Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts with the label hindu

The ways of karma.

The ways of karma... Every object in the universe is endowed with four characteristics: dharma, karma, prema and gyana. Of these, karma is the most talked about; it is also the most misunderstood. The Gita says: “Gahna Karmanyo Gathi” -- Unfathomable are the ways of karma. There are three types of karma: praarabdha, sanchita and agami. The first is latent karma, an impression or seed of action. The second is karma as action, and the third is karma as result. praarabdha means  ‘begun’; the action that is already manifesting and that is yielding its effect right now. You cannot avoid it or change it, as it is already happening. Sanchita is accumulated karma. It is latent or manifested in the form of a tendency or impression in the mind. Sanchita karma can be burned off by spiritual practices before it manifests. Agami karma is the future karma of action; that which has not yet come and which will take effect in the future. If you commit a crime, you may not get caught today, b...

Interesting Facts about Tirupati Balaji you may not know

The Tirupati Balaji temple is one of the most revered holy sites of Hindu religion and many people believe that life of a devout Hindu is not fulfilled till the time he visits this temple. Let’s go through few of the amazing facts about Tirupati Balaji Tirupati Balaji temple, Andhra Pradesh by Chandrashekhar Basumatar Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, (TTD) is the trust that manages the Tirupati Balaji Temple. Apart from the sale of prasad, darshan tickets etc., a huge chunk of money comes from the gold offerings and donations made to the deity. It is estimated that TTD earns more than Rs 6 crores per day. Tirupati laddu source by Wikipedia The Laddus have been used as Prasad in the temple since the last 300 years. To counter the black market of Laddus developing on the name of Tirupati Balaji Temple, the laddus were patented under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act. The pious offering was introduced in the year 1715 and today, and a...

Maharana Pratap : Valour and Unbreakable determination personified

Maharana Pratap ( Source of image: rajputras.blogspot.in ) Contents Introduction of Maharana Pratap Childhood of Maharana Pratap Maharana Pratap's Coronation Unbreakable oath to free 'Motherland' by Maharana Pratap Battle of Haldiighat: Supreme fighter 'Maharana Pratap.' Severe destiny of Maharana Pratap Devotion of Bhamashah towards Maharana Pratap Last Wish of Maharana Pratap Introduction of Maharana Pratap   Maharana Pratap is a name worth remembering to begin one’s day with. His name is engraved with gold among the list of valiant kings who protected the Nation, Dharma, Culture and Freedom of this country by sacrificing his life! This is a holy remembrance of his valor! Who does not know the name of the great king of Mewar, Maharana Pratap Singh? In the history of India, this name has always proved to be motivating for qualities like valor, bravery, sacrifice and martyrdom. Many brave warriors like Bappa Rawal, Rana Hamir, Ra...

Swami Vivekananda’s talk on Shivaji

An Evening talk on Shivaji It was a beautiful moonlit  night and Swamiji was sitting in the verandah of the bungalow of the late Mr. Bhattacharjee on the South Beach of Madras (already referred to), conversing in Hindi with Mr. Munshi Jagamohanlal, the private secretary of the Maharajah of Khetri. This gentleman had been sent by the Maharajah to trace out the whereabouts of the Swamiji and to fetch him back to Khetri to bless the newly born son and heir to the State. When Swamiji  was at Khetri about a year previously, the Maharajah of Khetri had begged of him to confer the boon of a son and Swamiji while he was in one of his higher moods had actually blessed him saying that God had granted his prayer. So the Maharajah wanted Swamiji back in his palace at any cost and could not remain contented until he saw him. When I went over there after my office work I prostrated before Swamiji and took my seat; and suddenly Swamiji began to sing a Hindi song in praise of Shivaji ...

Why do we do Aarati?

Why do we do Aarati? Towards the end of every ritualistic worship (pooja or bhajan) of God or to welcome an honored guest or saint, we perform the aarati. This is always accompanied by the ringing of the bell and sometimes by singing, playing of musical instruments and clapping. It is one of the sixteen steps (shodasha upachaara) of the pooja ritual. It is referred to as the auspicious light (mangla niraajanam). Holding the lighted lamp in the right hand, we wave in a clockwise circling movement to light the entire form of God.  Each part is revealed individually and also the entire form of God. As the light is waved we either do mental or loud chanting of prayers or simply behold the beautiful form of God, illumined by the lamp. At the end of the aarati we place our hands over the flame and then gently touch our eyes and the top of the head.  We have seen and participated in this ritual from our childhood. Let us find out why we do the aarati?  Having worshippe...

How I Embraced Hindu Dharma

For several  years now I have identified myself as a believer in Sanatan Dharma. Sometimes I feel comfortable referring to myself as a Hindu, and yet other times I feel quite uncomfortable. I’ll explain why shortly. Embracing the Hindu philosophy has been quite simple for me really. The moment I began reading The Upanishads something awoke inside of me. I had this incredible moment, or moments I should say, of absolute clarity that what I was reading was truth, and it made complete sense. I was giddy with excitement about it for days. I read The Upanishads every night to my husband before bed. I’ll always cherish those first moments of discovery with him. As any  convert to a new religion knows, I was quite overwhelmed in the beginning. I read everything I could get my hands on regarding Hinduism. My mind was flooded with the immense history and rich culture that comprises the oldest religion in the world. There were many times when I thought to myself, ‘What are you doi...

Arise Arjuna

The world, perhaps as usual, is in a state of crisis. Yet unlike previous crises, which were local in nature, the fate of the globe itself is now at stake, not only humanity but all life on Earth is threatened.  And in this extremity no nation has yet arisen as a defender of the Truth or spokesperson for the spiritual values of humanity. The communist  nations, after decades of floundering in confusion and corruption, have recently faded with the collapse of their economic structures through perpetual mismanagement. Only the ghost or shadow of communism lingers, while whatever idealism it might have had has been traded in for personal gain. The capitalistic  nations strive to maintain their wealth and affluence by exploiting the planet, selfishly consuming the future resources of humanity for their present transient enjoyment.  Between new technological wonders and a growing disillusionment with material gains, they move at an uneasy pace. The underdevelope...