or tendency once in a while, but doing it over and over again is taxing for you and people you love.
If you feel down, appease and please yourself. Your need to be appeased by someone else is the sign of grossness. This is the root of ignorance. If you want attention, all you get is tension.
Become one whose enthusiasm never dies, come what may.
It is not possible to attain Divine Love with a complaining face. The complaining face is a sign of an unaware mind. If you want to complain, complain to God or your Guru because both have their ears covered. (Laughter).
Aggression is a means to overcome depression
Aggression as a means to overcome depression
Lack of idealism is the main cause of depression among the youth today. Life appears to be so meaningless to these children, who are either too scared of the competitive world or bogged down by heavy stimuli. They need an inspiration....
And Spirituality is that inspiration that can keep the spirit up!
And Spirituality is that inspiration that can keep the spirit up!
Aggression is the antidote to depression.
Depression sets in if there is a lack of zeal to fight.
Depression sets in if there is a lack of zeal to fight.
Depression is lack of energy, and anger and aggression are a bolt of energy.
When Arjuna was depressed, Krishna inspired him to fight and thus reinstated life back in Arjuna. If you are depressed, don't take Prozac - just fight - for any cause!
When Arjuna was depressed, Krishna inspired him to fight and thus reinstated life back in Arjuna. If you are depressed, don't take Prozac - just fight - for any cause!
If aggression crosses a certain limit it leads you back into depression. That's what happened with King Ashoka, who won the Kalinga war but became depressed. He had to take refuge in Buddha.
WISE ARE THOSE WHO DO NOT FALL EITHER INTO AGGRESSION OR DEPRESSION.
That's the golden line of a Yogi.
Just wake up and acknowledge you are a Yogi!
Just wake up and acknowledge you are a Yogi!
Art of Living singers - message from Harshal
From: harshal jadhav <harshalpjadhav@yahoo.com>
Subject: AOL Singers - A Google Group for Singers!!!!
Many of us have a passion for music and love singing our Bhajans in Satsangs, won't it be great if all such people come together and share our passion and learn from each other! For the same a Google Group named "AOL Singers! " is made for Art Of Living volunteers who sing in Satsangs!
The intention of the group is to bring all these singers together, so that they can share their passion for music, learn new things, and excel at singing satsangs!
Join this group on http://groups.google.co.in/
And we have Amol Shende with us on this group who would post and share his knowledge with us!!
Please share this with all singers!!
With Love
Harshal
Art Of Living - One Common Website for Entire India!
www.artoflivingindia.in
Subject: AOL Singers - A Google Group for Singers!!!!
Many of us have a passion for music and love singing our Bhajans in Satsangs, won't it be great if all such people come together and share our passion and learn from each other! For the same a Google Group named "AOL Singers! " is made for Art Of Living volunteers who sing in Satsangs!
The intention of the group is to bring all these singers together, so that they can share their passion for music, learn new things, and excel at singing satsangs!
Join this group on http://groups.google.co.in/
And we have Amol Shende with us on this group who would post and share his knowledge with us!!
Please share this with all singers!!
With Love
Harshal
Art Of Living - One Common Website for Entire India!
www.artoflivingindia.in
Proof! - Today's daily Sutra
Proof is one of the main things in the world that you are stuck on to --- you want proof of everything.Whether someone loves you or not, you want a proof about it.
- Sri Sri Ravishankar
Other Art of Living Daily Sutras
- Sri Sri Ravishankar
Other Art of Living Daily Sutras
Hari Sundara Nanda Mukunda! sung at Art of Living Silver Jubilee
Enjoy this enthralling and high voltage Art of Living Bhajan "Hari Sundara Nanda Mukunda" bhajan sung at Art of Living Silver Jubilee Celebrations day - 2 (February 18th 2006) at Jakkur Air field, Banagalore. This was sung by Sri Sri Ravishankar Himself as well as Art of Living teacher Rishi Nityapragya etc. Can somebody please post the lyrics and other related links in comments.
Enthralling Satsang in progress at Art of Living Silver Jubilee Celebrations.
A review of Scientology
Mankind knows the concept that we are not our bodies but spiritual beings for many millennia.
Hindu scriptures has been telling the same from time immemorial. Even most other religions like Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism tell the same thing. Hindu Seers have not only well-documented this philosophy through its numerous scriptures which give you deep knowledge about the Self (It is also called Spirit, Soul, Consciousness, Atma etc) but also provides lots of practical, well-established and time-tested tools and techniques like Yoga and meditation to realize your real nature i.e. that is your soul.
I don't see any need for a new "religion" for achieving self-realization (or enlightenment of Moksha or liberation or Nirvana etc). Moreover it seems that Scientology is a propaganda to achieve vested interests by some people. They are making it seem that it is their new "invention" for path to liberation and I seriously doubt whether it is any useful in the path towards enlightenment. Also the very name "Scientology" is a wrong word because it misleadingly suggests that it is a 'new "scientific" way of life "unlike" other religions or spiritual traditions'.
in reference to: Official Church of Scientology Online Videos: What is Scientology, Scientologist Beliefs, Spiritual Healing with Dianetics (view on Google Sidewiki)
Hindu scriptures has been telling the same from time immemorial. Even most other religions like Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism tell the same thing. Hindu Seers have not only well-documented this philosophy through its numerous scriptures which give you deep knowledge about the Self (It is also called Spirit, Soul, Consciousness, Atma etc) but also provides lots of practical, well-established and time-tested tools and techniques like Yoga and meditation to realize your real nature i.e. that is your soul.
I don't see any need for a new "religion" for achieving self-realization (or enlightenment of Moksha or liberation or Nirvana etc). Moreover it seems that Scientology is a propaganda to achieve vested interests by some people. They are making it seem that it is their new "invention" for path to liberation and I seriously doubt whether it is any useful in the path towards enlightenment. Also the very name "Scientology" is a wrong word because it misleadingly suggests that it is a 'new "scientific" way of life "unlike" other religions or spiritual traditions'.
in reference to: Official Church of Scientology Online Videos: What is Scientology, Scientologist Beliefs, Spiritual Healing with Dianetics (view on Google Sidewiki)
Sri Sri Ravishankar on Mathematics, Science and Spirituality!
Mathematics, Science and Spirituality!
Memorial Lecture given by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar at S. M. Medical college, Jodhpur ( 23 February 2005)
(H H Sri Sri Ravishankar, Art of Living Founder spoke in both Hindi and English. Wherever spoken in Hindi has been translated in English here. By the way, Government of Maharashtra (an Indian state) wanted to make mathematics an optional subject from 8th standard! This was ridiculous! Such a move would have disastrous implications on the society in the long run. It would take us several centuries backwards in time. All those who are aware of this should oppose it. Read an interesting article on this by my ex-colleague Sai at: saisureshsivaswamy.rediffblogs.com. Originally posted on my other Art of Living blog in 2006. - Krishna)
Science And Spirituality
I know you all are waiting to hear me, while there are others who are simply waiting to see me, doesn't matter what I talk. Should I speak in Hindi or English? Some want in Hindi and others in English. I will speak in both and whenever I am speaking in the language other than that of your choice, just listen as if you are listening to some music, otherwise you will start feeling restless!
Listening is also an art - there is an art of listening. Are you all listening? It can be any speaker who may speak for ten minutes but we actually hear for about three minutes; this is a statistical figure! The remaining seven minutes, the body remains there but the mind goes out gallivanting and comes back after roaming for sometime. So if one speaks for thirty minutes say, then, in actual effect, you hear for about 9-10 minutes. That's why I said, whatever language I speak, if you do not understand, just hear it like a music otherwise restlessness starts building in the mind, right?
You always complain if someone speaks in the language you don't know. When you sit and gossip for 2-3 hours, you don't know how the time flies but when you are sitting and someone is speaking for a couple of minutes in a foreign language you don't know, even those couple of minutes seem to be very long, hasn't it been our experience? Whenever your mind is engaged, you do not feel the time but when the mind is not engaged, you feel the time is too long, correct? Study of time is both Spirituality and Science. Time is the junction.
Are you all here? What is happening now? Waiting- waiting for a phone call, waiting for someone to come, waiting for something. But you know what's interesting is that we don't know what waiting itself is! If you can experience the pure waiting- that becomes meditation. Suppose I am not going to speak for next 20-25 minutes, are you willing to be here? Yes! Waiting for infinity is meditation and if we don't understand what waiting is, we tend towards frustration.
See, waiting is the junction that either leads you to frustration on one side or, on another side, takes you to a meditative state. If you are a meditator then you know what dhyaan (meditation) is, then nothing can frustrate you because every moment that you are free and have to wait for something, you drop into meditation!
We become carefree when we realize that waiting can lead to either meditation or frustration. You can be free from frustration if you meditate and be happy and joyful. Many moments come in our lives, when we have to wait and with this waiting we are filled with frustration, anger, restlessness - all kinds of disorders of mind. So to become free from all such disorders it is very essential to know about meditation.
"What is this?"- is Science ; " Who am I?"- is Spirituality. It is only in India, in this country, that no conflict ever happened between Science and Spirituality. It is only in India that from ages the science and spirituality said the Earth and other planets are
moving round the Sun. We also teach our students but unfortunately in a wrong way. We teach today in our schools that Galileo discovered that the earth is round. We don't remember that it is India which has given the concept of earth being spherical 'khagoal' (kha means Earth and goal means round), 'bhoogoal' (geography- the study of earth ) etc. The earth was always considered spherical. In the 7- 8th century sculptures you see the Varah Murti carrying a globe on their tusks. That means our ancestors, the people in India in ancient days knew that the earth was spherical.
From the times of Vedic age itself, our ancient people knew the placing of the sun and the planets. In today's time too we worship the same way by placing the sun in the center and all planets around it. Long ago, from ancient times, we knew that the sun was the center of our solar system yet we teach wrong and give credit to Galileo for discovering it! We need to change such history now. Similarly the value of Pi and its formula were known long ago. They were well advanced in mathematics. All geometry, trigonometry etc was given in verses with not just formulas but also with detail and diagrams. So we were never ignorant but very advanced in Science from ancient time but unfortunately what is being taught is that our ancestors were ignorant and foolish. It is heard that a professor of History, in Delhi University, is teaching the children that the ancient man burnt incense to scare the God saying- "See the incense in my hand, fulfill my wish or I will burn you down." And if that was not sufficient to scare then he went with the lamp etc. According to his teaching the ancient man knew nothing else but to scare for fulfilling his wishes and because of such foolish ideas only he began doing worship! If we teach such things to the children then these children will become naxalites in future. It is the lack of spirituality in education in our country, that the youth are becoming naxalites. On one hand they commit suicide or on other hand they become violent and aggressive.
What is spiritualism? To understand this, ponder over this "Who am I? What am I made up of?" This body is made of food we eat etc but then consciousness, the spirit within it is made up of what? What are its ingredients?- to know this all is spiritualism. Our ancestors have given the beautiful explanations of it. Asti, Bhati, Preeti , Naam and Roop - these are the five ingredients/elements or aspects of self. Asti, Bhati, Priti- are the three forms of our consciousness, our mind. Asti meaning "I am", bhati is realizing that it is and preeti , the love with which it is made of “these are the three forms with which our consciousness is made of. If all the lights were put off in this room, even then you feel your presence, don't you still feel , I am here? - this feeling of I am is - asti.
Are you all listening? Still here? The mind has not gone out for a tea break na? Yes! So ,when you say you are listening to me you, you realize your presence that is bhati. And your nature is love- that is preeti. So these are the three aspects of our consciousness. And the body or matter has two aspects - naam or name and roop or the form. Every thing has a name and a form. With a form or property and a name different things exist in the world.
Science examines or studies on name and shape, while Spirituality on asti, bhati and preeti. What is this? - is Science ; Who am I?- is Spirituality. Can there be any conflict between the two? Never! Both are the two ends of the same thread of knowledge. People may say that spiritualism begins where science ends but I do not agree with that. Science and Spiritualism are not separate, they go together, they are always in oneness. And there can be no dispute after the theory of relativity which proved about matter and energy.
And what is happening now? As I am speaking you are also thinking in your mind - "Yes, yes, he is speaking right, or, No, no, how can that be right.. like that Yes, yes.., No, no" going on in the mind, isn't it? That faculty by which you perceive is Mind and that by which you agree/accept or disagree is Intellect. And the study of this inner, internal layers of consciousness is Spirituality.
