If everything is done by God
Chapter 1 - The Password To Divinity
Day 6
There is other notion in which people say "God willing If God wishes let it happen." If God is responsible for everything in this universe then God is responsible for anything that anyone does. Why should I be punished? Where do you come in the picture then?
If everything is done by God, then God alone takes punishment as well. There is a karta, the doer and a bhokta, the enjoyed and both go together. They are two sides of the same coin. It is misuse of knowledge when we say "I am not the doer but I am the sufferer. I am suffering the consequences but the doer is somebody else."
That is impossible. The doer is somebody else". That is impossible. The doer of the action and the enjoyed of the consequences of the action are one and the same.
Who serves the Enlightened
Chapter 5 - Crossing The Ocean Of Maya
Day 36
It may begin as a small ripple but if you keep associating with it, it will become like an ocean. It will cloud your whole mind, your intellect. The same happens when some people irritate you. Observe that irritation. What happens? You get irritated, but somehow you manage to suppress.
And the next time and the next time, the more you suppress your irritation, one day you just blow it all off. It all becomes so unbearable, it comes flooding out. Don't keep such a company. You know, you always keep the company of someone who is similar to you, or who you think is on your wave length, or equal to you.
When someone is above you, you honour him, you respect him, idolize him. When someone is below you, then you don’t bother to take any notice of him, you brush him off. The company that you long for, or you want to keep, is that which is on par with you. And that is where all the anger and frustration start arising out of you.
Either you become very small and keep everything above you or you become so big and see everything as insignificant, everything as that which doesn’t matter at all then you feel much more freedom. Who crosses this ocean of illusion, this ocean of unreality?
You label yourself, “I am somebody, I am something, I am this, Iam that, I am like this. I am an angry person.” You have labelled yourself and you justify yourself being an angry person because you have labelled yourself, and you feel happy being angry all the time. You have to take off all of your labels.
You know, you really do not know who you are. Sometimes if you enter into somebody's kitchen, the labels tell you something, but there is something else in the bottle. The container contains something else, the label says something else. And that is exactly what you are.
You are labeling yourself as somebody, but inside you, you are something completely different. Take off your labels. Who serves the Enlightened, one who serves the wise, one who keeps wise company, becomes free from this feeling of “I want this, I want that, I, I, 1.” You exist as though you do not, you live as though you do not.
Hollow and empty, you exist like a feather. You have no demands. You don’t demand that people need to recognise you. So what if everyone doesn't recognise you, or if everyone recognises you, so what? Let the whole world recognise you, so what? And if nobody recognises you, so what?
There are flowers in the garden, there are flowers in the forest. Do they say, “Oh, nobody saw me, I have blossomed?” Does it matter to the rose whether someone looks at it or not? In fact, if people look at it, they may pluck it. It is better nobody sees them they are happy. This urge for recognition from somebody is what kills you.
You do your job and that’s it. What has to come to you, will come to you. Why do we need to crave for other's recognition? That brings ego -“Me, me, me, I did it.” So many lives like this you have existed on this planet and they have all gone so many mosquitoes like you.
Ashwagandhadi Lehyam – Uses, Side Effects, Dose And How To Prepare
Ashwagandhadi Lehyam – Uses, Side Effects, Dose And How To Prepare
Ashwagandhadi lehyam is a very famous herbal product.
It is an herbal jam. Ashwagandha is its main ingredient. It is also known as Aswagandhadi Lehyam
Ashwagandhadi lehyam uses:
It is a natural Ayurveda body building supplement.
It helps to put on weight in a healthy way.
It also helps to relieve emaciation, blood impurities.
It brings about rejuvenation.It is rich in anti oxidants.
Note that this product is different from Ajaswagandhadi leham
Ajaswagandhadi Leham is a non veg Ayurvedic product. But Ashwagandhadi Lehyam is a pure vegetarian product.
Ashwagandhadi Lehyam dose -
5 – 10 grams once or twice a day before or after food with milk, or as directed by Ayurvedic Doctor.
Ashwagandhadi Lehyam side effects:
There are no known side effects with this product. However, it is not suitable for diabteics, since it contains sugar.
Why should one not give so much importance to words?
Question - Gurudev, why should one not give so much importance to words?
Gurudev Sri Sri - We attach meaning to words, and we distort them too.
For example, the word brainwashing.
Your brain, like your body, needs washing sometimes.
You don’t want to walk around with a dirty brain, a dirty mind. What is wrong with the word brainwashing?
It indicates a clean brain, a clean mind.
But it is used in a derogatory manner. Also, the word disillusioned.
It is good when you become disillusioned.
You are out of the illusion and have come to reality.
The word purana, it means that which is new in the town, the most modern. But today it conveys the sense of being very old. It is impossible to know anybody's mind just by their words.
You do not even know your mind. So, how can you know somebody else's mind? Knowledge transcends language, like Love transcends language. And what we understand more than words is the vibrations. Our vibrations convey a lot more than what our words can.
Avipattikar Churna – Benefits, Ingredients, Dose, Side Effects
Avipattikar Churna – Benefits, Ingredients, Dose, Side Effects
An Ayurvedic Medicine For Constipation
Avipattikar Churna is an Ayurvedic product usually used in the treatment of constipation. Avipattikar churna is a herbal powder mix.
It is one of the very effective medicines of Ayurveda.
Avipattikar churna benefits -
It helps to relieve gastritis very quickly.
It helps to relieve constipation and difficulty in urination.
it helps to relieve indigestion.
it is used in treating diseases of urinary system.
It is used even in chronic conditions.
In clinical practice, it is widely used in liver disorders and alcoholism.
Avipattikar Choorna ingredients –
10 grams of each of
Trikatu – pepper, long pepper and ginger
Triphala –
Haritaki – Chebulic Myrobalan fruit rind – Terminalia chebula
Vibhitaki – Belliric Myrobalan fruit rind – Terminalia bellirica
Amalaki – Indian gooseberry fruit – Emblica officinalis Gaertn.
Musta – Nut grass (root) – Cyperus rotundus
Vida Lavana – Vida salt
Vidanga – False black pepper – Embelia ribes
Ela – Cardamom – Elettaria cardamomum
Patra – Cinnamomum tamala
Dose: 1 – 5 grams. Suggested to be taken at the starting of meals and in between meals.
Avipattikara Choornam side effects –
In a few, it may cause diarrhoea, watery stools, abdominal pain and dehydration.
Since sugar is added, this product is not recommended for diabetic people.
People with diabetes, hypertension, sensitive stomach, ulcerative colitis, diarrhoea, should exercise caution while taking Avipattikar Choorna.
It is dangerous to take this medicine without prescription from an Ayurvedic doctor.
It is not advisable for pregnant ladies and for children below 12 years, unless a doctor prescribes it.What to do when diarrhea starts?
Drink plenty of water.
Hingwastak Churna
Hingwastak Churna
Hingwastak Churna is very useful herbal powder mix used in the treatment of Indigestion in Ayurveda practice.
Hingwastak Churna mainly contains very safe and easily available herbal spices.
Hingu means – Asa foetida, this is the main ingredient.
Ashta means – 8 – indicating that this product contains 8 ingredients.
Churna means powder.
Reference of Hingwastak churna is found in many text books like Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Yoga Ratnakara etc.
How to take Hingvashtak choorna?
Hingvashtak churna is mixed with a little ghee (clarified butter) and taken with the first bolus of food, two times a day.
Hingwastak choorna benefits?
Improves digestion power.
It is used in the treatment of anorexia, indigestion etc.
It is also used in the treatment of Vata imbalance and Vata related diseases like bloating, joint diseases etc.
It is a good diet supplement in Rheumatoid arthritis.
Effect on Tridosha – Balances Vata and Pitta and increases Pitta.
