Puja & Bhakti

Trikal Sandhya

3/6/2020

Trikal Sandhya consists of recitation of mantras from the Vedas. Tirkal means three times’. Sandhya means meeting points of day & night and forenoon & afternoon. Trikal Sandhya is also called Sandhyopasana. This is a process of expressing gratitude to nature and formless almighty. Gratitude develops positivity which helps in fulfilling desire and in eradicating grief.

Trikal Sandhya is mandatory for those who are being initiated through the sacred thread ceremony referred to as the Upanayanam by qualified Guru.

Timings of Trikal Sandhya

In morning – It should be done before sunrise, when nakshatra are visible. This is best time. If it is done before sunrise but nakshatra are not visible, it medium grade. If it done after sunrise, it is low grade.
In midday – It should be done ten minutes before 12 noon.
In evening – it should be done ten minutes before sunset.

Purpose of Trikal Sandhya

Stability of mind comes by doing Trikal Sandhya (three times worship) regularly.
Tirkal Sandhya destroys the sins done unknowingly.

Stages of Trikal Sandhya
The stages of Trikal Sandhya include Achamana, Anga Vandana, Ganapati Dhyana, Argya Pradhan, Pranayam, Prayaschitha Argyam, dhyana and Gayatri japa. (Mantras are prescribed at stage which should be learnt from qualified Guru)

Sit facing east, north-east or north. Wear basil, Rudraksha etc. beads.
External purification (Marjan) - Sprinkle water of the self by chanting the mantra.
Purifying sitting mat - Drop water after chanting the mantra.
Achamana – Sipping water three times and taking the names of Narayana.
Cleaning of hands and chanting the mantra.
In both the ring fingers, wear “pavitri”. Chant the Gayatri Mantra, tie the “choti” and apply tilak on forehead.
Resolve (Sankalp) – Make resolution to do Trikal Sandhya.
Pranayama (Anulom-Vlom, breathing exercise) – Internal purification is done by Pranayama three times and chanting the mantra. During inhalation is done by meditating on Vishnu ji at naval center. During holding of breath is done by meditating on Brahma ji at heart center. During exhalation is done by meditating on Shiv ji at forehead.
Surya-Upasthanam – Approaching self to Sun and worshipping by the mantra.
Mantra Proksanam – A prayer for forgiveness of sins.
Gayatri invocation by chanting the mantra.
Nyasa – It involves a series of touches in specific locations on the body.
Mudras – Mudra is a symbolic gesture which involves the entire body, most are performed with the hands and fingers. 24 mudras are performed.
Gayatri-Upasthanam - Approaching self to the deities and worshipping by the mantra. After this, again nyasa and eight mudras.
Abhivadana is a salutary introduction offered to all deities. It usually follows a prostration to the deities in each direction.

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Tapas (तप्) (Penance or Austerity)

7/12/2019

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Tapas (तप्) (Penance or Austerity)
The root word of Tapas in Sanskrit is tapa (तप) which means heat. Tapas or the spiritual energy is generated by practice of austerities like deep meditation, self-control & discipline and other spiritual practices to attain purification and transformation in the self. Tapasya means self-discipline, undertaken to achieve a goal. With the help of Tapas, the practitioner or worshipper experiences supernormal vision.

The word “Tapas” finds mention in Rigveda (Verse -10.154.5), Satapatha Brahmana (Verse -5.3 - 5.17), Chāndogya & Mandukya Upanishads, Atharva Veda (Verse -4.34.1, 6.61.1, 11.1.26), Patanjali’s Yoga Darshan (Verse – 2.1, 2.32) and Bhagwat Gita (Verse - 17.14-19).

Constituents of Tapas:
The Bhagwat Gita (Verse - 17.14-16) deals with tapas from three angles:

Body - Worship of gods; honouring and serving the Brahmanas, one’s guru, elders and great soul; purity; straightforwardness; continence (self-restraint) and non-violence - these are called penance of the body (17.14).
Speech - Words which cause no annoyance to others and are truthful, agreeable and beneficial, as well as the study of the Vedas and other shastras and the practice of the chanting of Divine names - this is known as penance of speech (17.15).
Mind - Cheerfulness of mind, placidity, habit of contemplation on God, control of the mind and perfect purity of inner feelings-all this is called austerity of the mind (17.16).