Sri Krishna also said in Geeta - Gyaan vigyaan pratyaatma. One gains the Complete knowledge only if gets the knowledge of both science and spirituality. From our four Darshan shastras - the first three are of science only! Vaisheshik Darshan says - padartha gyaanatva mokshah. Sage Vaisheshik said that knowledge of one element contains the full knowledge of all other elements, knowing which you can attain pure bliss. If you understand and have full knowledge of one atom, you are liberated. Even if you don't believe in God but understand even one atom thoroughly, it gives you liberation- this is what the ancient scriptures have said.
How to achieve it? Put your attention to know one thing fully. Understand an atom. What is your body? - a heap of atoms. When all atoms embraced and combine with each other- a body is formed and when they become at daggers with each other and separate with each other- the body disintegrates and death takes place. This body is made up of so many atoms. What is an atom? What is the function of an atom? "So who am I? Am I the body? What is this body? Do you know this body is not solid but fluid like a river? 98% of our body is empty- space element. If you observe a small piece of your skin under the microscope, it looks like a mosquito net- so porous and full of holes! Likewise take any metal, it has lot of empty space also. And out of remaining 2% - 60% is water element and 15% air element in the body. You are like a water or a juice sachet! After you drink juice, how does the packet looks- pressed and bad similarly if all the water is removed from your body, you will become depressed! And if air is removed then, as the fish perishes if removed from water, you will perish too! We don't know fully about our body itself. So it is good to have full knowledge like this first. If you know about your own body, the mind becomes still and liberation happens. So where is the conflict? Science is a logical, sequential understanding of the reality and spirituality goes one step ahead from the aspects you know. You will see there are many types of logic - Whether the means of understanding itself is correct or not? The correct aspect is there or not? The subjective analysis- the aspect from which you learn, by which you know, whether your apparatus or analysis itself is correct or not- and this is spirituality. So unless you take both approaches, your knowledge will not be complete.
Belongingness is the sign of spiritualism. In today's life, man has become rigid like a stone living in a small world of his own. We convey more through our presence than through our words. We live whole of our life in a formal atmosphere and lose the naturalness and belongingness. One can have a simple, lovable nature or personality through spirituality only.
Truth is multidimensional. This is a gift given to the world by India. Knowledge or Truth is not linear but spherical. Isliye virodhaatmak batein sath sath hoti hein. That's why controversial things co-exist - and that's what we teach in the Art of Living course - that opposite values are complementary. Unless you take both approaches, knowledge will be incomplete. Any life devoid of Spiritualism is dry and lack of knowledge makes one sad, and sorrowful.
Some question/ answers
Q- What is God?
A-Bhoomi jaise sahansheel, Agni jaise prajvalit, vayu jeise halkaa, paani jeise vinamra aur nubh jeise sarva vyaapak- jismein yuh sub tutva hein , vuh bhagvaan hei. Patience like the Earth, Glow of the Fire, light like the Air, humble like the water(which flows downward) and present every where like space- the one having all these elements is God!
Q- How to realise faithfulness?
A- The same way you feel the pain. When there is a pain, you just know it!
Q- Guru se bada kaun? Who is above Guru?
A - Guru ka matlub hee hei - bahut bada toe jaan jao khud hee! Guru means Great so you know the answer yourself
Listening is also an art - there is an art of listening. Are you all listening? It can be any speaker who may speak for ten minutes but we actually hear for about three minutes; this is a statistical figure! The remaining seven minutes, the body remains there but the mind goes out gallivanting and comes back after roaming for sometime. So if one speaks for thirty minutes say, then, in actual effect, you hear for about 9-10 minutes. That's why I said, whatever language I speak, if you do not understand, just hear it like a music otherwise restlessness starts building in the mind, right?
You always complain if someone speaks in the language you don't know. When you sit and gossip for 2-3 hours, you don't know how the time flies but when you are sitting and someone is speaking for a couple of minutes in a foreign language you don't know, even those couple of minutes seem to be very long, hasn't it been our experience? Whenever your mind is engaged, you do not feel the time but when the mind is not engaged, you feel the time is too long, correct? Study of time is both Spirituality and Science. Time is the junction.
Are you all here? What is happening now? Waiting- waiting for a phone call, waiting for someone to come, waiting for something. But you know what's interesting is that we don't know what waiting itself is! If you can experience the pure waiting- that becomes meditation. Suppose I am not going to speak for next 20-25 minutes, are you willing to be here? Yes! Waiting for infinity is meditation and if we don't understand what waiting is, we tend towards frustration.
See, waiting is the junction that either leads you to frustration on one side or, on another side, takes you to a meditative state. If you are a meditator then you know what dhyaan (meditation) is, then nothing can frustrate you because every moment that you are free and have to wait for something, you drop into meditation!
We become carefree when we realize that waiting can lead to either meditation or frustration. You can be free from frustration if you meditate and be happy and joyful. Many moments come in our lives, when we have to wait and with this waiting we are filled with frustration, anger, restlessness - all kinds of disorders of mind. So to become free from all such disorders it is very essential to know about meditation.
"What is this?"- is Science ; " Who am I?"- is Spirituality. It is only in India, in this country, that no conflict ever happened between Science and Spirituality. It is only in India that from ages the science and spirituality said the Earth and other planets are
moving round the Sun. We also teach our students but unfortunately in a wrong way. We teach today in our schools that Galileo discovered that the earth is round. We don't remember that it is India which has given the concept of earth being spherical 'khagoal' (kha means Earth and goal means round), 'bhoogoal' (geography- the study of earth ) etc. The earth was always considered spherical. In the 7- 8th century sculptures you see the Varah Murti carrying a globe on their tusks. That means our ancestors, the people in India in ancient days knew that the earth was spherical.
From the times of Vedic age itself, our ancient people knew the placing of the sun and the planets. In today's time too we worship the same way by placing the sun in the center and all planets around it. Long ago, from ancient times, we knew that the sun was the center of our solar system yet we teach wrong and give credit to Galileo for discovering it! We need to change such history now. Similarly the value of Pi and its formula were known long ago. They were well advanced in mathematics. All geometry, trigonometry etc was given in verses with not just formulas but also with detail and diagrams. So we were never ignorant but very advanced in Science from ancient time but unfortunately what is being taught is that our ancestors were ignorant and foolish. It is heard that a professor of History, in Delhi University, is teaching the children that the ancient man burnt incense to scare the God saying- "See the incense in my hand, fulfill my wish or I will burn you down." And if that was not sufficient to scare then he went with the lamp etc. According to his teaching the ancient man knew nothing else but to scare for fulfilling his wishes and because of such foolish ideas only he began doing worship! If we teach such things to the children then these children will become naxalites in future. It is the lack of spirituality in education in our country, that the youth are becoming naxalites. On one hand they commit suicide or on other hand they become violent and aggressive.
What is spiritualism? To understand this, ponder over this "Who am I? What am I made up of?" This body is made of food we eat etc but then consciousness, the spirit within it is made up of what? What are its ingredients?- to know this all is spiritualism. Our ancestors have given the beautiful explanations of it. Asti, Bhati, Preeti , Naam and Roop - these are the five ingredients/elements or aspects of self. Asti, Bhati, Priti- are the three forms of our consciousness, our mind. Asti meaning "I am", bhati is realizing that it is and preeti , the love with which it is made of “these are the three forms with which our consciousness is made of. If all the lights were put off in this room, even then you feel your presence, don't you still feel , I am here? - this feeling of I am is - asti.
Are you all listening? Still here? The mind has not gone out for a tea break na? Yes! So ,when you say you are listening to me you, you realize your presence that is bhati. And your nature is love- that is preeti. So these are the three aspects of our consciousness. And the body or matter has two aspects - naam or name and roop or the form. Every thing has a name and a form. With a form or property and a name different things exist in the world.
Science examines or studies on name and shape, while Spirituality on asti, bhati and preeti. What is this? - is Science ; Who am I?- is Spirituality. Can there be any conflict between the two? Never! Both are the two ends of the same thread of knowledge. People may say that spiritualism begins where science ends but I do not agree with that. Science and Spiritualism are not separate, they go together, they are always in oneness. And there can be no dispute after the theory of relativity which proved about matter and energy.
And what is happening now? As I am speaking you are also thinking in your mind - "Yes, yes, he is speaking right, or, No, no, how can that be right.. like that Yes, yes.., No, no" going on in the mind, isn't it? That faculty by which you perceive is Mind and that by which you agree/accept or disagree is Intellect. And the study of this inner, internal layers of consciousness is Spirituality.
Sri Krishna also said in Geeta - Gyaan vigyaan pratyaatma. One gains the Complete knowledge only if gets the knowledge of both science and spirituality. From our four Darshan shastras - the first three are of science only! Vaisheshik Darshan says - padartha gyaanatva mokshah. Sage Vaisheshik said that knowledge of one element contains the full knowledge of all other elements, knowing which you can attain pure bliss. If you understand and have full knowledge of one atom, you are liberated. Even if you don't believe in God but understand even one atom thoroughly, it gives you liberation- this is what the ancient scriptures have said.
How to achieve it? Put your attention to know one thing fully. Understand an atom. What is your body? - a heap of atoms. When all atoms embraced and combine with each other- a body is formed and when they become at daggers with each other and separate with each other- the body disintegrates and death takes place. This body is made up of so many atoms. What is an atom? What is the function of an atom? "So who am I? Am I the body? What is this body? Do you know this body is not solid but fluid like a river? 98% of our body is empty- space element. If you observe a small piece of your skin under the microscope, it looks like a mosquito net- so porous and full of holes! Likewise take any metal, it has lot of empty space also. And out of remaining 2% - 60% is water element and 15% air element in the body. You are like a water or a juice sachet! After you drink juice, how does the packet looks- pressed and bad similarly if all the water is removed from your body, you will become depressed! And if air is removed then, as the fish perishes if removed from water, you will perish too! We don't know fully about our body itself. So it is good to have full knowledge like this first. If you know about your own body, the mind becomes still and liberation happens. So where is the conflict? Science is a logical, sequential understanding of the reality and spirituality goes one step ahead from the aspects you know. You will see there are many types of logic - Whether the means of understanding itself is correct or not? The correct aspect is there or not? The subjective analysis- the aspect from which you learn, by which you know, whether your apparatus or analysis itself is correct or not- and this is spirituality. So unless you take both approaches, your knowledge will not be complete.
Belongingness is the sign of spiritualism. In today's life, man has become rigid like a stone living in a small world of his own. We convey more through our presence than through our words. We live whole of our life in a formal atmosphere and lose the naturalness and belongingness. One can have a simple, lovable nature or personality through spirituality only.
Truth is multidimensional. This is a gift given to the world by India. Knowledge or Truth is not linear but spherical. Isliye virodhaatmak batein sath sath hoti hein. That's why controversial things co-exist - and that's what we teach in the Art of Living course - that opposite values are complementary. Unless you take both approaches, knowledge will be incomplete. Any life devoid of Spiritualism is dry and lack of knowledge makes one sad, and sorrowful.
Some question/ answers
Q- What is God?
A-Bhoomi jaise sahansheel, Agni jaise prajvalit, vayu jeise halkaa, paani jeise vinamra aur nubh jeise sarva vyaapak- jismein yuh sub tutva hein , vuh bhagvaan hei. Patience like the Earth, Glow of the Fire, light like the Air, humble like the water(which flows downward) and present every where like space- the one having all these elements is God!
Q- How to realise faithfulness?
A- The same way you feel the pain. When there is a pain, you just know it!
Q- Guru se bada kaun? Who is above Guru?
A - Guru ka matlub hee hei - bahut bada toe jaan jao khud hee! Guru means Great so you know the answer yourself
Sri Sri Ravishankar's advice to married couples
In this video lecture Sri Sri Ravishankar, advices married couple on how to nourish their relationships. He says the wife should "pump up" the husband's "ego" and the husband should value the wife's emotions.
Sri Sri Ravishankar's video lecture on how to improve wife and husband relationships.
Sri Sri Ravishankar to attend Parliament of Wolrd Religions
Dene elder joins religious leaders on world stage
By SHAWN BELL, SRJ Reporter 01.DEC.09
A Dene elder from Fort Fitzgerald is part of a global indigenous delegation in Australia this week aiming to share spiritual beliefs and practices with religious leaders from around the world.
Francois Paulette, a former chief of Smith's Landing First Nation in Fort Fitzgerald, joins spiritual and religious leaders and over 10,000 followers in Melbourne, Australia, Dec. 1 to 7 for the Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions.
Paulette will address two separate forums, one on 'Indigenous People and the Arctic' and another on 'Indigenous Land Rights: struggles and survival.' He will also take part in a round-table on indigenous spirituality.
"They are putting an emphasis on indigenous peoples' beliefs, spirituality and way of life," Paulette said. "When people come to big conferences like this, they are now looking towards indigenous people for answers to the dilemma of how to live within nature."