Hingwastaka choornam side effects
In some patients, Hingwastak churna may cause stomach irritation.
Since it contains salt, people with high BP, and kidney related diseases should take care.
It is not advised to take the Hingwastak churna without medical advise.
It can be given during lactation period of mother.
It can be given to children in very low doses.
Talisadi Churna
Talisadi Churna
Talisadi Churna is an Ayurvedic medicine, in herbal powder form. It is mainly used in the Ayurvedic treatment of respiratory and digestive conditions.
Talisadi Churna benefits:
It is used in the Ayurvedic treatment of cough, cold, asthma, bronchitis, fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, bloating, anemia, spleen diseases.
Synonyms: Talisadi Churna, Talisadi Choornam, Talisadi Powder
Effect on Tridosha – Calms Vata and kapha
Talisadi Churna dosage:
1 – 3 grams along with water, once or twice daily after food or as advised by Ayurvedic doctor.
It is usually given along with honey.
Talisadi Churna Side Effects:
In higher doses, it may cause burning sensation and gastritis.
People with diabetes best avoid this, as it contains sugar as an ingredient.
Chandraprabha Vati
Chandraprabha Vati
Chandraprabha Vati uses:
It is used in Ayurvedic treatment of urinary tract infection, difficulty in urination, urinary calculi.
It helps to relieve constipation, bloating, abdominal colic pain, low back pain.
It is useful in treating cold, cough, rhinitis, bronchitis, asthma and such other respiratory diseases.
It is used to treat eczema, dermatitis, pruritis and allergic skin conditions.
It is useful to treat piles, liver, spleen diseases, anaemia and fistula.
It helps to relieve teeth problems like caries, eye infections.
It is used to treat semen defects and gynaecological problems.
It helps to relieve indigestion, improves strength, it is a natural aphrodisiac and anti aging Ayurvedic medicine.
Chandraprabha Vati side effects:
People with high BP should take this medicine only under medical care, since this medicine contains salt as ingredient.
Over-dosage may cause slight burning sensation in abdomen. Keep out of reach and sight of children. Store in cool dry place.
Gokshuradi Guggulu
Gokshuradi Guggulu
Gokshuradi Guggulu is a very famous Ayurvedic medicine.
It is in tablet form.
It is also known as Gokshuradi Guggul tablets, Gokshuradi Gulgulu etc.
It is widely used in the treatment of female and male genito-urinary conditions.
This tablet has Guggulu (commiphora mukul) as its base
Gokshuradi Guggulu benefits:
It is widely used in the Ayurvedic treatment for diabetes, difficulty in passing urine (dysurea).
It is also used in female health care. Female gynaecological problems like menorrhagia.
It is also used in treating gout and urinary calculi.
Effect on Tridosha – Calms Vata
Gokshuradi Guggulu dose:
1 – 2 tablets 2 – 3 times a day, before or after food or as directed by Ayurvedic doctor.
Usually it is administered along with water decoction of Musta, pashanabheda, usheera etc.
Gokshuradi Guggulu Side Effects:
There are no known side effects with this medicine. However it is best to use this product under medical supervision. Self medication with this medicine is discouraged.
Very high dose than prescribed may lead to stomach irritation.
Kanchnar Guggulu
Kanchnar Guggulu –
kanchnar Guggulu is also known as kanchanara Guggulu / gulgulu.
It is one of the very efficient Ayurvedic herbal medicine. Its reference is found in Bhaishajya ratnavali, 44th chapter.
Useful in treating goitre (nodules of neck), tumors and extra growths, useful in herbal wound healing, skin diseases, sinuses and fistula.
Dosage: two tablets two to three times a day.
Kanchanara Guggulu side effects:
In people with sensitive stomach, this medicine may cause mild gastric irritation.
It is best avoided in pregnant and lactating mothers.
In children, this medicine should only be given under medical supervision.
Store in a cool dry place. Keep out of reach and sight of children.
Chyawanprash
Chyawanprash
Commonly used in India for health and wellbeing, chyawanprash is an herbal tonic prepared by using an ancient Ayurvedic formula.
This Ayurvedic preparation contains herbs that are considered to have potent immune-booster and energizing capacity. Chyawanprash is believed to promote longevity and act as an anti-aging tonic.
Chyawanprash is also spelled as chyavanaprasha and chyavanaprasam and may also be referred to as chyawanprash rasayana. The word "rasayana" refers to tonic.
The mixture, which looks like a jam, is manufactured using potent Ayurvedic herbs, and is commonly used in India. This herbal tonic, which has a brown color and a sticky consistency, is a combination of sweet, sour and spicy taste.
Origin of the Chyawanprash
The word "chyawanprash" has been taken from the name of a Rishi or sage by the name of Chyawan. He was the first person to prepare this tonic. The story goes that the sage was quite old and he regained his youthfulness and vitality with the use of this herbal tonic.
Charak Samhita, an ancient Ayurvedic book written by Charak in the 4th century B.C., includes the formula for this herbal preparation. It claimsthat chyawanprash is the best and most effective of all herbal tonics available to mankind
Ingredients of Chyawanprash
This potent herbal tonic contains a mixture of 49 Ayurvedic herbs. Amla or the Indian gooseberry is the main ingredient of this tonic. About 100 g of this product contains 15,000 mg of amla.
It also contains other powerful herbs, which are known for their health benefits. The list includes ashwagandha, vidarikand or pueraria, pippali or long pepper, white sandalwood, cardamom, tulsi, brahmi, arjun, jatamansi, neem and many others.
The herb extracts are combined in pasteurized safflower honey and clarified butter. It is often referred to as afruit jam containing honey.
Health Benefits of Chyawanprash
The combination of all the 49 herbs makes chyawanprash a powerful immune booster tonic. The main ingredient of this herbal rasayana, amla, contains 30 times more vitamin C than oranges. This is one of the main reasons why chyawanprash is such a powerful immune-booster. It protects the body from bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
It promotes a healthy respiratory system and is especially beneficial for the healthy functioning of the lungs. This basically means that chyawanprash is a healthy herbal remedy for those with asthma and chronic bronchitis.
It is good for digestion. It balances the stomach acids, and promotes the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients into the blood. It also provides relief in constipation, reduces flatulence, and relieves nausea and diarrhea.
Chyawanprash also helps purify blood, stimulate the liver, and promote the elimination of toxins from the body.
This herbal tonic also promotes the healthy functioning of the heart. It is a powerful energizer for the brain and helps enhance concentration and memory.Chyawanprash is an anti-aging herbal tonic and it prevents wrinkles and graying of hair. Its potent antioxidant and rejuvenating herbs delays the aging of cells, provides proper nutrition, and promotes youthfulness and longevity.
Besides the above health benefits, chyawanprash also enhances sexual potency and pleasure, keeps all the sense organs healthy, improves complexion and the condition of the hair. It is also used by bodybuilders for building muscles.
How to Use Chyawanprash
The recommended dosage for chyawanprash is one teaspoon each in the morning and night. The sticky jam canbe taken directly. It can also be mixed in warm milk or water. Some people like taking this herbal tonic by putting it on a cracker or bread as well.
Side-effects of Chyawanprash
One of the biggest fears that people have about chyawanprash is that it leads to weight gain. This fear is based on the fact that this herbal remedy contains clarified butter or ghee. However, ghee is not the main ingredient in this herbal tonic. It is mainly used for proper mixing of the ingredients. Furthermore, the amount of clarified butter in chyawanprash is very low, which cannot lead to weight gain.
Some people complain of a burning sensation in the stomach after consuming this herbal tonic. In such cases, it is advisable to drink warm (not hot) milk after the consumption of chyawanprash.
You may also want to start with half-a-teaspoon of the herbal mix and then slowly go on to increase the amount to one teaspoon.