(ब्रह्मचर्यमहिंसा च शारीरं तप उच्यते ॥ १७-१४॥ अनुद्वेगकरं वाक्यं सत्यं प्रियहितं च यत् । स्वाध्यायाभ्यसनं चैव वाङ्मयं तप उच्यते ॥ १७-१५॥ मनः प्रसादः सौम्यत्वं मौनमात्मविनिग्रहः । भावसंशुद्धिरित्येतत्तपो मानसमुच्यते ॥ १७-१६॥)

Kinds of Tapas:
The Bhagwat Gita (Verse - 17.17-19) defines the purposes of tapas as Sattvika, Rajasika and Tamasika as under:

Sattavika - This threefold penance (Body, Speech & Mind) performed with supreme faith by Yogis expecting no return is called Sattvika (17.17).
Rajasika - The austerity which is performed for the sake of renowned, honour or adoration, as well as for any other selfish gain, either in all sincerity or by way of ostentation, and yields an uncertain and momentary fruit, has been spoken of here as Rajasika (17.18).
Tamasika - Penance which is resorted to out of foolish obstinacy and is accompanied by self-mortification (humiliation), or is intended to harm others, such penance has been declared as Tamasika (17.19).

(श्रद्धया परया तप्तं तपस्तत्त्रिविधं नरैः । अफलाकाङ्क्षिभिर्युक्तैः सात्त्विकं परिचक्षते ॥ १७-१७॥ सत्कारमानपूजार्थं तपो दम्भेन चैव यत् । क्रियते तदिह प्रोक्तं राजसं चलमध्रुवम् ॥ १७-१८॥ मूढग्राहेणात्मनो यत्पीडया क्रियते तपः । परस्योत्सादनार्थं वा तत्तामसमुदाहृतम् ॥ १७-१९॥)

Purpose of Tapas

Tapas develop the endurance of pleasure-pain, profit-loss, appreciation-criticism, hunger-thirst, cold-hot etc. and taking healthy & limited food while following the path of Dharma.
Tapas is the conservation of energy by withdrawal of sense organs; preventing consciousness from diffusing itself towards external things; and fixing it on the God-thought.
Tapas is one of constituents to attain moksha.

Tapas in Kriya Yoga

In the eight limbs of Patanjali’s Yoga Darshan, one of the limbs is Niyama (observances of rules). Niyama are five which comprises purity, contentment, tapas (austerity), self-study and self-surrender (शौचसंतोषतपःस्वाध्यायेश्वरप्रणिधानानि नियमाः || Verse-2/32). Patanjali’s Yoga Darshan says, tapas, self-study and self-surrender are means of Kriya Yoga (तपःस्वाध्यायेश्वरप्रणिधानानि क्रियायोगः ||Verse-2/1). Tapas word is used in the sense of control over food, forbearance and also the performance of specified kriya.

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Fasting, Vrata (व्रत) & Upvas (उपवास)

6/14/2019

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Fasting, Vrata (व्रत) & Upvas (उपवास)
Fasting is integral part of Hinduism which not only provides freshness to life but also fuel spiritual & religious development. All the religions of the world have adopted the practice of fasting in some form. But in Hinduism, fasting is always associated with other actions to purify body and bring calmness to mind so essential for spiritual upliftment. These actions are Upvas and Vrata which do not have equivalent words in English language.

While fasting is more related to intake of food & drink, Upvas and Vrata are having more of spiritual connotation. The purpose of Upvas is to imbibe the virtues of God. Vrata is a commitment, spiritual practice, or mental discipline. Vratas give the strength to withstand the temptations of the instinctive forces. Fasting, Upvas and Vrata together purify the body, mind and soul.
Fasting

Abstinence or reduction of all or some food items for definite or indefinite period is called fasting. In Hinduism, fasting is associated with certain dates such as Ekadasi, Pradosha, or Purnima; days such as Monday for Shivji, Tuesday for Hanuman ji in north, Ganesh ji in Maharashtra, Mariamman in south, Thursday for Brihspati or Guru, Friday for Goddess, Saturday for Hanuman ji in Maharashtra; festivals (Maha shivratri, Navratri, Janamashtami, Karwa Chauth, etc.)

Hinduism - Observances & prohibitions during Fasting:

In Hinduism, during fasting, ten observances are prescribed viz. forgiveness, truthfulness, charity, compassion, purity, control over sense organs, worship of god, Yajna, contentment and non-stealing. As per Skand & Garuda Purana, Fasting is damaged by greed, anger, idleness or delusion or distraction.