First held in Chicago in 1893, the Parliament of the World's Religions brings religious and spiritual leaders and their followers together every five years to address global concerns.
This year's conference features religious leaders from all faiths, including the Dalai Lama of Tibetan Buddhism, Hindu holy man Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Lally Lucretia M. Warren, from Botswana's Baha'i assembly, among its 10,000 participants.
The Melbourne Parliament is especially focused on indigenous rights, geographically pertinent considering the ongoing destruction of Australian Aborigines' culture and spirituality just outside Melbourne's city limits.
"Within Australia, Aboriginal reconciliation issues are pressing," states the Parliament's website. "The Parliament provides the opportunity to engage these issues within a larger context. Those gathered will have the opportunity to explore new approaches to Aboriginal reconciliation through dialogue with indigenous peoples from other countries."
For Paulette the Parliament's focus on indigenous reconciliation is an opportunity to interact and build networks with indigenous leaders from across the planet, many of whom face struggles similar to those of Canada's native peoples.
He cites his recent meeting in Mexico with a Mayan priest as an example of the similar beliefs expressed by indigenous spiritual people around the world.
"The Mayan priest said, 'If we are to survive, we must go back to our traditions, cultures and ceremonies,'" Paulette said. "This is a common theme between all indigenous people I've heard over the years."
While in Australia, Paulette will take time to visit an Aborigine community in the outback northwest of Melbourne, speaking of Dene efforts to protect land in Canada's North. The Aborigines are attempting to create protected areas in the outback, using Canadian Indians' efforts, specifically the ongoing push for an East Arm National Park east of Lutsel K'e, of which Paulette is an adviser, as examples.
Paulette promised to do his part to inform the Parliament of the efforts of all Northerners to protect water and the environment, including efforts to prevent a hydro dam on the Slave River near Fort Smith.
Source: Slave River Journal
 |
| Francois Paulette of Fort Fitzgerald (second from left) is in Australia this week, speaking at a world religion congress on indigenous spiritual and world beliefs. Paulette says indigenous spiritual leaders, like the Mayan priest (above left) he met in Mexico, have similar values and belief systems. |
A Dene elder from Fort Fitzgerald is part of a global indigenous delegation in Australia this week aiming to share spiritual beliefs and practices with religious leaders from around the world.
Francois Paulette, a former chief of Smith's Landing First Nation in Fort Fitzgerald, joins spiritual and religious leaders and over 10,000 followers in Melbourne, Australia, Dec. 1 to 7 for the Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions.
Paulette will address two separate forums, one on 'Indigenous People and the Arctic' and another on 'Indigenous Land Rights: struggles and survival.' He will also take part in a round-table on indigenous spirituality.
"They are putting an emphasis on indigenous peoples' beliefs, spirituality and way of life," Paulette said. "When people come to big conferences like this, they are now looking towards indigenous people for answers to the dilemma of how to live within nature."
First held in Chicago in 1893, the Parliament of the World's Religions brings religious and spiritual leaders and their followers together every five years to address global concerns.
This year's conference features religious leaders from all faiths, including the Dalai Lama of Tibetan Buddhism, Hindu holy man Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Lally Lucretia M. Warren, from Botswana's Baha'i assembly, among its 10,000 participants.
The Melbourne Parliament is especially focused on indigenous rights, geographically pertinent considering the ongoing destruction of Australian Aborigines' culture and spirituality just outside Melbourne's city limits.
"Within Australia, Aboriginal reconciliation issues are pressing," states the Parliament's website. "The Parliament provides the opportunity to engage these issues within a larger context. Those gathered will have the opportunity to explore new approaches to Aboriginal reconciliation through dialogue with indigenous peoples from other countries."
For Paulette the Parliament's focus on indigenous reconciliation is an opportunity to interact and build networks with indigenous leaders from across the planet, many of whom face struggles similar to those of Canada's native peoples.
He cites his recent meeting in Mexico with a Mayan priest as an example of the similar beliefs expressed by indigenous spiritual people around the world.
"The Mayan priest said, 'If we are to survive, we must go back to our traditions, cultures and ceremonies,'" Paulette said. "This is a common theme between all indigenous people I've heard over the years."
While in Australia, Paulette will take time to visit an Aborigine community in the outback northwest of Melbourne, speaking of Dene efforts to protect land in Canada's North. The Aborigines are attempting to create protected areas in the outback, using Canadian Indians' efforts, specifically the ongoing push for an East Arm National Park east of Lutsel K'e, of which Paulette is an adviser, as examples.
Paulette promised to do his part to inform the Parliament of the efforts of all Northerners to protect water and the environment, including efforts to prevent a hydro dam on the Slave River near Fort Smith.
Source: Slave River Journal
Sai with Sri Sri Ravishankar at rediff chat!
| "God is love" - H. H. Sri Sri Ravishankar Sai Suresh Siva Swami, managing editor from rediff was so excited about the whole experience of his meeting with Sri Sri Ravishankar as part of rediff's coverage of Art of Living Silver Jubilee Celebrations, I told him to share it on his blog.  Nikhil Lakshman (Vice President, editorial, rediff), Sai, Jewela and Shailesh (rediff journalists) were at Bangalore Ashram on Monday to facilitate rediff chat and an interview with our beloved Guruji. This chat was held in the Vishalakshi Mantap, (see the photo on my iland home.) while all the devotees were sitting in the auditorium. This is the place where I had done two of my advanced meditation courses including one with Guruji. The above picture shows the inside of the Auditorium. The following article is from Sai's blog Art of loving February 13-14 has a significance in my life that goes beyond words. Years ago, the period represented an end of sorts. In a paradox, the same time also meant a revival. And this year, it found me on the threshold, literally, of a new experience. In all my meanderings through life, even as I dipped my toe into many pools and some deeper waters, AoL was something I stayed off. This despite the many friends around who swore by the Art of Living mantra. Despite the visible presence the community had in publications. My first, and till yesterday the only personal experience I had of AoL was attending a satsang by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar somewhere in New Jersey in the year 2001. Let me see what the whole fuss is about, was my attitude. If he can conquer the firangs, obviously he has made it in the spiritual guru sweepstakes, I thought. So for the few hours I was there I kept an open mind. The session, if my memory serves me right, began with meditation, there was some chanting, and wound up with Sri Sri taking questions from the floor. I remember him emphasizing a lot on love and laughter, his quips keeping the gathering in good humour. The answers were not Theory of Relativity by any means; they were simple, down to earth, homespun wisdom. A sample could be like this. Q: Where can I find god? A: Look within yourself, not outside. Q: Why am I unhappy? A: Because you have not learnt the art of being happy. The crowd was mostly Indians, and I could see a few white skins, diehards for who India, anything about India, holds a mystical charm, I guess. On Monday, I was at the AoL ashram outside Bangalore in connection with the Rediff @10 chat, my first foray into the world. Exactly a year ago I was at the gates of another retreat, but unspurred by professional interest. Was it pure happenstance that brought me to the gate of another one now? The vision that greeted us as we entered the ashram was of Guruji emerging from his room. His mere sight is enough to reduce his followers to putty, or tears. Among the gurus I have seen or know about, he must easily be the most accessible. There is no barrier or gap between him and them, I could see. And through the most insistent request, he kept his child-like smile. Through the day, we had a chance to interact in detail with him and his followers who have congregated outside Bangalore and who have converted the landscape into a carnival. And there are some vignettes that won’t go away. Here are my thoughts on why Sri Sri is so immensely popular. KISS. Sri Sri keeps it really simple. Not for him high-falutin spiritual pap. This simplicity keeps him one among his followers, not above them. The human touch. Everyone talks of their channel to him. I am unable to figure it out, but he is on a one-to-one with his followers. Love. There is a transparent, simple love he radiates. Can there be a more positive energy than this four-letter word that must be the most misconstrued one in the world? Love heals, love cures, love sets right, is the mantra Sri Sri hands out. And, hey, if you believe the message too, it will work for you. So have you converted, too, is a question I have been inundated with since I got back. And there has been no change in my answer for all time. I am perfectly all right with the concept of guru; I have no problem with people seeking solace from a guru. We all have a vacuum in us, the need to be tutored, guided, yes. But personally, for myself, I am unable to elevate another human being to the status of god. Saying this is not to imply I am oh-so-strong that I don’t need a steadying hand at my rudder. Perhaps I am one of those meant to go through life always seeking, never finding. |
Sri Sri Ravishankar: Honor all religions - Rediff chat Part 1
When His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the spiritual guru and founder of Art of Living, consented to be part of the Rediff@10 Chat on February 13, 2004 - the yearlong online event that was kicked off by the hugely successful online chat with President APJ Abdul Kalam - it was a special moment for us, at rediff.
For Sri Sri Ravi Shankar transcends boundaries and narrow limitations imposed by man-made thoughts and concepts - much like the Internet medium we work in. "I belong to the whole of humanity," he told us in a separate conversation.
With AoL, said to be the largest volunteer based NGO in the world, marking 25 years of its founding, lakhs of followers are expected to converge on Jakkur airfield outside Bangalore, venue of the Art of Living Silver Jubilee celebrations. For the throngs of his devotees nothing less than quality time - it could be just a glance, a smile, a wave of the hand - with Guruji will do.
Naturally, being confined in a room for an hour for the Chat at such a time would be depriving them of time, and His Holiness kindly suggested that while he was amenable for an interview in private, could the Chat please be done at the ashram's Visalakshmi Mandir, in the presence of his followers.
Over 6000 questions had poured in from our readers, and Francois Gautier, rediff.com columnist and a Sri Sri devotee suggested we forward a shortlist to His Holiness from which he would choose the questions to be answered. The questions ranged from job tensions to matrimony, and the future of religion and spirituality.
Kamatchi : Dear Guruji,Nameste, Should we follow certain religion or God is only one? Is it ok if we follow more than one religion?
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar : Adopt spirituality, be faithful to your religion, and honour all religions
Basanth Lalchand : Guruji, Even people who have progressed on the spiritual path ocasionally tend to be drawn back into materialism and small-mindedness. Why does this phenomenon happen? Can't the progress be like a flight?
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar : It totally depends on you. For some it may be a flight, for some it may be a crawl, or a walk. It depends on you entirely. The learning ability, adapting ability depends on the individual, and even that changes from time to time
Nilesh Parihar : Dear Sir, I have some very simple question. In India we see so many Gurus,Gods, faith etc. I am very much confused. Hence I want to know (1) Who is God (2) Who am I ? and (3)What is my relationship with God ? This will make things very clear to me. I will be very thankful if you can clear my confusion. Thank in advance. Nilesh
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar : Why don't you start with the second question first? This will take you to deep meditation, do pranayam, meditation, you will find the answers.
Courtesy: rediff
For Sri Sri Ravi Shankar transcends boundaries and narrow limitations imposed by man-made thoughts and concepts - much like the Internet medium we work in. "I belong to the whole of humanity," he told us in a separate conversation.
With AoL, said to be the largest volunteer based NGO in the world, marking 25 years of its founding, lakhs of followers are expected to converge on Jakkur airfield outside Bangalore, venue of the Art of Living Silver Jubilee celebrations. For the throngs of his devotees nothing less than quality time - it could be just a glance, a smile, a wave of the hand - with Guruji will do.
Naturally, being confined in a room for an hour for the Chat at such a time would be depriving them of time, and His Holiness kindly suggested that while he was amenable for an interview in private, could the Chat please be done at the ashram's Visalakshmi Mandir, in the presence of his followers.
Over 6000 questions had poured in from our readers, and Francois Gautier, rediff.com columnist and a Sri Sri devotee suggested we forward a shortlist to His Holiness from which he would choose the questions to be answered. The questions ranged from job tensions to matrimony, and the future of religion and spirituality.
Kamatchi : Dear Guruji,Nameste, Should we follow certain religion or God is only one? Is it ok if we follow more than one religion?
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar : Adopt spirituality, be faithful to your religion, and honour all religions
Basanth Lalchand : Guruji, Even people who have progressed on the spiritual path ocasionally tend to be drawn back into materialism and small-mindedness. Why does this phenomenon happen? Can't the progress be like a flight?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar conducting the Rediff@10 Chat among his devotees
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar : It totally depends on you. For some it may be a flight, for some it may be a crawl, or a walk. It depends on you entirely. The learning ability, adapting ability depends on the individual, and even that changes from time to time
Nilesh Parihar : Dear Sir, I have some very simple question. In India we see so many Gurus,Gods, faith etc. I am very much confused. Hence I want to know (1) Who is God (2) Who am I ? and (3)What is my relationship with God ? This will make things very clear to me. I will be very thankful if you can clear my confusion. Thank in advance. Nilesh
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar : Why don't you start with the second question first? This will take you to deep meditation, do pranayam, meditation, you will find the answers.