Chyawanprash is a safe herbal tonic and people of all ages can take it for promoting health, wellbeing and longevity. Children as young as three years old can take it. However, make sure to reduce the dosage for young children.
Make Chyawanprash a Integral Part of Your Health Care Routine
Chywanprash has many health benefits and it is safe to use for people of all ages. However, it is advisable to consult a physician if you are on regular medication or have any chronic disease.
It is also advisable to introduce lifestyle changes in your daily life such as a balanced diet and exercise to get the best benefits of chyawanprash.
Mahalaxmi Vilas Ras
Mahalaxmi Vilas Ras
Mahalaxmi Vilas Ras is an Ayurvedic medicine in tablet form.
It is used in the treatment of severe and chronic diseases such as skin diseases, diabetes, Elephantiasis etc.
This medicine contains heavy metal ingredients, hence should only be taken under strict medical supervision.
Mahalaxmi Vilas Ras Uses:
It is used in the treatment of throat related disease such as lymphadenopathy, diarrhoea, hernia, skin diseases, diabetes, elephantiasis, Sinus, non healing wounds, fistula, cough, cold, Pthisis, Emaciation, Rhinitis, Hemorrhoids, obesity, Rheumatoid arthritis, Facial palsy, Ascites, Disseases of ear, nose throat, eyes, headache, gynaecological complaints.
It also acts as natural aphrodisiac and rejuvenative medicine.
Effect on Tridosha – Balances Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
Mahalakshmi Vilas Ras dosage:
125 mg once or twice a day, before or after food or as directed by Ayurvedic doctor.
It is traditionally administered along with honey, Milk, Curds.
Mahalakshmi Vilas Ras side effects:
Self medication with this medicine may prove to be dangerous, since it contains Aconitum as ingredient.
Take this medicine in precise dose and for limited period of time, as advised by doctor.
Over-dosage may cause sever poisonous effect.
It is best avoided in pregnancy, lactation and in children.
Keep out of reach and sight of children. Store in a dry cool place.
Brihat Vatchintamani Ras
Brihat Vatchintamani Ras
Brihat Vatchintamani Ras is an Ayurvedic medicine in tablet form.
It is used in the treatment of Vata Dosha imbalance diseases such as paralysis, hemiplegia, facial palsy, tremors etc.
This medicine contains heavy metal ingredients, hence should only be taken under strict medical supervision.
Brihat Vatchintamani Ras Uses:
It is used in the treatment of Paralysis, facial palsy, psychosis, epilepsy, etc.
It is an excellent rejuvenative and anti-aging Ayurvedic medicine.
It is also effective in Pitta disorders such as migraine, vertigo, digestive disorders.
It is used as catalyst and co prescription with other medicines in different diseases.
Effect on Tridosha – Balances Vata and Pitta.
Brihad Vata Chintamani Ras dosage:
125 mg once or twice a day, before or after food or as directed by Ayurvedic doctor.
It is traditionally administered along with honey, Musta Kashaya.
Brihat Vata Chintamani Ras side effects:
Self medication with this medicine may prove to be dangerous, since it contains Aconitum as ingredient.
Take this medicine in precise dose and for limited period of time, as advised by doctor.
Over-dosage may cause sever poisonous effect.
It is best avoided in pregnancy, lactation and in children.
Keep out of reach and sight of children. Store in a dry cool place.
Hingwastak Churna – Uses, Ingredients, Dose, Side Effects
Hingwastak Churna – Uses, Ingredients, Dose, Side Effects
Hingwastak Churna is very useful herbal powder mix used in the treatment of Indigestion in Ayurveda practice.
Hingwastak Churna mainly contains very safe and easily available herbal spices.
Hingu means – Asa foetida, this is the main ingredient.
Ashta means – 8 – indicating that this product contains 8 ingredients.
Churna means powder.
Reference of Hingwastak churna is found in many text books like Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Yoga Ratnakara etc.
Hingavstak churna ingredients –
Trikatu – Black pepper, Long pepper and Ginger.
Ajamoda – Ajowan
Saindhava Lavana – Black salt
Shweta Jeeraka,
Krishna Jeeraka
Black and white cumin seeds
Hingu – Asa foetida
Ghee clarified butter
Hingwashtak churna dose – 1 – 3 gm two times a day
How to take Hingvashtak choorna?
Hingvashtak churna is mixed with a little ghee (clarified butter) and taken with the first bolus of food, two times a day.
Hingwastak choorna benefits?
Improves digestion power.
It is used in the treatment of anorexia, indigestion etc.
It is also used in the treatment of Vata imbalance and Vata related diseases like bloating, joint diseases etc.
It is a good diet supplement in Rheumatoid arthritis.
Effect on Tridosha – Balances Vata and Pitta and increases Pitta.
Hingwastaka choornam side effects
In some patients, Hingwastak churna may cause stomach irritation.
Since it contains salt, people with high BP, and kidney related diseases should take care.
It is not advised to take the Hingwastak churna without medical advise.
It can be given during lactation period of mother.
It can be given to children in very low doses.
Moving Past Unpleasant Events
*Moving Past Unpleasant Events*
Pleasant connections don't last too long, but unpleasant connections create a scar on the mind and last longer. Now, what is the place of wisdom in all this?
Wisdom makes your mind non-sticky. Have you seen non-stick frying pans, in which you can make pancakes? When those non-stick pans were not available, people still made pancakes.
The pancakes would get stuck to the pan, and they would have to struggle each time to get them out. The cleaners had more work to do, to make it ready for the next use.
So, events are like pancakes that stick to the pan. Now, just imagine, if you don't clean the pan (referring to the mind), and you continue making more pancakes day after day on the same pan and consuming it.
My Goodness, how unhygienic. For years, you are using the same pan. One side of the pan is all burnt because of the stuck pancakes, and it smells because you have not cleaned your pan.
Yet you continue making pancakes (causing pain to yourself, and you are serving such pancakes to others (causing pain to others).
This is what is happening. You have forgotten to make your mind a non-stick pan.
- Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji
What is the nectar of life?
5th January 1996,
Weggis, Switzerland
*New Year’s Celebration*
New Year's was a grand celebration like everyday and everyone was unusually crazy like everyday. Guruji was fantastically charming like everyday. And a basket full of chocolates was on the couch like everyday. They were in shape of bees today.
And they started flying from the Guru's hand. Joy is dissolving, losing your identity. Rest is dissolving losing your identity. Love is dissolving, losing your identity. Relax and just be. That doesn't mean be lazy. No. Be very busy and just be.
The events come and go, they perish like flowers. But every event and every person contains some honey. Like a bee, just take the honey out of every event and every moment and move on. Be like a busy bee and be in the Being.
Question - What is the nectar of life?
Gurudev Sri Sri - The infinity and the divinity. How do you like it?
*Hindi Translation*
५ जनवरी १९९६,
वेग्गिंस, स्विट्ज़रलैंड
*नव वर्ष का उत्सव*
नव-वर्ष भी था उत्सवपूर्ण प्रतिदिन की तरह। और सभी थे अलमस्त प्रतिदिन की तरह। गुरूजी थे अत्यंत मनभावन, प्रतिदिन की तरह। पास में थी चॉक्लेट भरी टोकरी, प्रतिदिन की तरह। चॉक्लेट आज मधुमखी के अकार के थे और गुरूजी के हाथो से हर दिशा में उड़ने लगे।बस, केवल 'रहो', विश्राम हैं डूब जाना, अपना अस्तित्व खो देना।
प्रेम हैं मिट जाना, अपना अहम् खो देना। आनंद हैं घुल जाना, अपनी पहचान खो देना, चिंता छोड़ दो, केवल रहो।अर्थ यह नहीं कि आलसी बनो नहीं। सदा व्यस्त रहो, बस, केवल रहो। घटनाएँ आती है और जाती हैं। वे फूलो की तरह कुम्हला जाती हैं। पर कुछ मधु हैं हर व्यक्ति में, हर घटना में। बटोर लो उस मधु को मधुमखी की तरह, हर घटना से और हर क्षण से, और आगे बढ़ते रहो, एक मधुमखी की भाँति व्यस्त रहो। और सदा आत्मा के साथ रहो।
प्रश्न - जीवन सुधा क्या हैं?