Hinduism - Types of Fasting are as under:
1. Daily Fasting – when a person decides to observe fast on particular day or date. It is motivated by spiritual inspiration.
2. Kamya or Naimitik Fasting – when a person observes fast with object of special desire.
3. Ayachit Fasting – when a person undergoes fasting one time food in a day without any desire.
4. Nakt Fasting – when fasting is done for night food.
5. Ekbhukt Fasting – when fasting is done morning, afternoon or evening as per convenience.
6. Prajapaty Fasting – This type of fasting completes in twelve days. When intake of food in increased for three days successively and after nine days, no food is taken in last three days.
7. Chandrayan Fasting – This type of fasting is linked with waxing and waning of moon. During the period of waxing of moon, intake of food is increased gradually and during waning of moon, intake of food is reduced gradually and on new moon, no intake of food is done.
8. Tithi Fasting – Fasting done on 11th day, 4th day, day of new moon etc. as per Hindu calendar.
9. Month Fasting – Fasting done in specified months of Hindu calendar such as Magh, Kartik, Vaishakha etc.
10. Pashik Fasting – Fasting done during the period of waxing of moon or waning of moon.
11. Stellar Fasting – Fasting done during the particular stellar constellation such as Anuradha, Rohini etc.
12. Devas Fasting – When fasting is done to please the gods such as Shri Ganesha, Bhagvan Shiva or Vishnu etc.
13. Days Fasting – Fasting done on different days of week.
14. Pradosh Fasting – Fasting done on 13th day of Hindu calendar.

3. Benefits:
The ancient Indian medical system of Ayurveda sees the basic cause of many diseases as the accumulation of toxic materials. Regular cleansing of toxic material keeps us healthy. Fasting overhauls the respiratory, circulatory, digestive and urinary system. In moderate fasting, the organs of the body are cleansed and renewed.
As per research report published in Medical News Today on 7.11.2018, the benefits of intermittent fasting (an eating cycle that includes periods of fasting of around 12–36 hours) based on research are as under:

Weight loss
improved markers of health
A reduced risk of chronic health conditions i.e. type II diabetes and heart disease.
improved brain health
Apart from losing weight, occasional fasting may also help to boost metabolic activities, generate antioxidants, and also helps reverse ageing, says a study published on 11.02.2019 on India Today web desk.

Besides, physical benefits, at spiritual level, fasting purify the mind, controls passion, Checks emotions and Controls the senses. Fasting makes us ascend to a higher level.

Vrata (व्रत – Sacred Vow, संकल्प – Resolve)
Vrata has two words in Sanskrit, “Vr” means discipline and “rta” means regularity. In Vrata, the person makes self-commitment to abstain to do certain acts or make vows for spiritual practice. It is basically self-sacrifice or mental discipline. Vrata is a binding force, binding the external mind to the soul and the soul to the Divine. Taking a vow is a sacred trust between yourself, your outer self, your inner self, and your loved ones. A religious vrata is a contract between yourself, the religious community, the Gods and your guru.
References to the vratas are found in the Samhitas, Brahmanas and Aranyakas of all the four Vedas. In Vedas, Rudra is mentioned as the lord of Vratas (Vratapati).

While performing vratas, one must abide by several rules such as one should keep oneself clean and pure, observe celibacy, speak the truth, practice forbearance, avoid non-vegetarian foods and scrupulously perform all the rituals connected with it. Vratas prepare the person for self-transformation and realization.

Types of Vratas

Vratas can be classified according to level at which it is observed i.e. at body levels (kayakia Vratas), at mental level (manas vratas) and at speech level (vachika vratas). Further, it can be classified according to period of its observance, the purpose of its observance or the deities for which it is kept.

At speech level, the Vrata is Maun Vrata i.e. to keep silence for certain period. This purifies speech, brings no harmful effect on other persons, conserves energy and helps the person to introspect peacefully. Maun Vrata is active silence to bring positive change, in contrast to stop speaking out of anger.

Benefits of Vratas

Vratas develop confidence and discipline in life. Vratas give the strength to withstand the temptations of the instinctive forces. However, sometimes failing in the vrata is possible; but striving to fulfil it has the strengthening effect.

Importance of Vrata finds mention in Bhagwat Gita and Yajurveda as under:

Bhagwan Shree Krishna mentioned in Bhagwat Gita the objects of the senses turn away from the abstinent man i.e. who take Vrata, leaving the longing (verse-2/59 - विषया विनिवर्तन्ते निराहारस्य देहिनः)
In Yajurveda, the importance of Vrata is highlighted as under:

Vrata develops capabilities to perform good deeds, good deeds bring good results, good results create reverence in good actions and reverence facilitate in attaining truth (verse-19.30).