Courtesy: rediff
Smiling Petra from Croatia shares her Art of Living experience!
I was sitting in the amphitheater in front of Vishalakshi Mantap. Then came this cute girl asking me whether she could recharge her IPod from my laptop. I said yes but if she shares her Art of Living experiences with me. She is a university student from Croatia. She was not very good in English, so she had to take her friend's help to choose the right words while typing this.
Over to this ever smiling face:
______________________________________________
My name is Petra. I come from Croatia and i am very happy I am a part of Art of Living. I start my first practice 8 years ago through my mother that is a teacher. First time when i did my Kriya i felt a release, i touch for the first time my freedom! At that time i still didn't know who is my teacher, the next step of my experience was a recognition of Him, of my beloved Guruji! He opened my heart, gave me an awareness that my only substitute that my heart is made of is LOVE! From that moment i feel more close to myself and to all people around me! i started to feel more and more that beautiful unity that i share with all amazing creatures in this world. He gave me freedom! Its such an amazing feeling! Thank you My ANGEL! Thank you GURUJI!
Over to this ever smiling face:
______________________________________________
My name is Petra. I come from Croatia and i am very happy I am a part of Art of Living. I start my first practice 8 years ago through my mother that is a teacher. First time when i did my Kriya i felt a release, i touch for the first time my freedom! At that time i still didn't know who is my teacher, the next step of my experience was a recognition of Him, of my beloved Guruji! He opened my heart, gave me an awareness that my only substitute that my heart is made of is LOVE! From that moment i feel more close to myself and to all people around me! i started to feel more and more that beautiful unity that i share with all amazing creatures in this world. He gave me freedom! Its such an amazing feeling! Thank you My ANGEL! Thank you GURUJI!
Art of Living Course experience of Dolat Desai from Mumbai
Here is the Art of Living course experience of Dolat Desai, an international business consultant from Mumbai.
He has done the Art of Living course under the instructor Mrs Henna Solanki at Kandivali, Mumbai in the first week of February 2006, just before Art of Living Silver Jubilee Celebrations, held at Jakkur airport, Bangalore from February 17th to 19th, 2006.
___________________________________________________________________
The Exeperience of Art of living Course was wonderful and amazing.
He has done the Art of Living course under the instructor Mrs Henna Solanki at Kandivali, Mumbai in the first week of February 2006, just before Art of Living Silver Jubilee Celebrations, held at Jakkur airport, Bangalore from February 17th to 19th, 2006.
___________________________________________________________________
The Exeperience of Art of living Course was wonderful and amazing.
It has helped me to feel my body and mind very light and stress-free for all the twenty four hours. I feel that my digestation system has improved a lot and get very sound sleep. It has also helped me to remove any negative feelings and opinions to a great extent. I have started liking the environment and people around me. I have no doubt that Art of Living course can improve health of body and mind of individual but of society and India.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's wisdom to CEOs - Forbes India
When every breath of your body is focused on creating wealth it takes an infinity to realise the expanse of the breath itself. Journeys across such an abstract expanse need a guide whose spiritual GPS is never offline. But then Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a man of God like no other. His powerful innovation of Sudarshan Kriya from the ancient system of Pranayam has calmed many a burdened mind. It is hard to combine the commanding heights of spirituality with the mundane lowlands of everyday practical living the way Sri Sri has managed to do.
So when a club of extremely wealthy men of practical world needed to understand how to go beyond all the wealth, Sri Sri was the obvious choice.
We seemed to have hit the hot button because questions from men of Mammon flowed freely. To make sure the answers had depth, Forbes India picked four questions that seemed to be most fundamental and intricate. But that was till Sri Sri answered them; after that they were blindingly obvious.
Harsh Mariwala, Chairman & MD, Marico Industries
We are realising more and more that society has a significant stake and role to play in the growth of every individual and organisation. It then follows that some part of the wealth built by the individual or organisation owes its origin to society. In a steady state scenario, this issue may not be difficult to sort out — one could follow the Islamic Zakat approach and give a fixed percentage to charity or to society. But when it comes to estate planning or leaving behind a legacy through a will, there would arise a question, where your guidance and views will be enlightening. What proportion of a rich person’s wealth should one bequeath
to society?”
A: The Dharmashastras advise a man to divide wealth in five portions:
One portion is used for spiritual and religious purposes.
One portion for charity and society.
One portion for the growth of the wealth.
One portion for oneself and one’s own comforts.
One portion for one’s family.
The most intelligent thing would be to undertake all the charitable works during one’s lifetime itself. However, when you write a will with the wealth that is left to you, definitely give a substantial portion for charitable work.
Venugopal Dhoot, Chairman & MD, Videocon
What is the best contribution one can make to a better society? Make billions, spend billions, or give away billions?
A: The best way is to do both: To make billions, spend a little less, save the rest and give away! Twenty per cent of your earnings should be earmarked for charity. However, charity should be self-sustainable. That is, it should create more wealth rather than perpetuating the cycle of poverty and dependence. In this sense, the best form of charity would be providing quality education for children and more importantly, building a good character in them.
In the 11th chapter of the Bhagawad Gita, Lord Krishna said, “Win the war with enemies and enjoy a prosperous empire.” How can a businessman be altruistic and yet follow this piece of advice? Is there a way to resolve this riddle?
Krishna’s advice was not for a recluse, but addressed to a prince. The Gita should not be dismissed as a text for people who are not in the world. In fact, the Gita is of no use for people who are retiring from the world.
The entire Bhagavad Gita is focused on the prince who had to shoulder a huge responsibility, encounter complex situations and solve complicated human relations to make the country productive. Any business empire has to perform all these functions: They have to manage human resources; resolve conflicts.
One cannot be emotional and say: “I don’t want to compete with anybody. The world of business is always a struggle — a fight. Your weapons are speculation, bidding, negotiation, branding, marketing, pricing, innovation etc. These are the weapons for you to fight the business wars and you should fight it to your complete satisfaction. If it does not turn out to be viable, naturally you lose your fight. (Non-viability, heavy competition, lack of HR, labour problems) You can’t do business with a charitable mindset. Charity and business should be kept separate altogether. However when it comes to enjoying the fruits of your business, you should have a charitable mind. You must keep aside a portion for charity.
Analjit Singh, Chairman & MD, Max India
If one has faith and believes God exists, how important is it to pray, meditate, etc.?
A: Prayer is asking God what you want for yourself or thanking Him for what you have received. Meditation is listening to God’s will. If you believe in God, then you will definitely want to connect and communicate with Him. The way to communicate with Him is through prayer and meditation.
Rakesh Jhunjhunwala Partner, RaRe Enterprises
“My principles in life are as follows:
All spirituality lies in our deeds and empathy towards others.
All deeds should be with practical integrity and means should be more important than the ends.
More than anything else in life, I work for a sense of achievement, which I judge and am not bothered about what
others think.
I have far lesser wealth than people think, but far more than I need. Wealth also has a purpose in life.
I realise that all things in life including wealth, success and beauty are transient and temporary. Therefore I never take them for granted, nor am I overwhelmed or over-influenced by them.
The divine is the giver of all wealth, and along with the wealth, has cast upon us a responsibility that as far as possible must be used for a good purpose.
I would seek your divine views and thoughts on my beliefs and principles of life.
A: What you have mentioned are some moral and ethical values. Spirituality is recognising that you are a part of the universal spirit and that there is no ‘Other’. Spirituality is recognising the truth that a Divine Power is managing the creation and your own life. No doubt integrity, charity, compassion etc. are all virtues which are essential by-products of spirituality. How calm and dynamic you are at the same time, how compassionate and shrewd you are at the same time indicates the depths of your spirituality.
Anand Utsav: Maha Sudarshan Kriya at Orissa by Art of Living in the presence of Sri Sri Ravishankar
Explore and Experience the power of Silence and Celebration... Book yourself on a trip to this most beautiful place in the Universe with Sri Sri...
With H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji in Bhubaneswar, Orissa. from 29th Jan to 2nd Feb 2010
Advance Meditation Course (AMC) : 29th Jan to 1st Feb 2010
Divine Satsang & Anand Utsav: 31st Jan 2010
Sudarshan Kriya Part 1 Course: 31st Jan to 2nd 2010
Rudra Puja & MAHA SUDARSHAN KRIYA ( Live Sudarshan Kriya with Master) on 1st Feb 2010
Contact :09937293884,09238606791, 9437102136, 9437152227
Peace Within, Peace on Earth... Sri Sri...
Jai Gurudev!
With H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji in Bhubaneswar, Orissa. from 29th Jan to 2nd Feb 2010
Advance Meditation Course (AMC) : 29th Jan to 1st Feb 2010
Divine Satsang & Anand Utsav: 31st Jan 2010
Sudarshan Kriya Part 1 Course: 31st Jan to 2nd 2010
Rudra Puja & MAHA SUDARSHAN KRIYA ( Live Sudarshan Kriya with Master) on 1st Feb 2010
Contact :09937293884,09238606791, 9437102136, 9437152227
Peace Within, Peace on Earth... Sri Sri...
Jai Gurudev!
Weekly Knowledge Sheet -1
Weekly Knowledge #1 Big Sur, California
21 Jun 1995 USA
THIS BEGINS A NEW PRACTICE
This begins a new practice of weekly dispatches of Knowledge from Guruji. Every center around the world will receive the Knowledge so it can be read for people to copy down at weekly Satsang. Here is the first segment Guruji dictated at Big Sur, 21 June, 1995.
* * * *
Beyond an event is Knowledge.
Beyond a person is love.
Beyond an object is infinity.
Knowledge is not in an event; it is beyond an event.
If you take one event and infer anything from one event -- infer knowledge -- it will be erroneous knowledge. Say Nancy gets angry and shouts at someone. You attribute anger to Nancy, but actually it was carried from someone else to her. Someone else got angry first and someone else and someone else and on and on like that.
When you go beyond an event, only then the truth dawns. One particular event gives you a false notion. So you have to consider the totality of events, the totality of all events infinitely. Beyond the event is Knowledge.
What do we call a person? A person is a body, a mind, a complex of behaviors which is changing. Love is unchanging. Beyond the person is love.
When you lose your personality, you become love. If you cannot lose yourself, you cannot find yourself. So, lose your personality; you'll find yourself!!!
Behind every object is infinity. An object is limited. Take an object and reduce, reduce, reduce, and you have an atom. An atom is infinity. Each atom contains infinite space. Beyond the object is infinity.
The object behind the object is infinity. The person behind the person is love.
Maya is getting caught up in the event, personality, object. Knowledge, love, Brahman is seeing beyond the event, personality, or object. See? Just a little shift.
JAl GURU DEV
21 Jun 1995 USA
THIS BEGINS A NEW PRACTICE
This begins a new practice of weekly dispatches of Knowledge from Guruji. Every center around the world will receive the Knowledge so it can be read for people to copy down at weekly Satsang. Here is the first segment Guruji dictated at Big Sur, 21 June, 1995.
* * * *
Beyond an event is Knowledge.
Beyond a person is love.
Beyond an object is infinity.
Knowledge is not in an event; it is beyond an event.
If you take one event and infer anything from one event -- infer knowledge -- it will be erroneous knowledge. Say Nancy gets angry and shouts at someone. You attribute anger to Nancy, but actually it was carried from someone else to her. Someone else got angry first and someone else and someone else and on and on like that.
When you go beyond an event, only then the truth dawns. One particular event gives you a false notion. So you have to consider the totality of events, the totality of all events infinitely. Beyond the event is Knowledge.
What do we call a person? A person is a body, a mind, a complex of behaviors which is changing. Love is unchanging. Beyond the person is love.
When you lose your personality, you become love. If you cannot lose yourself, you cannot find yourself. So, lose your personality; you'll find yourself!!!
Behind every object is infinity. An object is limited. Take an object and reduce, reduce, reduce, and you have an atom. An atom is infinity. Each atom contains infinite space. Beyond the object is infinity.
The object behind the object is infinity. The person behind the person is love.
Maya is getting caught up in the event, personality, object. Knowledge, love, Brahman is seeing beyond the event, personality, or object. See? Just a little shift.
JAl GURU DEV
George Bush with Sri Sri Ravishankar
George W. Bush receiving Sri Sri Ravishankar at White house in May 2004
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living Foundation and the International Association of Human Values, was on May 7 received by US President George W Bush in the Oval Office of the White House and implored to "please keep us in your prayers."
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is the first Indian spiritual leader to be received in the Oval Office by a president of the United States. The seer was visiting the White House for discussions with senior officials of the Bush Administration's Faith-Based Initiative, when officials asked him if he would like to meet with Bush. Almost immediately they arranged for an Oval Office meeting between the two.