श्री श्री - अनंतता और दिव्यता।
You just said that we should not consider anyone as bad. If others treat us badly, how do we react to that?
Question - Gurudev, you just said that we should not consider anyone as bad. If others treat us badly, how do we react to that?
Gurudev Sri Sri - If others have a negative opinion about you, it is their problem, not yours. From your side, do not consider anyone as bad. By doing this, your mind will be clear and pleasant and your intellect will be sharp. Otherwise, the people whom you consider as bad will begin to haunt your mind like a ghost. When such thoughts get into your mind, you will not be able to do something creative.
Upcoming Vigyan Bhairav’s in India
*Upcoming Vigyan Bhairav’s in India :*
Vigyan Bhairav 2
Date : 5th February
Location : Pune
Vigyan Bhairav 3
Date : 26th February
Location : Mumbai
Vigyan Bhairav 1
Date : 4th March
Location : Delhi
Vigyan Bhairav 1
Date : 11th March
Location : Rajkot
Vigyan Bhairav 2
Date : 12th March
Location : Surat
Registration Link :
Bichali
Bichali
Did you know that Bichali is the village where mystic saint, Madhvacharya had established a close bond with his contemporary and disciple Appanacharya and even stayed with him for 13 years doing penance?
Bichali also spelled as Bichchali or Bichal, is a village near Gillesugur village in the Raichur taluk of Raichur district in the Indian state of Karnataka. Bichali is located on the banks of Tungabhadra river. Bichali in ancient times was known as Bhikshalaya, also as Bichali Japadakatti, and Anu Mantralaya (mini Mantralaya).
Located on the river side, the village, flood prone, with scenic surroundings has lush green paddy fields, river spots, rocky hillocks, and sleepy hamlets.This village now houses many holy shrines and is popular pilgrim centre.
Over the centuries during the times of saint Madhvacharya (also known as Rayaru) in the 13th century, who propounded Dwaita philosophy, it bacame a famous centre for Gurukula education established by the saintly and erudite scholar called Sri Appanachary born in Bichali, who was the son of a rich land lord called Ramasubbanachar who owned 20 villages as Jagir and 300 acres of fertile land.
This was once known as Japadakatti and a traditional gurukula, an open university, which was established by Appanacharya on the shores of Tungabhadra River under an Ashwath Vruksha (Sacred fig (Ficus religiosa) tree). The mystic saint of Mantralaya, Madhvacharya, had established a close bond with his contemporary and desciple Appacharya and even stayed with him for 13 years doing penance at Bichali Japada katte; Appanacharya was then 60 years old and two years elder to Madhvacharya.
Appanachary's house was considered a house of divinity as Rayaru stayed there, performing the Pooja of Sri Moola RamaDevaru in the central hall of the house where he also used to sleep.
Pleased with Appanacharay's devotional service in running the Gurukula, Rayaru even gifted him twelve acres of land located in Kaldakuntla, twelve kilometers from Mantralaya. Initially, Appanacharya protested as he was already a rich landlord, but Rayaru forced him to accept the land.
Appanacharya, as an ardent devotee of Raghavendra, also composed a hymn or chant in honour of his guru called Raghavendra stotra, Sanskrit hymns, which begins with : "Sri poojyaya Raghavendraya ...", which is a constant hymn (stotra of 32 hymns) recited by the devotees of saint Ragahavendar Swamy of Mantralaya as a community prayer.
The sacred deities of Hanuman and Ugra Narasimha consecrated by seers Vysaraja and Sripadaraja, respectively, are located at an elevated river spot at Japadakatti.[2]
Much later, following the death of Madhvacharya in a voluntary samadhi at Mantralaya, Appanacharya established a Brindavana, a memorial, an open air shrine to mark the 13 years stay of the saint in Bichali. This Brindavana is in the form of a monolithic stone (ekashile).
Source" Extarcts from article in Wikipedia posted by me on 27 January 2023
Narasipur Char
Dimension, which is beyond good and bad, right and wrong
Chapter 1 - The Password To Divinity
Day 5
Then the question immediately comes how can God be in Osama bin Laden? How can God be in Hitler? How can God be in something that is bad? You as a physicist, a quantum scientist - Does Osama biatomsp have atoms in his body or not? Does he have atomsp or molecules in his body or not? Was there energy in him or not?
We are caught up in this concept - good or bad, right or wrong. As long as you are in this duality, you can never know God, forget about it. If you are caught up in the movie between the hero and the villain, you can never know the director. A director honours the hero as much as he hours the villain. Wake up, wake up and see. Then you rise to another dimension, a dimension, which is beyond good and bad, right and wrong, which purely places before you the existence as it is and there is no escape from it.
God is here, now, in everything
Chapter 1 - The Password To Divinity
Day 4
The concept of God is something that has baffled this planet from time immemorial. People who say there is God have a concept and people who say there is no God also have a concept. Otherwise they can't say there is no God.
The atheist also has a concept of God to be able to say that God does not exist. You pity them sometimes because they don't know the existence of Upanishad. They don't see the wisdom here. All this, whatsoever moves or is stationary in this universe, is indwelled by Isha.
Through renunciation enjoy, do not covert any body's earth. This entire universe is permeated by the Divinity. It is not a God who is sitting somewhere whose finger you are trying to catch and he runs away. God is not a person, someone who created this world and is hiding somewhere from it.
God is here, now, in everything. There is nothing that can be away from God. Whatever you see in this universe, not just the permanent but also the changing, the perishable as well as what appears to be imperishable. This entire universe is permeated by something and That, you can call God.
It sounds silly that some people are craving for God realization as though he is somewhere outside and is going to come in front of you and say "Oh my dear son, I am pleased with you. What do you want? I am here." No, if it happens it is only their mental aberrations, imagination. This universe is permeated by a power.
Here you find that the entire Ayurveda text is in the former of poetry.
Chapter 1 - The Password To Divinity
Day 3
The Rishi says Shanti, Shanti, Shanti three times. At the first level, when your environment is disturbed by you cannot think about or contemplate on knowlege. The environment needs to be congenial. Chanting balances our left and right brain. Left brain is logic, right brain is music. People who are emotional love to repeat things.
When you are in love with somebody you like to say "I love you "several times, not just once. But a left brain person finds it funny and unpleasant. What is the point in repeating? Repetition appears to be boring when you are in the left brain. The same repetition is so palatable when the right brain is active.
Repetition has been a part of all learning from ancient times. Logically understand the knowledge you receive and then to turn it into wisdom, the knowledge you receive and then the turn it into wisdom, to make it a part ot your lite, it needs that emotional integration.
That's why it is important to sing as well. It is so amazing to see that in Ayurveda, even the
Materia Medica - all the written text on the subject, is in the former of a poem. Perhaps nowhere else in the world, medical science has been put into poems. Here you find that the entire Ayurveda text is in the former of poetry.
Knowledge with rhythm turns it into wisdom and that is why repetition or chanting is also very significant when you are learning something about the Upanishad or any scripture for that matter. So everyday we will chant a few minutes. Ishavasya Upanishad - the first of the Upanishads.
Good company is that which cheers you up, which elevates you, which brings a pleasant attitude and feeling within you
Chapter 5 - Crossing The Ocean Of Maya
Day 35
That company which gets you lost, which doesn't let you learn from your own experience, is bad company. You can gallop on such a horse forever without being aware of anything in your life. That is how people commit the same mistake over and over again and get totally dejected and depressed their whole life - and they do not even know that they are miserable.