Popular Personalities in Hinduism who took Vrata

In Mahabharata, Bhishma took Vrata to remain lifelong Brahmacharya. His vow is popular by name as Bhishma Pratignya. Bhagiratha took Vrata to bring Ganga to earth. For which, he did penance for thousands of years. Chanakya had taken Vrata to replace dhananandha & to keep an worthy successor for the throne of maghada. Mahatma Gandhi took 11 vows viz. non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, Brahmacharya, non-possession, physical labor, control of the palate, fearlessness, equality of all religions, use locally made goods and to remove untouchability.

Upvas (उपवास)

Upvas (उपवास) has not the same meaning as fasting. Upvas has two words in Sanskrit, “Upa” means near and “vas” means sitting. During Upvas, the person, observes chastity, solitude, silence, and do self-introspection. Upvas is just not fasting. On that day, the persons choose to be near their favorite deity, control on all the senses is exercised, withdraw from regular activities, go to the temple, or find a secluded place for their devotion.

Varah Upanishad has explained that the purpose of Upvas is to be near to God, to worship God, to imbibe the virtues of God in life. It is not the name of torturing the body. (उप समीपे यो वासो जीवात्मपरमात्मयोः। उपवासः स विज्ञेयो न तु कायस्य शोषणम्।। - वराहोपनिषद् 2/39)

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Emergence of Diverse Modes of Worship in Hinduism

5/31/2019

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Emergence of Diverse Modes of Worship in Hinduism
It is always a matter of great interest that the most ancient religion of the world has a very comprehensive range of worship, prayer and to establish connection with God to suit every personality. The emergence of diverse modes of establishing connection with Gods is the outcome of intense researches done by ancient Vedic rishis during over 5000 years ago to saint singers of Bhakti movement which swept Bharat during medieval period.

Worship in Hinduism always aims at achieving Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. Diverse modes of worship such as Yajna, Yoga & Dhyana, Upvas (full or partial fasting to remember god whole day), Japa (chanting of mantra such as Gayatri mantra, beej mantra etc for deity), Bhajan & Kirtan (chanting of hymns/verses in praise of deity) and Upasna (performing traditional puja) are important constituents.

Depending on one’s preferences, one can stick to one or more of the following:
1.    Activities by organs – such as yajna, traditional puja system;
2.   Activities by mind – such as japa, dhyana, upvas;
3.   Activities by mouth – chanting of prayer, mantra, bhajan, kirtan.

The various modes of worship are discussed as under:

Yajnas

During Vedic period (over 5000 years ago), Yajnas, the sacrificial rituals were instrumental to establish human divine link. Different offerings were made in sacred fire along with chants of Vedic hymns for divine favours in the forms of good crop, cattle, good weather, progeny, good health, happiness of any kind, etc.
These Vedic rituals (also called as homa, agnihotra, agnihoma, havana, and yagya) ranged from simple domestic homa to highly complex rituals involving lot of prior preparation and participation of many priests.

Note:
Please also see detailed article on my website named as “Yag, Havan and Yajna” published on 22.02.2019 under the category “Puja System”.

Yoga or inner Yajna

Yoga means joining or union.
The Upanishads are part of Vedas and are commonly referred to as Vedanta i.e. last chapters or the highest purpose of the Vedas. The Upanishad stressed on the goal of liberation and to perform sacrifices without expectations or desires.
Garbha Upanishad sees the correspondence between the outer yajna and the inner yajna performed with and within the human body. The mind and the organs of the senses become the sacrificial vessels; karmendriyas (organs of action) are the sacrificial instruments, the body is the sacrificial place, the skull of the head is the fire-pit, breath becomes fire, food or pleasure becomes the offerings for body and thoughts or emotions becomes the offering for mind, while the Self becomes object of the sacrifice. Internal rituals are mental or spiritual, in which the mind and the senses were withdrawn and engaged in contemplative or meditative practices, which culminated in self-absorption.
To get rid of miseries and to attain Kaivalya, eight limbs or parts of yoga are prescribed by rishi Patanjali. The Practice of eight limbs of Yoga leads to destruction of impurity which ultimately leads to light of self-awareness.

Note:
Please also see detailed article on my website named as “Patanjali Yog Darshan” published on 28.08.2018 under the category “Philosophy”.