Bush embraced Sri Sri Ravi Shankar soon as he entered the Oval Office, and said, 'I am very glad you are here and please keep us in your prayers." He then asked the guru if he could take a picture with him, and called for the White House photographer to do the needful.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar later participated in a prayer meeting presided over by Bush, at the White House East, which was followed by a reception for several participants belonging to various faiths.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar who as part of his world tour has just returned from Mexico and is scheduled to go to Brazil to address that country's Parliament, told rediff.com this was his first visit to the US Congress and the White House.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is the first Indian spiritual leader to be received in the Oval Office by a president of the United States. The seer was visiting the White House for discussions with senior officials of the Bush Administration's Faith-Based Initiative, when officials asked him if he would like to meet with Bush. Almost immediately they arranged for an Oval Office meeting between the two.
Bush embraced Sri Sri Ravi Shankar soon as he entered the Oval Office, and said, 'I am very glad you are here and please keep us in your prayers." He then asked the guru if he could take a picture with him, and called for the White House photographer to do the needful.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar later participated in a prayer meeting presided over by Bush, at the White House East, which was followed by a reception for several participants belonging to various faiths.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar who as part of his world tour has just returned from Mexico and is scheduled to go to Brazil to address that country's Parliament, told rediff.com this was his first visit to the US Congress and the White House.
"My message to them has been the uplifting of human values," he said. He said he had briefed lawmakers and the White House about "our stress relief program with prisoners and the people in Iraq. The prison program is one of the main programs were are doing.
"I have already sent some doctors from India to Iraq, with ayurvedic medicines, and they are helping the people to overcome the trauma because the people there cannot sleep, are in constant anxiety and the conditions are terrible and women and children are suffering. So we are doing a big campaign for them."
"I have already sent some doctors from India to Iraq, with ayurvedic medicines, and they are helping the people to overcome the trauma because the people there cannot sleep, are in constant anxiety and the conditions are terrible and women and children are suffering. So we are doing a big campaign for them."
"I am also working with Kashmiri migrants," Ravi Shankar told rediff.com. "We have about a three-and-a-half lakh Kashmir Pandits still in refugee camps for 14 years, and nobody has cared for them. Now, I am taking up their cause and trying to rehabilitate them, trying to put them back in Kashmir."
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was also feted on Capitol Hill at a reception hosted by influential Republican Representative David Dreier of California, who chairs the powerful House Rules Committee. Among lawmakers present were the co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian American Representatives Joseph Crowley (New York Democrat) and Joe Wilson (South Carolina Republican); founder and former co-chair of the India Caucus Frank Pallone (New Jersey Democrat); unsuccessful Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich of Ohio; Earl Blumenauer (Oregon Democrat); James Walsh (New York Republican); and Diane Watson (California Democrat), among others.
Dreier, who recently made his first visit to India along with Staff Director of the Rules Committee Billy Pitts, said, "He is obviously a great spiritual leader and we are all so pleased that we can welcome him. We've had some wonderful meetings, it's a great honor and privilege for me to be here and to welcome him to the US Capitol."
"This is something we need to pursue so that there is in this world that is shrinking, an understanding of differences that exist," he said.
Several influential Jewish Americans, including the hierarchy of the American Jewish Committee, were presented at the reception as were several Indian-American community leaders and senior Indian embassy officials.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was also feted on Capitol Hill at a reception hosted by influential Republican Representative David Dreier of California, who chairs the powerful House Rules Committee. Among lawmakers present were the co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian American Representatives Joseph Crowley (New York Democrat) and Joe Wilson (South Carolina Republican); founder and former co-chair of the India Caucus Frank Pallone (New Jersey Democrat); unsuccessful Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich of Ohio; Earl Blumenauer (Oregon Democrat); James Walsh (New York Republican); and Diane Watson (California Democrat), among others.
Dreier, who recently made his first visit to India along with Staff Director of the Rules Committee Billy Pitts, said, "He is obviously a great spiritual leader and we are all so pleased that we can welcome him. We've had some wonderful meetings, it's a great honor and privilege for me to be here and to welcome him to the US Capitol."
"This is something we need to pursue so that there is in this world that is shrinking, an understanding of differences that exist," he said.
Several influential Jewish Americans, including the hierarchy of the American Jewish Committee, were presented at the reception as were several Indian-American community leaders and senior Indian embassy officials.
Srilankan Cricket team learns Art of Living from Swami Sadyojathah
The Lahore attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team was yet another reminder of the growing threat of terrorism in today's world. You could call it 'Munich Olympics attack re-visited', though in Lahore, fortunately, the Sri Lankan players escaped with just minor injuries.
Even weeks later the cricketers were still reeling from the aftermath of the attack. That's when Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa decided summon the expertise of Art of Living teacher Swami Sadyojathah.
Sadyojathah, who is at the Art of Living International Ashram in Bangalore under the tutelage of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, conducted a four-day trauma relief programme for the cricketers.
In a detailed conversation with Chief Sports Correspondent Harish Kotian, Swami Sadyojathah talks about the programme he undertook with the players and the secret to healthy living.
Can you describe the course you put the Sri Lankan cricket team through?
The Art of Living foundation got an invitation from the Institute of Sports Medicine Sri Lanka on behalf of his Excellency the President of Sri Lanka [Mahinda Rajapaksa] to conduct the trauma relief programme for the Sri Lankan cricketers, who went to Lahore. Based on that I went there and had an eight-hour workshop spread over four days; the entire Sri Lankan team, except the two players who were in hospital, underwent the programme. They all enjoyed it; they felt it was a good break for them to move ahead.
When you met the players, did you feel that they will still in a state of shock? Were they still suffering from that trauma?
In fact, many people and the media were asking me about the trauma that they were going through. But, interestingly, in our style of Art of Living we conduct the same programme. We don't sit and just make them talk about the trauma. That is because they have spoken a lot about the trauma in the media and that was happening for nearly two weeks.
So, the four days that we spent together, I didn't ask them anything about Lahore and they didn't tell me also. It was like past is past and finished. It was about how to bring your mind to the present and move ahead. They had the belief as well and they wanted to do something as a team.
They felt this course was a good break for them. For the first time after the Lahore attack the whole team was in the same room, sitting for two hours everyday and learning the breathing techniques.
Did anyone approach you personally during the four-day course asking for help to overcome the shock?
No. We didn't have that session. They all, as a team, underwent the process. Some people did come to me, but all of them wanted to learn more about the yoga and breathing techniques.
Would you say they have got over the episode and are ready for life and returning to playing cricket?
Yes, definitely! They had already started going to the ground and practicing cricket. They believe they don't want to get stuck in the past and want to move ahead in life.
Did you meet the two cricketers, Thilan Samaraweera and Tharanga Paranavitana, who were hospitalised after sustaining bullet injuries?
Yes, I did meet them. In fact, before the course started, the Institute of Sports Medicine wanted me to meet them, so I visited them in the hospital. Since they were not able to do the course they said they will do it as soon as they can.
Many of the cricketers have come out in the open and praised the Sudarshan Kriya breathing technique. Can you give us a brief on it?
The Sudarshan Kriya is a very beautiful breathing technique that his Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has given to this world. It is a very simple and, at the same time, very powerful breathing technique. In fact, by this breathing technique, what happens is that the toxins get released from each and every cell of the body in a short span of time. Once you learn the breathing technique in the Art of Living programme you will know how to practice it everyday just for 10-15 minutes.
So you just got to do it for say around 10 minutes of breathing in 24 hours any time of the day wherever you are as simple as that. It has a very deep profound effect on the body and mind and gives deep relaxation. So once body and mind gets totally relaxed you become more dynamic and you will be able to do much more in a short time in a more effective way.
This Sudarshan Kriya is so powerful that once they start doing it as part of their everyday follow up sessions, the past will not affect them at all.
So you mean to say breathing techniques can you help over come mental trauma?
Yes, most definitely. In our day-to-day life we are experiencing that our breath pattern and emotions are connected. For example, if you are very happy, inhalation is prominent; if you notice it is deep inhalation, like you are enjoying the fragrance of a flower. When you are sad, exhalation is prominent, like sometimes you say a deep sigh. And when you are angry you can notice fast breathing.
So it is very clear that breath pattern and our emotions are connected. But, as of now, it is one-way traffic or a one-way street, like when you have different emotions you have different breath patterns.
But you have to make it a two-way street where using different breath patterns you can handle the mind and emotions.
Will you go back again and help the Sri Lankan cricket team if needed?
In fact it came from them only that they would like to have Sudarshan Kriya as part of their recovery programme after every match. They have a recovery day after a game where they do other processes; so they want Sudarshan Kriya as a part of that and they are also keen to do follow-up sessions, whichever part of the world they are. The Art of Living is present throughout the world so it easy for them also.
Do you also follow cricket or some other sports?
Yes, if I get time I do watch.
Don't you think the Indian cricket team could also benefit using this breathing technique?
Yes; in fact everyone should do it. The quality of your action depends on the state of your mind. If your mind is calm, centred, balanced, happy or joyful your action will be like that; but if your mind is frustrated, irritated or stressed then your action will be according to that. So the whole theme is to make the mind calm or focused, because that what everyone needs, especially the players.
I am sure the Indian cricket team will also benefit from this programme and they are most welcome if they want to do it.
The Art of Living course is meant for mental conditioning, but can it also bring relief from physical pain?
You should see the full definition of health. His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has given this definition of health in which he says you have to see health in seven dimensions that is body, breath, mind, intellect, memory, ego and self.
These are the seven layers of existence. We all know health as disease-free body, but it is not just that. It is a combination of disease-free body, quiver-free breath, confusion-free mind, inhibition-free intellect, trauma-free memory, ego that includes all, and sorrow-free soul.
So only when all these seven layers of existence are taken into account only then you can say that you are healthy. So these breathing techniques and the other programmes that we do cater to each layer of existence; it is holistic.
You have also helped tragedy-struck people in other parts of Sri Lanka, mainly during the tsunami in 2005. Can you give details on that?
Wherever our help is required, our volunteers go there. We have done work is Kosovo also after the war, then in Lebanon and Iraq. In fact, in Iraq we have local Iraqis who conduct Sudarshan Kriya programmes and we also have Iraqi Art of Living teachers.
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has also visited Iraq twice and we trained the youth there; it is a ongoing process.
And during the tsunami, immediately after the tragedy struck, I went to Sri Lanka. The first week after the tsunami I visited Jafna. Already it was affected by war for the past 20-25 years and on top of that the tsunami happened. It was in a very bad state. That is when I took the volunteers and teachers from India and other countries to start the work there.
Even weeks later the cricketers were still reeling from the aftermath of the attack. That's when Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa decided summon the expertise of Art of Living teacher Swami Sadyojathah.
Sadyojathah, who is at the Art of Living International Ashram in Bangalore under the tutelage of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, conducted a four-day trauma relief programme for the cricketers.
In a detailed conversation with Chief Sports Correspondent Harish Kotian, Swami Sadyojathah talks about the programme he undertook with the players and the secret to healthy living.
Can you describe the course you put the Sri Lankan cricket team through?
The Art of Living foundation got an invitation from the Institute of Sports Medicine Sri Lanka on behalf of his Excellency the President of Sri Lanka [Mahinda Rajapaksa] to conduct the trauma relief programme for the Sri Lankan cricketers, who went to Lahore. Based on that I went there and had an eight-hour workshop spread over four days; the entire Sri Lankan team, except the two players who were in hospital, underwent the programme. They all enjoyed it; they felt it was a good break for them to move ahead.
When you met the players, did you feel that they will still in a state of shock? Were they still suffering from that trauma?
In fact, many people and the media were asking me about the trauma that they were going through. But, interestingly, in our style of Art of Living we conduct the same programme. We don't sit and just make them talk about the trauma. That is because they have spoken a lot about the trauma in the media and that was happening for nearly two weeks.
So, the four days that we spent together, I didn't ask them anything about Lahore and they didn't tell me also. It was like past is past and finished. It was about how to bring your mind to the present and move ahead. They had the belief as well and they wanted to do something as a team.
They felt this course was a good break for them. For the first time after the Lahore attack the whole team was in the same room, sitting for two hours everyday and learning the breathing techniques.
Did anyone approach you personally during the four-day course asking for help to overcome the shock?
No. We didn't have that session. They all, as a team, underwent the process. Some people did come to me, but all of them wanted to learn more about the yoga and breathing techniques.
Would you say they have got over the episode and are ready for life and returning to playing cricket?
Yes, definitely! They had already started going to the ground and practicing cricket. They believe they don't want to get stuck in the past and want to move ahead in life.