They are no doubt miserable and they make everyone around them miserable, isn’t that so? That is bad company. They forget all about themselves. There is no memory of them left, of who they are, what they are, what they want, where they are heading. They have no idea who they were, how they were.
All adults forget that they were teenagers once, and that they, too, had problems as teenagers. When they have teenage children, they think the children are not doing well. Every adult feels that the children don't listen - they forget that they, also, did not listen to their parents at a particular time.
When the delusion comes, the memory loss happens. You lose your memory, you lose the knowledge of who you are. The intellect becomes clouded. When the intellect is hazy, not clear, not sharp, everything appears wrong. It is the intellect, the buddhi, that says, “This is good, this is not good; this is right, this is not right.” That which is, that which brings short-term joy and long term misery is bad.
That which brings long term joy and short-term misery is good. This is the definition of good and bad. Good brings long-term joy and short-term challenges, problems, and bad is something that brings long-term problems and short-term joy. It is the intellect which decides whether this is good or not good, and when the intellect, itself, is gone, everything is lost.
When the discrimination power in you is lost, then you are totally lost. This is what you will find if you go and talk to prisoners in jail. At the spur of the moment they lost their intellect and they lost everything. All crimes can only happen when the intellect or the discrimination is lost, and most of them lose it through bad company. That is why mobs create more violence.
The individual person cannot do so much harm-in a mob they throw stones, put fire to buses and trucks and break things. The mob becomes more violent than a single individual person. It is the mob psychology-a mob is more violent because they lose their intellect, they lose their discrimination. That is why bad company is to be shunned.
Good company is that which cheers you up, which elevates you, which brings a pleasant attitude and feeling within you. In the beginning it may be just like a small wave, a ripple, but when you are associating yourself with bad company continuously, it will become like an ocean. Don't think, “Oh, it is just one party there, just one little thing that I’m doing.”
No, that one little thing can just rip you. That is how alcoholics who have recovered from being an alcoholic get sucked back into it. It is just one party, one peg-these sort of justification they give, they go for one little party once in a while and then that’s it, finished. And they end up again entering the rehabilitation centre.
Crossing The Ocean Of Maya
Chapter 5 - Crossing The Ocean Of Maya
Day 34
Shun bad company. There is a saying by someone, “If you want to Know a person, know him through the company he keeps or the books he reads.” Shun bad company. What is bad company? The company which solidifies your negativity is bad company.
You have some problem, you have a complaint, you go and you talk to someone and they make your beliefs more strong in that negativity that is bad company. And you go to someone else with the same problem, same thought, same negativity.
And they will just make you feel lighter and when you walk away from them you feel that the problem is not as big as you thought it was before. That is the right company. Don't think people who agree with your grievances, with your problems, are your friends. They are not.
Those people who make your negative feelings and your frustrations grow more and more in you may appear to be friends, but they are your enemies. They are bad company. Right company, good company, is that which makes you feel the problem is nothing.
“It is solvable, it is simple, don’t worry .” They pump enthusiasm in you. Haven't you had this experience? Many people you talk to confirm your negativity while there are others who simply dissipate your negativity. Shun bad company if you want to grow in love, because bad company provokes ambition.
Why should we get rid of bad company? Why should we not keep bad company? It says it brings lust or ambition in you, feverishness in you. “That person has a Rolls Royce, I, too, should have one. That person has this, I, too, should have that.” And then behind ambition comes anger. Actually, if you look into it, it is your own mind which is either your friend or your enemy.
The negative tendency in your mind is your own enemy. Don't think it is in the other person. You can turn around the other person’s mind too. If the other’s mind is negative, you can break the ice there, you need the skill to do that.
Bad company brings ambition, desire, frustration, anger and delusion. You build a whole castle in your mind about negativity - how things are, how people are, how the whole world is. Haven't you had this experience before in your life?
You thought such and such a person is hopeless and you made a whole concept about him in your mind just by listening to someone else and then suddenly you found out that all your opinions and ideas about the person were false.
They fell apart. Your opinions prove to be wrong. How many times in your life have your own opinions failed you? Yet we do not learn from our own past.
The Master Came To Me!
In the year 2013, I was 29 and having many health troubles. My friends suggested various healing treatments and Art of Living was one of it. I had never heard of it by then, and decided to join on a whim. The only thing I asked the lady when I paid was whether it can heal my joint pains. I even gave her a smirk, when she said “yes”. After I joined the course, I could hardly sit, and could not do the warm ups either. Somehow, with the tender care from my teacher and my persistence, I finished the course. By the end of it, I was able to walk on toes and heels and do slight warm ups. My teacher still states me as an example
Though I was not aware, people around me started noticing the changes in me. Also, that was the first time I saw the frame of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in the hall. I was not drawn to it so I was actually relieved when teacher said, “you need not believe in Him, just believe in your Sadhana (everyday practice)”. On the last day I looked at the photo and said, “I won’t pray to you and keeping a photo is out of question. On a second thought, if you come to me, then I might think of you as a master”. Being brought up in a spiritual background and having had my share of divine experiences by then, I had my own reasons. After a month we shifted to another home. It was cleaned before we arrived. While we were unpacking, I noticed that 2 empty shelves were left uncleaned and covered with some paper. I just took away those papers and stuffed them in trash bag, that is when I noticed it was actually a two and half feet poster of Gurudev! I was in utter shock for a few seconds, the poster was reversed and used as paper in shelves. And, even after finding it, I still felt reluctant and left it in the trash bag. It got stained a little though. After few minutes I remembered what I had thought back then. I then carefully picked it out and the rest is history with a roller coaster ride of miracles that He has been showering upon me. I am not into having pictures, so the one I have is more than what I need. Jai Guru Dev.
- Neeta Teerdhala
https://srisristories.com/the-master-came-to-me/
In Giving A Gift, I Received The Biggest Gift Of Gurudev’s blessings
In the year 2016, I came to know that Gurudev will be coming to Gujarat for Diwali (a Hindu mega festival) celebrations. My heart leaped with joy. I had an intense longing to meet Him personally and offer him a gift. I shared my desire with my Art of Living teacher and she told me “Take Sankalpa (an intention to do a good deed backed by a strong willpower) and you will surely get to meet Him”. I went to Ahmedabad to attend the event. Gurudev came on the Darshan ramp. Now, I could give the gift to a volunteer standing nearby who would have forwarded it to Gurudev. However, my heart still wanted to present this gift to Him personally so I just watched Gurudev and decided to instead go to Vasad (Art of Living Ashram in Gujarat), where His next event was scheduled. Just before I was about to leave for Vasad, I was told that my bus has been cancelled! I was heart-broken. I returned to my home and prayed to Gurudev “Either I will gift this to You personally or I’ll keep it with me forever “. As always, Gurudev had His own wonderful plans for me. On the very next day, my father received a call from his friend informing him that Gurudev would be coming to ‘Atmiya Dham’ (an Ashram in Gujarat belonging to the Swaminarayan sect). My father quickly came to me with the news. I was overjoyed and in my excitement I did a full round of “Garba”! (a Gurjarati folk dance). Upon reaching Atmiya Dham, none of the security guards stopped us. As soon as we approached the event hall, we saw Gurudev taking a session exclusively with the Art of Living teachers. Since none of us were teachers, we decided to wait outside. As soon as the session ended, Gurudev came out and I rushed towards Him but a volunteer stopped me. Gurudev got in the car waiting for Him and started moving. My heart skipped a beat but my Sankalpa was strong. The car passed near us. I looked at Gurudev and He opened the car’s door! I rushed towards Him, gave Him the gift personally and touched His feet. He also gave shawl to my parents! I can never forget this day in my life. It was the most beautiful miracle. In giving a gift to Him, I have received the biggest gift of His blessings. The Guru is always there, every time, taking care of you. Take Sankalpa and surrender. He is listening and He has his own ways to meet you. Have Faith and Keep moving on the Path. With lots of Love and Gratitude.
- Shruti
https://srisristories.com/in-giving-a-gift-i-received-the-biggest-gift-of-gurudevs-blessings/
How Sudarshan Kriya & Faith In Gurudev Helped Me Clear My Exams In The Most Challenging Situations
In the year 2014, I secured admission in an engineering college in Nagpur, India. It was here that I was introduced to Art of Living & did my first Happiness Course. The practice of Sudarshan Kriya helped me immensely during some extremely challenging times and it also made me overcome some vices. While I was originally from Dubai, UAE, I felt connected with everyone here and made many friends. In my final semester, I unfortunately failed an exam. The rules of Nagpur University did not allow students to carry any backlogs to the final exam. Thousands of students were barred and I was one of them. I was completely shattered! I was new to the country and had no substantial experience to seek a job. Heartbroken, I decided to move back to my home in Dubai. The bad luck however continued its spell. Upon reaching home, I realized that my family had received an eviction notice & we will need to move out of the house we had rented for so many years. We were forced to move into a smaller house with a higher rent and it created a financial crunch. I decided to take up a menial job just to survive this crisis. I worked extremely long hours in the sweltering desert heat. I had to persevere in this job so I could gather enough savings to return to India and clear my backlog. Fortunately, my boss approved my leave and I was able to go back to Nagpur. I appeared for the exam without any preparation as I had no time to study amidst my job responsibilities. I returned back to Dubai after completing the exam and resumed my job. While I was anxiously awaiting the results, I finally got the news on New Year’s Eve. I had failed in two out of the five papers I had submitted. I was devastated. I took a “Sankalpa” (determination) that come what may I will clear all of my backlog papers and also the final semester exam. I began practicing my Kriya daily with full faith. I studied for all the papers while continuing in my job. I again saved up enough to return to India for my exam. However, just four days before the journey, I got news that the examination system had changed and my college was going to run the courses in a different pattern. We were given just one month to prepare. I did not lose hope & although my college offered coaching classes for the new system, I decided to stay back in Dubai and study on my own. I practiced Sudarshan Kriya daily with full focus and diligently studied for the exams. I finally went back to India and gave my exams. When the results came out, I had passed in all papers except one which I missed by just a few marks! Our university rules allowed teachers to allot some extra marks if the reasons were justified. I prayed to Gurudev and approached the teacher for some leniency. Amazingly, she obliged without any arguments and I finally cleared my exam! Thus, I got my Engineering Degree in the midst of moving to a different country, a full time job, change in course material, studying on my own and financial crisis to top it! I know that I sailed through all of this only because of my faith in Gurudev and the daily practice of Sudarshan Kriya. Although things may not be going as smoothly as we want, if one becomes regular in Sadhana and gives their 100%, then Divinity walks with us. All we need, is to have faith. Jai Guru Dev.
- A Devotee
https://srisristories.com/how-sudarshan-kriya-faith-in-gurudev-helped-me-clear-my-exams-in-the-most-challenging-situations/
How I Learnt The Wonders Of Sudarshan Kriya
I am an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist surgeon by profession. I had been to Amritsar in 1999, where I fell sick and had a reaction to a medication that led to liver damage, raised my enzymes and caused drug induced depression. I was physically very weak. Just then an angel came by as a patient and talked to me about Art of Living. I took the course and started practicing the Sudarshan Kriya regularly. To my amazement, I noticed I had recovered in six months though people with ailments like mine take years to recover! I continued my Sadhana (practice) and weekly Long Kriya until 2004 but later due to my busy schedule the practice became less frequent. In 2008, I again felt I needed regular practice of Sudarshan Kriya to keep myself fit and healthy. As a physician I believed in this practice because I had seen how it benefitted me personally. Some of my patients who were regular in their Sadhana and practiced Ujjai (breathing technique) had much ease delivering their baby! Recently I had some abdominal colic and was admitted to the hospital and in spite of all analgesics I was still in pain. It was induced by stress and commercial food. I was worried because I was supposed to give a talk in an international conference. Somehow I managed to do my Kriya and meditation practice and noticed the sensation of pain was disappearing! Now, I could not only travel but also delivered an excellent presentation. Whenever I am in pain, sadness, or insecure I feel as if I am under His Grace and just stop worrying! I am immensely grateful to Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for giving us this wonderful knowledge. As a physician, I am able to heal people only because of Gurudev’s Grace.
- Dr Rupila Bhatia
https://srisristories.com/how-i-learnt-the-wonders-of-sudarshan-kriya/
How I Got My My Dream Home With Gurudev’s Blessings
In the summer of 2014, we were living in Boston. My husband got a new job offer from Amazon. We were not sure whether to accept it as the position was based in Seattle and would require us to relocate. We came to know that Gurudev was going to be at Boone Ashram during Guru Purnima and decided to seek His guidance. My husband met Gurudev and told him about the job offer. Gurudev did not say anything . He just kept His hand on my husband’s head and walked away. After Guru Purnima celebrations, while driving to the Charlotte airport from Boone, we decided to accept the offer. Next step was to decide about relocation so I called up a friend of mine who I knew was looking to buy a house and told her that we may be selling our house. On Monday, my friend came, saw our house and made an offer! So, with our own house sold, we decided to look for a new house in Seattle. We spent a full day looking at various options. At the end of an extremely tiring and frustrating day, we decided to place an offer on one house. Unfortunately or fortunately, someone else placed a significantly higher offer for all cash and we lost that house. We regretfully returned back to Boston. A few days later, our realtor contacted us on FaceTime and showed us another house near Seattle. We trusted her so we placed an offer on the house without physically seeing it. The offer was accepted and after inspections etc, we got the house for 10k below asking price (This is when houses on our street have gone for 50k above asking price!) Eventually, we moved into our new home. It was then I realized the most astounding thing. Every single thing that I had dreamed in my home was available here. 1. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a very good school district. 2. High ceilings and natural beauty. 3. Hardwood floors throughout the house, upstairs and downstairs. Since we have dust allergies in our family, this was a necessity. 4. Children playing outside on the street. 5. Walking distance to the bus stop. This is when I truly recognized to what extent we are taken care of. Guru Purnima is such a precious time to be in the company of the Guru! We were very blessed to have the chance to be with him physically on that day. The important thing is not the material gain in this story, but just the extent to which we are all blessed to have a living master. Jai Guru Dev.