Did you meet the two cricketers, Thilan Samaraweera and Tharanga Paranavitana, who were hospitalised after sustaining bullet injuries?
Yes, I did meet them. In fact, before the course started, the Institute of Sports Medicine wanted me to meet them, so I visited them in the hospital. Since they were not able to do the course they said they will do it as soon as they can.
Many of the cricketers have come out in the open and praised the Sudarshan Kriya breathing technique. Can you give us a brief on it?The Sudarshan Kriya is a very beautiful breathing technique that his Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has given to this world. It is a very simple and, at the same time, very powerful breathing technique. In fact, by this breathing technique, what happens is that the toxins get released from each and every cell of the body in a short span of time. Once you learn the breathing technique in the Art of Living programme you will know how to practice it everyday just for 10-15 minutes.
So you just got to do it for say around 10 minutes of breathing in 24 hours any time of the day wherever you are as simple as that. It has a very deep profound effect on the body and mind and gives deep relaxation. So once body and mind gets totally relaxed you become more dynamic and you will be able to do much more in a short time in a more effective way.
This Sudarshan Kriya is so powerful that once they start doing it as part of their everyday follow up sessions, the past will not affect them at all.
So you mean to say breathing techniques can you help over come mental trauma?
Yes, most definitely. In our day-to-day life we are experiencing that our breath pattern and emotions are connected. For example, if you are very happy, inhalation is prominent; if you notice it is deep inhalation, like you are enjoying the fragrance of a flower. When you are sad, exhalation is prominent, like sometimes you say a deep sigh. And when you are angry you can notice fast breathing.
So it is very clear that breath pattern and our emotions are connected. But, as of now, it is one-way traffic or a one-way street, like when you have different emotions you have different breath patterns.
But you have to make it a two-way street where using different breath patterns you can handle the mind and emotions.
Will you go back again and help the Sri Lankan cricket team if needed?
In fact it came from them only that they would like to have Sudarshan Kriya as part of their recovery programme after every match. They have a recovery day after a game where they do other processes; so they want Sudarshan Kriya as a part of that and they are also keen to do follow-up sessions, whichever part of the world they are. The Art of Living is present throughout the world so it easy for them also.
Do you also follow cricket or some other sports?
Yes, if I get time I do watch.
Don't you think the Indian cricket team could also benefit using this breathing technique?
Yes; in fact everyone should do it. The quality of your action depends on the state of your mind. If your mind is calm, centred, balanced, happy or joyful your action will be like that; but if your mind is frustrated, irritated or stressed then your action will be according to that. So the whole theme is to make the mind calm or focused, because that what everyone needs, especially the players.
I am sure the Indian cricket team will also benefit from this programme and they are most welcome if they want to do it.
The Art of Living course is meant for mental conditioning, but can it also bring relief from physical pain?
You should see the full definition of health. His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has given this definition of health in which he says you have to see health in seven dimensions that is body, breath, mind, intellect, memory, ego and self.
These are the seven layers of existence. We all know health as disease-free body, but it is not just that. It is a combination of disease-free body, quiver-free breath, confusion-free mind, inhibition-free intellect, trauma-free memory, ego that includes all, and sorrow-free soul.
So only when all these seven layers of existence are taken into account only then you can say that you are healthy. So these breathing techniques and the other programmes that we do cater to each layer of existence; it is holistic.
You have also helped tragedy-struck people in other parts of Sri Lanka, mainly during the tsunami in 2005. Can you give details on that?
Wherever our help is required, our volunteers go there. We have done work is Kosovo also after the war, then in Lebanon and Iraq. In fact, in Iraq we have local Iraqis who conduct Sudarshan Kriya programmes and we also have Iraqi Art of Living teachers.
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has also visited Iraq twice and we trained the youth there; it is a ongoing process.
And during the tsunami, immediately after the tragedy struck, I went to Sri Lanka. The first week after the tsunami I visited Jafna. Already it was affected by war for the past 20-25 years and on top of that the tsunami happened. It was in a very bad state. That is when I took the volunteers and teachers from India and other countries to start the work there.
Musical Symphony at Art of Living Silver Jubilee
This is a video of the grand south Indian musical symphony of 3800 musicians on the majestic stage of the Art of Living Silver Jubilee celebrations held at Bangalore from 17th to 19th February 2006. This is the world's largest ever stage.
The symphony consisted of 650 Mridangams, 100 Ghatams, 100 Kanjeeras, 138 Tavils, 30 Morsings, 770 Veenas, 782 Violins, 10 Vichtra Veenas, 60 Tambaras, 10 Mandolins, 750 Flutes, 138 Nadaswarams, 92 Saxaphones, 20 Keyboards, 150 Guitars.
Video of the Art of Living Silver Jubilee Symphony
Antarnaad
'Antarnaad' - An enthralling symphony of 2000 Hindustani Classical Vocalists, conducted by Art of Living, Pune in the Divine presence of H H Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji
Date: 12 Jan 2010
Time: 6 pm onwards
Location: SP college ground, Pune
Highlights:
Time: 6 pm onwards
Location: SP college ground, Pune
Highlights:
- 2000 Hindustani Classical Vocalists to perform on one stage - First time in the history of music!
- A platform to showcase Hindustani classical music.
- Celebrities from the music fraternity like Pt. Rajan & Sajan Misra, Shankar Mahadevan,
- Chitra Roy and other Celebrity Singers to perform together on one stage.
- Event coordinated by Shri Shashi Vyas.
- An event slated to enter the Guinness Book of World Records.
- Meditation by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji.
- Estimated audience of about 1 lakh.
If you are a classical singer, you can be part of the 2000 Vocalist! Click here to Register!
SPIRITUAL ANALYSIS OF NAMASKAR
SPIRITUAL ANALYSIS OF "NAMASKR "
What is the meaning and the benefits of 'Namaskar'?
Origin and the meaning of the word 'Namaskar'
The word 'Namaskar' is derived from the root 'namaha', which means paying obeisance (Namaskar) or salutation.
Frome Science of Justice - 'Namaha' is a physical action expressing that 'you are superior to me in all qualities and in every way'.
Worldly Benefits
- By doing Namaskar to a deity or a Saint, unknowingly their virtues and capabilities are impressed upon our minds. Consequently we start emulating them, thus changing ourselves for the better.
Spiritual Benefits
- Increase in humility and reduction of ego / Enhancement in the spiritual emotion of surrender and gratitude / Gaining the Sattva component and faster spiritual progress
We receive the highest amount of Sattva component from the posture (mudra) of Namaskar.
By doing Namaskar to Deities or Saints we receive subtle frequencies emitted by them, e.g. frequencies of Sattva or Bliss.
Why is it not appropriate to Shake Hands?
Avoid a Hand Shake: It tranfers undesirable raja-tama components! In short, in a handshake, the raja-tama components in one pers on will get transferred to the other person, thereby lowering his sattvikta (Purity levels). While practicing Spirituality, our objective is to perform acts which increase our sattvikta.
If at all they do Namaskar by joining their palms, it is done just as a formality. As the act is not based on faith, the benefit derived from it is minimal. Along with faith it is essential that every religious act be correctly performed according to the Science of Spirituality, so that it gives complete benefit. In this series, as with the others, along with information on various methods of doing Namaskar, the Science in them is also explained. Understanding the Science will help in strengthening faith in the act. Such an act correctly performed with faith, will yield corresponding benefits.
How does one do Namaskar to an individual of the same age group?
When meeting someone of the same age-groupdo Namaskar by joining the fingers and placing tips of the thumbs on the Anahat chakra (at the centre of the chest). This type of Namaskarincreases the spiritual emotion of humility in the embodied soul. Sattva frequencies from the universe are attracted by the fingers (which act as an antenna) and are then transmitted to the entire body through the thumbs which have awakened the Anahat chakra. This activates the soul energy of the embodied soul. In addition, by doing Namaskar in this manner to each other, frequencies of blessings are also transmitted.
What is correct method & science of doing Namaskar to God?
A. 'While paying obeisance to God, bring the palms together.
1. The fingers should be held loose (not straight and rigid) while joining the hands or palms..
2. The fingers should be20kept close to each other without leaving any space between them.
3. The fingers should be kept away from the thumbs.
4. The inner portion of the palms should not touch each other and there should be some space between them.
Note: The stage of awakening of spiritual emotion (Bhav) is important to the seeker at the primary level. Hence, for awakening spiritual emotion (Bhav), he should keep space in between the joined hands, whereas a seeker who is at the advanced level should refrain from leaving such space in between the palms to awaken the unexpressed spiritual emotion (Bhav).
B. After joining the hands one should bow and bring the head forward..
C. While tilting the headforward, one should place the thumbs at the mid-brow region, i.e. at the point between the eyebrows and try to concentrate on the feet of the Deity.
D. After that, instead of bringing the folded hands down immediately, they should be placed on the mid-chest region for a minute in such way that the wrists touch the chest; then only should the hands be brought down.
Underlying Science in this action
A. The fingers should not be stiff while bringing the palms together because this will lead to a decrease in Sattva component from the vital and mental sheaths and thus increase the raja component in them. By keeping the fingers relaxed, the subtlest Sattva component will get activated. With the strength of this energy, embodied souls are able to fight powerful distressing energies.
B.. In the Namaskar posture, the joined fingers act as an antenna to assimilate the Chaitanya (Divine consciousness) or the Energy transmitted by a Deity. While joining the palms, the fingers must touch each other beca use leaving space between the fingers will result in accumulation of energy in that space. This energy will be immediately transmitted in various directions; therefore the seeker's body will lose the benefit of this potent energy.
C. About the space to be maintained between the palms:
For a seeker at the primary level, it is advisable to leave space between the palms; it is not necessary for a seeker at an advanced level to leave space between the palms.
D. After joining the palms, bow a little. This posture puts pressure on the navel and activates the five vital energies situated there. Activation of these vital energies in the body makes it sensitive to accepting sattvik frequencies. This later awakens the 'Atma shakti' (i.e. soul energy of an embodied soul). And later, Bhav is=2 0awakened. This enables the body to accept in large measures the Chaitanya emitted by the Deity.
E. Touch the thumbs to the mid-brow region. (Please see images above..) This posture awakens the Bhav of surrender in an embodied soul, and in turn activates the appropriate subtle frequencies of Deities from the Universe. They enter through the ’Adnya chakra’ (Sixth of the 7 chakras in the Kundalini) of the embodied soul and settle in the space parallel to it at the back interior of the head. In this space the openings to all the three channels converge; namely, the Moon, the Central and the Sun channels. Due to the movement of these subtler frequencies in this space, the Central Channel is activated. Consequently it facilitates the speedy transmission of these frequencies throughout the body, leading to purification of both the gross and subtle bodies at the same time.
F. After doing Namaskar, to completely imbibe the Chaitanya of the Deity (that has entered the hands by now), instead of bringing the folded hands down immediately, place them on the mid-chest region in such a way that the wrists touch the chest.
The 'Anahat chakra' is located at the centre of the chest. Akin to the Adnya chakra, the activity of the Anahat chakra is also to absorb the Sattva frequencies. By touching the wrists to the chest, the Anahat chakra is activated and it helps in absorbing more of the Sattva component.
Effect of this Posture
By doing Namaskar in this manner, the Deity's Chaitanya is absorbed to a greater extent by the body, as compared to other methods of doing Namaskar. This gives maximum distress to negative energies. The negative energies that have manifested in a person are unable to touch their thumbs at the mid-brow region in Namaskar. (The negative energies are subtle. But at times they enter an individual's body and manifest it. - Editor)'
Q. What is the reason for not wrapping a cloth around the neck while performing circumambulation, doing Namaskar, ritualistic worship, sacrificial fires, chanting and while visiting Guru and deities?
A. When a cloth is wrapped around the neck, it does not activate the Vishuddha chakra (in the throat region) and hence an individual gets less benefit of the Sattva component.
Why should one always do Namaskar to elders?
Meaning: When an elderly person arrives, the vital energy of the young person starts rising and when he gets up and does Namaskar, it returns to normal. - Manusmruti 2.120; Mahabharat, Udhyog, Chapter (Section) 38.1, Sr. no. 104, 64-65
Explanation: 'As the sojourn of the elderly person is gradually towards the southern direction, that is, towards the region of Lord Yama (towards death), his body starts emitting raja and tama frequencies on a high scale. When such an elderly person comes in the vicinity of any younger individual, these frequencie s start affecting the younger person. A subtle magnetic field is created between the two. Consequently, the vital energy of the younger person is pulled upward. This way the younger person can suffer due to sudden momentum to his vital energy. When this younger person doesNamaskar to the elderly person, some amount of the Central channel of his Kundalini system is activated and the Sattva component in it starts increasing. Consequently the raja and tama components in him are influenced by the Sattva component and the vital energy comes back to normal state. Hence on arrival of an elderly person, it is customary for the younger individuals
to do Namaskar to them.'