- A Devotee
https://srisristories.com/how-i-got-my-my-dream-home-with-gurudevs-blessings/
How Gurudev Looked After My Whole Journey To The Berlin World Cultural Festival
In July 2011, Gurudev had announced the ‘World Cultural Festival’ to be held at Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany. The event would mark 30 years since the foundation of The Art of Living. It was going to be a mega event celebrating the rich cultural heritage of societies across the world. As I was based in Texas, USA, my family and friends were naturally apprehensive of my plans to visit Germany only for a weekend! Despite their stiff resistance, my mind was made. I purchased the air tickets, booked a nearby hotel and was all set for the exciting journey! Upon reaching the airport, I realized I had left all of my printed papers at home! I was going to leave the country with just my overnight bag and tickets. I wondered how will I find my hotel in Berlin or even reach the venue without any directions! In those days, even Wi-fi access was not readily available and although I had my cell phone, it was not activated for international roaming. I was in a fix. I remembered Gurudev with all of my heart and thought “This is an experience of a lifetime! There will be several people at the airport and all I have to do is ‘follow the crowd’ “. With this in mind, I boarded the plane. My flight from Houston to Berlin was comfortable. I was expecting plane loads of people at the airport and a big team to guide us to the hotel. As soon as I got off the plane, I noticed a lady with a board “Art of Living welcomes you to the World Cultural Festival” Ah! I said to myself, why worry about directions, bus and train connections etc., there is a welcome party here! As I approached her, she told me “I am here to receive Gurudev’s dignitaries, you will have to walk outside the airport and look for a help desk. They might be able to help you, sorry I am busy.” I was floored! I could get lost, I didn’t speak German and I had no clue how to get to the hotel. Somehow I gathered my strength, apologized to the lady and started walking in the direction she pointed me. I may have walked just a few steps when she came running behind me and said “There has been a mistake and two cars have come to pick-up the same person. You can ride in one of these cars. They will drop you at the train station where you can board a train to reach the hotel.” At that moment, I was just blinking and trying to process the information (A dignitary car for me?!) Just then, another person named Ramakrishna asked her the directions for the same hotel as mine. She directed him to my car and once again I blinked but said nothing! (Now, I get a help too?!) Both of us were royally dropped off at the train station. As we embarked on the platform, to our horror we realized it was just the two of us! There was absolutely no other passenger on the platform, it was almost abandoned! With no help in sight, we were struggling to fetch the train tickets from the vending machine. As we stood scratching our heads, wondering which direction train should we get into, a lady came by, gave us directions and left the platform. She did not wait for any train and we were left wondering why would she come all this way, only to help us! We both got into our train reached the hotel. Ramkrishna & I became friends and he took great care of me throughout the festival, ensuring I was never lost. He also made sure that I safely reached the airport for my return flight home. This was my most memorable event organized by The Art of Living. The World Cultural Festival was so breath taking, there was this beautiful rain during the festival but no one got wet! That was a miracle! I can never forget the rain that happened that day! This trip created one more amongst many other Guru stories where I have been taken care of by Gurudev in His own special ways. I live and travel in surrender. Gurudev has always taken care of me. All it takes is “Surrender”. I am not the doer. Jai Guru Dev.
- Mridula
https://srisristories.com/how-gurudev-looked-after-my-whole-journey-to-the-berlin-world-cultural-festival/
Why only one Guru? What is his/her purpose?
Question - Gurudev, why only one Guru? What is his/her purpose?
Gurudev Sri Sri - You forget about the Guru. Just walk your path and grow in knowledge. When you benefit and have someone to thank, that is your Guru. The word guide in English came from Sanskrit word Guru. If you want to play soccer, you need a coach. If you want to play violin, you need a coach. Similarly, in life, one needs a coach for managing the mind, and relieving you of the tensions, stress, fear uncertainty, jealousy, greed, hatred and all these negative emotions. So this is the role of a Guru - to relieve you from all negativity and infuse positivity in you.
All Cannot Do Seva
*All Cannot Do Seva*
Everyone is not fortunate to do Seva or Service. For doing Seva one needs Prarabdha and ability. If I’m asking you to do my Seva. It means you are very special person. Hence I have chosen you to do Seva. Either you have got Prarabdha or you are having special abilities to do Seva. If I select you to do my Seva, I will be paying you something even if I don't pay. Wealth of this world is nothing, I am ready to give you divine wealth. And hence I have selected you for my Seva. Those who do Seva of their parents or elders or anyone, they are very fortunate. They are getting very precious thing even if they don't get any thing.
- Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji
Sadhana, Seva & Satsang is remedy for all 9 planets
In astrology session Gurudev said that when we know that some planet is not so favourable to us during a given period we can have remedy which is as follows :
SUN can be made strong by meditation.
MOON & MERCURY by listening to knowledge.
MARS & JUPITER by Pranayam.
VENUS by singing (Satsang).
SATURN by Seva & excercise (Asanas).
In a nut shell, sadhana, seva & satsang is remedy for all 9 planets, so continue SSS with SMILE
Vasant Kusumakar Ras – Benefits, Dosage, Ingredients, Side Effects
Vasant Kusumakar Ras – Benefits, Dosage, Ingredients, Side Effects
Vasant Kusumakar Ras is an Ayurvedic medicine in tablet or powder form.
It is used in the treatment of diabetes, diseases related to urinary tract, memory loss etc.
This medicine contains heavy metal ingredients, hence should only be taken under strict medical supervision.
Vasant Kusumakar Ras Uses:
It is an excellent rejuvenative and anti aging medicine.
It is used in the treatment of memory loss, diabetes and diseases related to urinary tract.
It improves memory, concentration, skin complexion, strength and immunity.
It is also widely used to treat polyurea (frequent urination problem).
Effect on Tridosha -
Balances Vata, Pitta.
Vasant Kusumakar Rasa dosage:
125 – 25o mg once in the morning, before or after food or as directed by Ayurvedic doctor.
It is traditionally administered along with honey, sugar or ghee
Vasant Kusumakar Ras side effects:
Self medication with this medicine may prove to be dangerous, since it contains heavy metal ingredient.
Take this medicine in precise dose and for limited period of time, as advised by doctor.
Over-dosage may cause sever poisonous effect.
It is best avoided in pregnancy, lactation and in children.
Keep out of reach and sight of children. Store in a dry cool place
Shankha Uses Part 2
Shankha- Part 2, Uses
Did you know that Shankha in a powdered form of its shell material is used in Ayurveda as a treatment for stomach ailments?
Shankha, a Gastropod shell of any suitable sea snail is a sacred [[emblem]] of The Hindu preserver god Vishnu, wiedely used in ancient days as a war trumpet is a part of the state emblem and seal of the Indian state of Kerala. It was the earliest known sound-producing agency as a manifestation of sound, and the other elements came later, hence it is regarded as the origin of the elements.
A Hindu legend in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana recalls the creation of conchs: Shiva flung a trident towards the asuras, burning them instantaneously. Their ashes flew in the sea creating conchs.[6] Shankha is believed to be a brother of Lakshmi as both of them were born from the sea.
Nowadays, the shankha is blown at the time of worship in Hindu temples and homes, especially in the ritual of the Hindu aarti, when light is offered to the deities. The shankha is also used to bathe images of deities, especially Vishnu, and for ritual purification. No hole is drilled for these purposes, though the aperture is cut clean or rarely the whorls are cut to represent five consecutive shells with five mouths.
To make a trumpet or wind instrument, one drills a hole near the tip of the apex of the shankha. When air is blown through this hole, it travels through the whorls of the shankha, producing a loud, sharp, shrill sound. This sound is the reason the shankha was used as a war trumpet, to summon helpers and friends. Shanka continued to be used in battles for a long time. The sound it produced was called "Shankanad".
Shankha is used in Ayurveda medicinal formulations to treat many ailments. It is prepared as conch shell ash, known in Sanskrit as shankha bhasma, which is prepared by soaking the shell in lime juice and calcinating in covered crucibles, 10 to 12 times, and finally reducing it to powder ash. Shankha bhasma contains calcium, iron and magnesium and is considered to possess antacid and digestive properties.
Shankha is used as a material for making bangles, bracelets and other objects. Because of its aquatic origin and resemblance to the vulva, it has become an integral part of the Tantric rites. In view of this, its symbolism is also said to represent female fertility. Since water itself is a fertility symbol, shankha, which is an aquatic product, is recognised as symbolic of female fertility. In ancient Greece, shells, along with pearls, are mentioned as denoting sexual love and marriage, and also mother goddesses.
Brahma Vaivarta Purana declares that shankha is the residence of both Lakshmi and Vishnu, bathing by the waters led through a shankha is considered like bathing with all holy waters at once.
Shankha was the Royal State Emblem of Travancore and also figured on the Royal Flag of the Jaffna kingdom. It is also the election symbol of the Indian political party Biju Janata Dal.[18] Shankh was also used by sikh warriors before they started the war. The maryada is still practiced by all nihangs while doing aarti aarta prayer and is used in hola mohalla festival as well.
During the great Mahabharata war, Krishna, as the charioteer of the Pandava prince and a protagonist of the epic – Arjuna – resounds the Panchajanya to declare war. Panchajanya in Sanskrit means 'having control over the five classes of beings.
Source: Extracts from article in Wikipedia with my inputs.
Narasipur Char
Shankha - Characteristics, types and history Part 1
Shankha - Part 1 Characteristics, types and history
Did you know that because of its aquatic origin and resemblance to the vulva, the shankha is linked with female fertility and is an integral part of Tantric rites?
Shankha (conch shell) has religious ritual importance in Hinduism. It is also one of the eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism, the Ashtamangala, and represents the pervasive sound of Buddhism. It is the shell of any suitable sea snail which had a hole made for the performer's embouchure. It was the earliest known sound-producing agency as a manifestation of sound, and the other elements came later, hence it is regarded as the origin of the elements. It is identified with the elements themselves.
It is of aquatic origin and resemblance to the vulva. In view of this, its symbolism is also said to represent female fertility. Since water itself is a fertility symbol, shankha, which is an aquatic product, is recognised as symbolic of female fertility. It has become an integral part of the Tantric rites.
Shanka shell is from a sea snail species Turbinella pyrum in the family Turbinellidae. This species is found living in the Indian Ocean and surrounding seas. The shell is porcelaneous (i.e. the surface of the shell is strong, hard, shiny, and somewhat translucent, like porcelain).
The overall shape of the main body of the shell is oblong or conical. In the oblong form, it has a protuberance in the middle, but tapers at each end. The upper portion (the siphonal canal) is corkscrew-shaped, while the lower end (the spire) is twisted and tapering. Its colour is dull, and the surface is hard, brittle and translucent. Like all snail shells, the interior is hollow. The inner surfaces of the shell are very shiny, but the outer surface exhibits high tuberculation. In Hinduism, the shiny, white, soft shankha with pointed ends and heavy is the most sought after.
Based on its direction of coiling, the shankha has two varieties - Vamavarta Shankha and Dakshinavarti Shankha
The Vamavarta ("left-turned" as viewed with the aperture uppermost), which is the very commonly occurring dextral form of the species, where the shell coils or whorls expand in a clockwise spiral when viewed from the apex of the shell. In Hinduism, a dakshinavarta shankha symbolizes infinite space and is associated with Vishnu. The Vamavarta shankha represents the reversal of the laws of nature and is linked with Shiva.
A Dakshinavarti Shankh is the very rare sinistral form of the species, where the shell coils or whorls expand in a counterclockwise spiral if viewed from the apex of the shell.
In Hindu history, the shankha is a sacred emblem of the Hindu preserver god Vishnu. It is still used as a trumpet in Hindu ritual, and in the past was used as a war trumpet.
The shankha is praised in Hindu scriptures as a giver of fame, longevity and prosperity, the cleanser of sin and the abode of goddess Lakshmi, who is the goddess of prosperity and consort of Vishnu.The sound of the shankha symbolises the sacred Om sound.
Shankha is displayed in Hindu art in association with Vishnu. As a symbol of water, it is associated with female fertility and serpents (Nāgas).
In the Western world, in the English language, the shell of this species is known as the "divine conch" or the "sacred chank" or simply a "chank" or conch. The more common form of this shell is known as "right-turning" in a religious context with scientists calling it "dextral". A very rarely encountered form has reverse coiling which is called "left-turning" in a religious context, which in scientific terminology is known as "sinistral" or left-coiling.
Note: To be continued in - "Shanka- Part 2, Uses"
Source: Extracts from artcile in Wikipedia with my inputs in December 2009
Narasipur Char
Daskhinamurthy - the World Teacher
Daskhinamurthy - the World Teacher
Dakshinamurti literally means one who is facing south (dakṣiṇa). It also means the Lord of compassion. According to Hindu texts, the direction of south or the southern sphere is ruled by the Lord of death. Although the vedic texts refer the deity as Yama, the epithet is also used to described Shiva in his role as the destroyer. However as Dakshinamurthy, what Siva destroy is not death but ignorance. Hence in this form he is said to be the granter of knowledge, wisdom, awareness and enlightenment and is described as the world teacher who imparts the knowledge of yoga, music, arts and religious scriptures.
In his aspect as Jnana Dakshinamurti, Shiva is generally shown with four arms. He is depicted as seated under a banyan tree, facing the south, upon a deer-throne and surrounded by sages who receive his instruction, with his right foot on mythical apasmara (the demon of ignorance) and his left foot lies folded on his lap. Sometimes he is also shown surrounded by wild animals. In one of his upper arms, he holds a snake or rosary or both and in the other a flame. His lower right hand shows vyakhyanamudra, while his lower left hand holds a bundle of kusha grass or the scriptures. The index finger of His right hand is bent and touches the tip of his thumb, while the other three fingers are stretched apart. This symbolic hand gesture or Mudra is the Gnana Mudra (or Jnana Mudra or Jana Mudra), a symbol of knowledge and wisdom. Sometimes, this hand is in the Abhaya Mudra, a posture of assurance and blessing. Dakshinamurthy is portrayed as being in the yogic state of abstract meditation - and as a powerful form brimming with ever flowing bliss and supreme joy. Variations of this iconic representation include Veenadhara Dakshinamurthy (holding a Veena), Rishabharooda Dakshinamurthy (mounted on a Rishabha - the bull) etc. This aspect of Shiva is also assciated with Thursday, which is known in Hindi as Guruvar.
Even though the idol of Dakshinamurthy is installed in every Shiva temple, there are only a few temples where Dakshinamurthy is the chief deity. Only one of the twelve Jyotirlingas is Dakshinmurthy, The Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain. Being the only Dakshinmurthy Jyotirlinga, It holds special importance for Shaivites as a site of learning.
Sri Eswaran
Smile and be innocent
Chapter 4 - Glorify The Divine
Day 33
Smile and be innocent. Smile from the core of your heart, then you will see all the negativity will fly off, like when the sun shines, the dewdrops vanish, the darkness vanishes. Your smile is the light in your life. Stop fueling negativity, stop feeling obligedthen you are good company.
Not only that, then you will be a good company to anybody. It needs skill to shun someone. When someone is so negative, if you just shun them, and say, “This is not right, what you are saying is hopeless,” they will just shut up and they won't really feel lighter.
You need skill to deal with someone's negativity. Are you getting what I'm saying? They will just stop communicating with you because they are so convinced about their negativity. Unless you say yes to them, they don’t feel sympathetic. So you need skill to put down their negativity. That is satsang.
And when you come from this position you will see that whatever complaints they have, as soon as they are aware of that feeling, they start dissolving, they start feeling lighter. It is the company which will pull you forward in life. Everyone needs good company to progress, isn't it so?
The husband gets into a bad company or the wife gets into bad company the seeds will rip the family. Of course, when people are living together four, five, six, seven years, some misunderstandings creep up in any relationship, somebody says something and there will be an argument.
Skill is needed to acknowledge the negativity, yet not agree with it. Acknowledge it, not agree with it, and then break it-like with a knife, remove it. And move on, feeling lighter.
Your life on this planet is meant to bring peace and lightness to everyone's life, not to create more complications. What do you say? So, when you feel one with everybody, when you have that love for everyone, then you don't feel obliged. But you have to do it with skill.
Question - What is someone's complaints are legitimate?
Gurudev Sri Sri - That is how everyone feels. When they complain, they feel their complaints are completely legitimate. Wake up and see. If you see through knowledge, you always get what you deserve. Nature has that principle, that truth.
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