D’oing Namaskar to Elders.
< /FONT>When travelling, prior to the commencement of a journey and upon returning, why should one do Namaskar to elders in the family?
'Namaskar to the elders in the family is one way of surrendering to the God principle in them. When an embodied soul bows in Namaskar to an elder by surrendering to the God principle in him, at that time a sense of compassion is created in his body. This compassion percolates right upto his subtle body. At that time, energy of his mind is activated and in turn activates the five vital energies, which are located at the seat of the Manipur chakra (situated in the Naval region). Transmission of these five vital energies all over the body then awakens the soul energy. With the strength of the soul energy, the Central channel gets activated and converts the expressed energy of spiritual emotion to the unexpressed energy of spiritual emotion. With the help of this unexpressed energy of spiritual emotion, the embodied soul, through the medium of elders, gains the required Deity's principle from the Universe. For this purpose, while leaving the house on a
journey, the embodied soul should do Namaskar to elders and with the strength of Sattva frequencies has to protect himself from distressing frequencies in the atmosphere. Similarly, returning from a journey, one should immediately do Namaskar to elders and awaken the God principle in them, which would disintegrate the raja-tama particles from the air around him, which might have been brought along.
What is the correct method of doing Namaskar to Saints?
1.. The portion of head, which should be placed at the feet :
We can imbibe maximum Chaitanya through the Brahmarandhra (the seventh chakra of the Kundalini system located in the crown of our head). Since it (Brahmarandhra) cannot be placed at a Saints's feet, the part of head beginning above the forehead is to be placed at the feet of Saints.. Due to this, maximum Chaitanya emanating from Their feet can enter into the one doing Namaskar.
2. The exact spot to place one's head on a Saint's feet:
The big toes of Saints emit maximum Chaitanya; hence we should place our head on the big toe, than on their foot. If we are in a position to touch both the20toes, then place the head on the right big toe.
3. The position of hands when placing the head on a Saint's feet:
a. Some interlock their hands behind their backs at the waist and do Namaskar. If we are in a position to touch both their toes, then we should place the hands one on each foot and the head should be placed on the big toe of the right foot. If we are in a position to touch one of Their toes, then place both the hands on it and keep the head on the big toe.
b. Some do Namaskar by placing hands on the ground. This is also wrong because if the hands are placed on the ground then the Chaitanya emanating from the Saint's feet are absorbed by one and then returns to the earth through the hands of the one doing Namaskar. Thus the person does not benefit from it.
c. Some cross their hands and place them on the feet of Saints, that is, their right hand on the right foot of the Saint and their left hand on the left foot of the Saint while doingNamaskar. This is a crude imitation of the manner in which Christians place their crossed hands on their chest. Instead, our right hand should be placed on the left foot of the Saint and our left hand on the right foot of the Saint. This is convenient also. However, if a Guru has started some procedure in a particular sect, then the hands are to be placed in that manner only.
d. The hands are to be positioned in such a way that the palms are placed on the feet..
How to do Namas kar to the wooden footwear (paduka) of Saints?
Namaskar to the wooden footwear (paduka) of Saints
'The left paduka symbolises Lord Shiva and the right symbolises Divine Energy. The left paduka is the unmanifest saviour energy and the right is the unmanifest destroyer energy of the Supreme God. The saviour or destroyer energy of the Supreme God emanates from the 'pegs' of the paduka as per the need. When we do Namaskar by placing our head on the 'pegs' of the paduka, some may experience distress due to the inability to tolerate the manifest energy emitting from it. Hence, while doing Namaskar to the paduka, instead of the pegs, place the head on the for emost part i.e. the place where the Saints place their toes.'
Should one do Namaskar to a dead body?
Q. If this be so, should we do Namaskar to the dead bodies in Kaliyuga only as a custom? If it is a custom, can we discontinue it?
A. One can maintain respect for the dead person by doing Namaskar and in addition set an ideal with regards to respecting elders. In Kaliyuga, from this one will benefit at an emotional level and not at a spiritual level. However, one should not discontinue this custom; instead one could learn how to get spiritual benefit from it. Due to the deterioration of the Sattva component in embodied souls, this practice has become a mere custom in Kaliyuga.
However, as per the saying, 'God exists where there is spiritual emotion', while doing Namaskar to a dead body if we have a spiritual emotion that we are doing Namaskar to the God principle in it, then the God principle in the dead body awakens and we receive God's blessings. This happens because the God principle is immortal and has no limit ations that a physical body has.
Q. It is said that one should not do Namaskar to a sleeping person. In Kaliyuga if one does Namaskar by touching the dead body, then are the chances of getting distress from negative energies not higher?
A. Yes it is; but while doing Namaskar it is important that the action be performed with correct spiritual emotion. Since Namaskar is done to the God principle in the dead body instead of activating raja, tama components, it activates the Godly principle in the dead body and bestows Sattva corresponding to the degree of spiritual emotion.'
'One hand' touch to the Temple Steps
Action: Touch the step with the fingers of the right hand and move the same hand over the head.
Science: 'The area around the temple is charged with20frequencies of Deities which leads to an increase in the Sattva component. The presence of Divine consciousness in the area charges even the stairs in a temple. 'Climbing' steps is one of the activities, which increases the raja component in the body. Hence, the raja component is already activated in the body of an embodied soul so by touching the steps with the fingers of the right hand, the Sattva component and peace from the charged premise, get transmitted to the body through the right hand. In addition, from this action, the activated raja component in the body can be controlled through the medium of the surya nadi (Sun channel). This means that, for a moment, the activities of the Sun channel can be stopped. From this process, the embodied soul learns to enhance the Sattva component through raja dominant actions. Therefore, it is very essential to perform the appropriate sattvik actions at
each corresponding level, hence the method of touching the steps with fingers of the right hand and then moving the fingers or palm over the head. Even the dust present on the steps is charged with Chaitanya and so we must respect it and derive spiritual benefit from it. If the embodied soul harbours the spiritual emotion that 'the Chaitanya from the steps be transmitted all over my body from the dust on my hand', then it will give increasing benefit to the embodied soul.. In addition if the ego of the embodied soul is less at that time then it gives even more benefit. When any action is performed devoid of ego or 'I'ness it is treated as a 'non-action' (akarma-karma) .'
Do's and Dont's while doing Namaskar
Q. Why should the eyes be closed while doing Namaskar?
'Joining hands while bowing the head amounts to saluting God or the divinity in the person in front. The eyes are closed while doing Namaskar to God or any respected person, to enable one to have the vision of God within us.'
Q. Why should the footwear be taken off while doing Namaskar?
While sitting, partaking meals, sleeping, wishing and doing Namaskar to Gurus and other elderly people, footwear should not be worn. - Gautamsmruti 9.
1. Footwear increases the raja-tama components in a person.
2. Paying obeisance (Namaskar) with high raja-tama components will not help in activating the Kundalini (centre in the spiritual energy system).
3. The ability to absorb the sattva component too is reduced, due to an increase in the raja-tama components, leading to little benefit from a Namaskar.
4. Doing Namaskar to a Deity, with footwear on, may also invite the wrath of the Deity.’
Q. Why is it not advisable to hold any object while doing Namaskar?
1. While doing Namaskar if an object is held in the hands, usually the fingers and their tips are in a curled position and not straight. As a result, the sattva component received is unable to enter the tips of the fingers.
2. The sattva component emitted towards the seeker, strikes the object held and bounces back. Also, at times, instead of the person absorbing the sattva component, the object may absorb it.
3. If the object in the hand is raja or tama predominant, and if it is touched to the forehead or chest while doing Namaskar, then the raja-tama components from it mayenter the body of the one who is doing Namaskar.
Q. While doing Namaskar, why are men not supposed to cover their head, whereas women are advised to cover their head?
One should not do Namaskar with footwear on, covering the head or holding any objects. (But women should cover their head with their saris and only then do Namaskar) - Apastamb Dharmasutra 1.4.14.19
While doing Namaskar the Kundalini gets activated at the chakra which is touched by the folded hands.. This leads to the absorption of the Sattva component in greater proportion in the body. Sometimes due to the activation of the Kundalini, Sattva component starts entering the body through the head. But at times the distressing energies try to take advantage of this and mix black energy with the Sattva component.. The potential to activate the Kundalini is higher in men as compared to women. Hence they are hardly affected by this negative energy.. Contrary to this, as women are more vulnerable, they get affected by distressing energies to a greater extent and thus they can experience distress. That is why, when doing Namaskar, women are advised to cover their head with the ends of their sari. This creates a barrier between the head and the distressing energies and prevents themfrom penetrating the body of the woman. However, to some extent this also blocks
benevolent frequencies from entering the women. (Benevolent frequencies are subtler than negative frequencies; hence they enter a woman to some extent even though the sari covers her head.) However, the proper posture of Namaskar gives maximum Sattva component to an individual and hence women too get required benefits. This shows how God takes care of every devotee. Doing Namaskar without these restrictions is equally effective if the devotee does it with spiritual emotion.
What is the meaning and the benefits of 'Namaskar'?
Origin and the meaning of the word 'Namaskar'
The word 'Namaskar' is derived from the root 'namaha', which means paying obeisance (Namaskar) or salutation.
Frome Science of Justice - 'Namaha' is a physical action expressing that 'you are superior to me in all qualities and in every way'.
Worldly Benefits
- By doing Namaskar to a deity or a Saint, unknowingly their virtues and capabilities are impressed upon our minds. Consequently we start emulating them, thus changing ourselves for the better.
Spiritual Benefits
- Increase in humility and reduction of ego / Enhancement in the spiritual emotion of surrender and gratitude / Gaining the Sattva component and faster spiritual progress
We receive the highest amount of Sattva component from the posture (mudra) of Namaskar.
By doing Namaskar to Deities or Saints we receive subtle frequencies emitted by them, e.g. frequencies of Sattva or Bliss.
Why is it not appropriate to Shake Hands?
Avoid a Hand Shake: It tranfers undesirable raja-tama components! In short, in a handshake, the raja-tama components in one pers on will get transferred to the other person, thereby lowering his sattvikta (Purity levels). While practicing Spirituality, our objective is to perform acts which increase our sattvikta.
If at all they do Namaskar by joining their palms, it is done just as a formality. As the act is not based on faith, the benefit derived from it is minimal. Along with faith it is essential that every religious act be correctly performed according to the Science of Spirituality, so that it gives complete benefit. In this series, as with the others, along with information on various methods of doing Namaskar, the Science in them is also explained. Understanding the Science will help in strengthening faith in the act. Such an act correctly performed with faith, will yield corresponding benefits.
How does one do Namaskar to an individual of the same age group?
When meeting someone of the same age-groupdo Namaskar by joining the fingers and placing tips of the thumbs on the Anahat chakra (at the centre of the chest). This type of Namaskarincreases the spiritual emotion of humility in the embodied soul. Sattva frequencies from the universe are attracted by the fingers (which act as an antenna) and are then transmitted to the entire body through the thumbs which have awakened the Anahat chakra. This activates the soul energy of the embodied soul. In addition, by doing Namaskar in this manner to each other, frequencies of blessings are also transmitted.
What is correct method & science of doing Namaskar to God?
A. 'While paying obeisance to God, bring the palms together.
1. The fingers should be held loose (not straight and rigid) while joining the hands or palms..
2. The fingers should be20kept close to each other without leaving any space between them.
3. The fingers should be kept away from the thumbs.
4. The inner portion of the palms should not touch each other and there should be some space between them.
Note: The stage of awakening of spiritual emotion (Bhav) is important to the seeker at the primary level. Hence, for awakening spiritual emotion (Bhav), he should keep space in between the joined hands, whereas a seeker who is at the advanced level should refrain from leaving such space in between the palms to awaken the unexpressed spiritual emotion (Bhav).
B. After joining the hands one should bow and bring the head forward..
C. While tilting the headforward, one should place the thumbs at the mid-brow region, i.e. at the point between the eyebrows and try to concentrate on the feet of the Deity.
D. After that, instead of bringing the folded hands down immediately, they should be placed on the mid-chest region for a minute in such way that the wrists touch the chest; then only should the hands be brought down.
Underlying Science in this action
A. The fingers should not be stiff while bringing the palms together because this will lead to a decrease in Sattva component from the vital and mental sheaths and thus increase the raja component in them. By keeping the fingers relaxed, the subtlest Sattva component will get activated. With the strength of this energy, embodied souls are able to fight powerful distressing energies.
B.. In the Namaskar posture, the joined fingers act as an antenna to assimilate the Chaitanya (Divine consciousness) or the Energy transmitted by a Deity. While joining the palms, the fingers must touch each other beca use leaving space between the fingers will result in accumulation of energy in that space. This energy will be immediately transmitted in various directions; therefore the seeker's body will lose the benefit of this potent energy.
C. About the space to be maintained between the palms:
For a seeker at the primary level, it is advisable to leave space between the palms; it is not necessary for a seeker at an advanced level to leave space between the palms.
D. After joining the palms, bow a little. This posture puts pressure on the navel and activates the five vital energies situated there. Activation of these vital energies in the body makes it sensitive to accepting sattvik frequencies. This later awakens the 'Atma shakti' (i.e. soul energy of an embodied soul). And later, Bhav is=2 0awakened. This enables the body to accept in large measures the Chaitanya emitted by the Deity.
E. Touch the thumbs to the mid-brow region. (Please see images above..) This posture awakens the Bhav of surrender in an embodied soul, and in turn activates the appropriate subtle frequencies of Deities from the Universe. They enter through the ’Adnya chakra’ (Sixth of the 7 chakras in the Kundalini) of the embodied soul and settle in the space parallel to it at the back interior of the head. In this space the openings to all the three channels converge; namely, the Moon, the Central and the Sun channels. Due to the movement of these subtler frequencies in this space, the Central Channel is activated. Consequently it facilitates the speedy transmission of these frequencies throughout the body, leading to purification of both the gross and subtle bodies at the same time.
F. After doing Namaskar, to completely imbibe the Chaitanya of the Deity (that has entered the hands by now), instead of bringing the folded hands down immediately, place them on the mid-chest region in such a way that the wrists touch the chest.
The 'Anahat chakra' is located at the centre of the chest. Akin to the Adnya chakra, the activity of the Anahat chakra is also to absorb the Sattva frequencies. By touching the wrists to the chest, the Anahat chakra is activated and it helps in absorbing more of the Sattva component.
Effect of this Posture
By doing Namaskar in this manner, the Deity's Chaitanya is absorbed to a greater extent by the body, as compared to other methods of doing Namaskar. This gives maximum distress to negative energies. The negative energies that have manifested in a person are unable to touch their thumbs at the mid-brow region in Namaskar. (The negative energies are subtle. But at times they enter an individual's body and manifest it. - Editor)'
Q. What is the reason for not wrapping a cloth around the neck while performing circumambulation, doing Namaskar, ritualistic worship, sacrificial fires, chanting and while visiting Guru and deities?
A. When a cloth is wrapped around the neck, it does not activate the Vishuddha chakra (in the throat region) and hence an individual gets less benefit of the Sattva component.
Why should one always do Namaskar to elders?
Meaning: When an elderly person arrives, the vital energy of the young person starts rising and when he gets up and does Namaskar, it returns to normal. - Manusmruti 2.120; Mahabharat, Udhyog, Chapter (Section) 38.1, Sr. no. 104, 64-65
Explanation: 'As the sojourn of the elderly person is gradually towards the southern direction, that is, towards the region of Lord Yama (towards death), his body starts emitting raja and tama frequencies on a high scale. When such an elderly person comes in the vicinity of any younger individual, these frequencie s start affecting the younger person. A subtle magnetic field is created between the two. Consequently, the vital energy of the younger person is pulled upward. This way the younger person can suffer due to sudden momentum to his vital energy. When this younger person doesNamaskar to the elderly person, some amount of the Central channel of his Kundalini system is activated and the Sattva component in it starts increasing. Consequently the raja and tama components in him are influenced by the Sattva component and the vital energy comes back to normal state. Hence on arrival of an elderly person, it is customary for the younger individuals
to do Namaskar to them.'
D’oing Namaskar to Elders.
< /FONT>When travelling, prior to the commencement of a journey and upon returning, why should one do Namaskar to elders in the family?
'Namaskar to the elders in the family is one way of surrendering to the God principle in them. When an embodied soul bows in Namaskar to an elder by surrendering to the God principle in him, at that time a sense of compassion is created in his body. This compassion percolates right upto his subtle body. At that time, energy of his mind is activated and in turn activates the five vital energies, which are located at the seat of the Manipur chakra (situated in the Naval region). Transmission of these five vital energies all over the body then awakens the soul energy. With the strength of the soul energy, the Central channel gets activated and converts the expressed energy of spiritual emotion to the unexpressed energy of spiritual emotion. With the help of this unexpressed energy of spiritual emotion, the embodied soul, through the medium of elders, gains the required Deity's principle from the Universe. For this purpose, while leaving the house on a
journey, the embodied soul should do Namaskar to elders and with the strength of Sattva frequencies has to protect himself from distressing frequencies in the atmosphere. Similarly, returning from a journey, one should immediately do Namaskar to elders and awaken the God principle in them, which would disintegrate the raja-tama particles from the air around him, which might have been brought along.
What is the correct method of doing Namaskar to Saints?
1.. The portion of head, which should be placed at the feet :
We can imbibe maximum Chaitanya through the Brahmarandhra (the seventh chakra of the Kundalini system located in the crown of our head). Since it (Brahmarandhra) cannot be placed at a Saints's feet, the part of head beginning above the forehead is to be placed at the feet of Saints.. Due to this, maximum Chaitanya emanating from Their feet can enter into the one doing Namaskar.
2. The exact spot to place one's head on a Saint's feet:
The big toes of Saints emit maximum Chaitanya; hence we should place our head on the big toe, than on their foot. If we are in a position to touch both the20toes, then place the head on the right big toe.
3. The position of hands when placing the head on a Saint's feet:
a. Some interlock their hands behind their backs at the waist and do Namaskar. If we are in a position to touch both their toes, then we should place the hands one on each foot and the head should be placed on the big toe of the right foot. If we are in a position to touch one of Their toes, then place both the hands on it and keep the head on the big toe.
b. Some do Namaskar by placing hands on the ground. This is also wrong because if the hands are placed on the ground then the Chaitanya emanating from the Saint's feet are absorbed by one and then returns to the earth through the hands of the one doing Namaskar. Thus the person does not benefit from it.
c. Some cross their hands and place them on the feet of Saints, that is, their right hand on the right foot of the Saint and their left hand on the left foot of the Saint while doingNamaskar. This is a crude imitation of the manner in which Christians place their crossed hands on their chest. Instead, our right hand should be placed on the left foot of the Saint and our left hand on the right foot of the Saint. This is convenient also. However, if a Guru has started some procedure in a particular sect, then the hands are to be placed in that manner only.
d. The hands are to be positioned in such a way that the palms are placed on the feet..
How to do Namas kar to the wooden footwear (paduka) of Saints?
Namaskar to the wooden footwear (paduka) of Saints
'The left paduka symbolises Lord Shiva and the right symbolises Divine Energy. The left paduka is the unmanifest saviour energy and the right is the unmanifest destroyer energy of the Supreme God. The saviour or destroyer energy of the Supreme God emanates from the 'pegs' of the paduka as per the need. When we do Namaskar by placing our head on the 'pegs' of the paduka, some may experience distress due to the inability to tolerate the manifest energy emitting from it. Hence, while doing Namaskar to the paduka, instead of the pegs, place the head on the for emost part i.e. the place where the Saints place their toes.'
Should one do Namaskar to a dead body?
Q. If this be so, should we do Namaskar to the dead bodies in Kaliyuga only as a custom? If it is a custom, can we discontinue it?
A. One can maintain respect for the dead person by doing Namaskar and in addition set an ideal with regards to respecting elders. In Kaliyuga, from this one will benefit at an emotional level and not at a spiritual level. However, one should not discontinue this custom; instead one could learn how to get spiritual benefit from it. Due to the deterioration of the Sattva component in embodied souls, this practice has become a mere custom in Kaliyuga.
However, as per the saying, 'God exists where there is spiritual emotion', while doing Namaskar to a dead body if we have a spiritual emotion that we are doing Namaskar to the God principle in it, then the God principle in the dead body awakens and we receive God's blessings. This happens because the God principle is immortal and has no limit ations that a physical body has.
Q. It is said that one should not do Namaskar to a sleeping person. In Kaliyuga if one does Namaskar by touching the dead body, then are the chances of getting distress from negative energies not higher?
A. Yes it is; but while doing Namaskar it is important that the action be performed with correct spiritual emotion. Since Namaskar is done to the God principle in the dead body instead of activating raja, tama components, it activates the Godly principle in the dead body and bestows Sattva corresponding to the degree of spiritual emotion.'
'One hand' touch to the Temple Steps
Action: Touch the step with the fingers of the right hand and move the same hand over the head.
Science: 'The area around the temple is charged with20frequencies of Deities which leads to an increase in the Sattva component. The presence of Divine consciousness in the area charges even the stairs in a temple. 'Climbing' steps is one of the activities, which increases the raja component in the body. Hence, the raja component is already activated in the body of an embodied soul so by touching the steps with the fingers of the right hand, the Sattva component and peace from the charged premise, get transmitted to the body through the right hand. In addition, from this action, the activated raja component in the body can be controlled through the medium of the surya nadi (Sun channel). This means that, for a moment, the activities of the Sun channel can be stopped. From this process, the embodied soul learns to enhance the Sattva component through raja dominant actions. Therefore, it is very essential to perform the appropriate sattvik actions at
each corresponding level, hence the method of touching the steps with fingers of the right hand and then moving the fingers or palm over the head. Even the dust present on the steps is charged with Chaitanya and so we must respect it and derive spiritual benefit from it. If the embodied soul harbours the spiritual emotion that 'the Chaitanya from the steps be transmitted all over my body from the dust on my hand', then it will give increasing benefit to the embodied soul.. In addition if the ego of the embodied soul is less at that time then it gives even more benefit. When any action is performed devoid of ego or 'I'ness it is treated as a 'non-action' (akarma-karma) .'
Do's and Dont's while doing Namaskar
Q. Why should the eyes be closed while doing Namaskar?
'Joining hands while bowing the head amounts to saluting God or the divinity in the person in front. The eyes are closed while doing Namaskar to God or any respected person, to enable one to have the vision of God within us.'
Q. Why should the footwear be taken off while doing Namaskar?
While sitting, partaking meals, sleeping, wishing and doing Namaskar to Gurus and other elderly people, footwear should not be worn. - Gautamsmruti 9.
1. Footwear increases the raja-tama components in a person.
2. Paying obeisance (Namaskar) with high raja-tama components will not help in activating the Kundalini (centre in the spiritual energy system).
3. The ability to absorb the sattva component too is reduced, due to an increase in the raja-tama components, leading to little benefit from a Namaskar.
4. Doing Namaskar to a Deity, with footwear on, may also invite the wrath of the Deity.’
Q. Why is it not advisable to hold any object while doing Namaskar?
1. While doing Namaskar if an object is held in the hands, usually the fingers and their tips are in a curled position and not straight. As a result, the sattva component received is unable to enter the tips of the fingers.
2. The sattva component emitted towards the seeker, strikes the object held and bounces back. Also, at times, instead of the person absorbing the sattva component, the object may absorb it.
3. If the object in the hand is raja or tama predominant, and if it is touched to the forehead or chest while doing Namaskar, then the raja-tama components from it mayenter the body of the one who is doing Namaskar.
Q. While doing Namaskar, why are men not supposed to cover their head, whereas women are advised to cover their head?
One should not do Namaskar with footwear on, covering the head or holding any objects. (But women should cover their head with their saris and only then do Namaskar) - Apastamb Dharmasutra 1.4.14.19
While doing Namaskar the Kundalini gets activated at the chakra which is touched by the folded hands.. This leads to the absorption of the Sattva component in greater proportion in the body. Sometimes due to the activation of the Kundalini, Sattva component starts entering the body through the head. But at times the distressing energies try to take advantage of this and mix black energy with the Sattva component.. The potential to activate the Kundalini is higher in men as compared to women. Hence they are hardly affected by this negative energy.. Contrary to this, as women are more vulnerable, they get affected by distressing energies to a greater extent and thus they can experience distress. That is why, when doing Namaskar, women are advised to cover their head with the ends of their sari. This creates a barrier between the head and the distressing energies and prevents themfrom penetrating the body of the woman. However, to some extent this also blocks
benevolent frequencies from entering the women. (Benevolent frequencies are subtler than negative frequencies; hence they enter a woman to some extent even though the sari covers her head.) However, the proper posture of Namaskar gives maximum Sattva component to an individual and hence women too get required benefits. This shows how God takes care of every devotee. Doing Namaskar without these restrictions is equally effective if the devotee does it with spiritual emotion.
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