Traditional Puja System

Traditional Puja system has sixteen acts called as Upacharas viz. Asana (offering seat to deity); Padya (offering water for washing the feet of deity); Arghya (offering water for internal purification); Achamana (offering water for taking in); Snana (offering a bath); Vastra (offering a dress); Abharana (offering ornaments); Gandha (offering sandal paste); Pushpa (offering flowers); Dhoopa (offering incense); Deepa (offering light); Naivedya (offering eatables); Tamboola (offering betel leaves and nut); Stotra (offering prayers); Pradakshina (going round the deity) and Pranama (prostrating before deity). Gandha, Pushpa, Dhoopa, Deepa and Naivedya are called Panch Upacharas which can be done by worshipper himself or herself.
Traditional worship (puja) incorporated many elements of tantra & Yantra worships, such as purification of the ritual place, the use of mystic syllables, symbols and objects such the sacred pot (kalas), vermillion, mystic diagrams, and swastika, installation and consecration of the idols, prostrating before the deity, joining the hands in front of the deity, applying sacred marks on the body to awaken the energy centres, wearing rudraksha beads, purification of the body through fasting and bathing, worshipping the physical body of the deity from head to toe, use of sacred gestures (mudras) and postures (nyasa), controlling the mind and body through yoga practices such as withdrawal of the senses, breath control, meditation and devotional singing. In pure devotional forms of worship, the body and the mind are offered to God as an act of supreme self-sacrifice and inner detachment, thereby allowing the divine power (Shakti) to descend into the body and do the purification and transformation.
The Panchayatana puja which consists of worship of five deities being Shiva, Vishnu, Devi or Parvati, Surya and an Ishta Devata such as Kartikeya or Ganesha or any personal god of devotee's preference. It became popular in medieval period which has been attributed to Adi Shankara, the 8th century CE.
The Puranas provide insight into the aspects of idol-worship, festivals and devotions.

Note:
Please also see related articles on my website named as “Puja” published on 10.08.2017, “Tantra” published on 22.02.2019 and “Yantra: under the category “Puja System”.

Upvas, Japa, Bhajan and Kirtan

Upvas is full or partial fasting to remember god whole day. Japa is chanting of mantra such as Gayatri mantra, beej mantra etc for deity. Bhajan is chanting of hymns/verses/devotional songs in praise of deity. A Bhajan is freer in form, and can be singular melody that is performed by a single singer with or without one and more musical instruments. Kirtan, in contrast, differs from Bhajan in being a more structured team performance. Bhajan are devotional songs to worship and is closely related to Kirtan, with both sharing common aims, subjects, musical themes and being devotional performance arts.
Formal bhakti is ritualistic worship, whereas in Para bhakti soul has direct contact with God. Bhakti has nineteen attitudes (bhavas), of which important are six viz. dasya (as servent, ideal example – Shri Hanuman-Shri Rama), sakhya (as friend, example – Arjun-Krishna), vatsalya (as Parents, example – Yasoda-Krishna), santa (as child, example – Duruv-Prahalada), kanta (as wife, example – Sita-Rama) and madhura (as lover, example Radha-Krishna).
Bhajan and its Bhakti analog Kirtan, have roots in the ancient metric and musical traditions of the Vedic era, particularly the Samaveda.
Bhakti or devotion to personal god is the backbone of Hinduism today. Bhakti movement has its origin around 6th century AD in Tamil Nadu having roots in Sangam age (300 BC to 200 AD) which later spread in various parts of India (UP, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bengal, Orissa, Delhi etc.) in the 14th-17th centuries. Saint singers of bhakti movement praised their personal deities such Shiva, Vishnu, Rama, Krishna through devotional songs.

Note:
Please also see related articles on my website namely “Mantra” published on 06.11.2018, “Bhakti Yoga” published on 07.03.2018 under the category “Philosophy”; “Chanting of Mantra” published on 15.09.2018 under the category “Puja System”; “Vaishnava Bhakts” published on 02.03.2018 under the category “Deities, Philosophers & Bhakts”.

Reference:

The religious traditions of Asia, by Routledge Curzon
https://www.hinduwebsite.com/

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Yantra – the Energy Diagrams

3/23/2019

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Yantra – the Energy Diagrams

The Yantras are geometric diagrams or energy diagrams representing various energy fields, mainly from tantric traditions. Yantra literally means machine or instrument. In Hinduism, since ancient times Yantras are used during worship to correct the economic situation, to defeat enemies and to please god & goddesses. Specific Yantras are associated with specific deities. Most popular Yantras are Sri Yantra, Lakshmi Yantra, Sukh Samridhi Yantra, Vyapaar Vriddhi Yantra, Vastu Yantra, Kubar Yantra, Hanuman Yantra, etc.

Yantras are the physical form of the mantras having various shapes and using lines, dots and shapes such as triangle, circle, hexagon, octagon and the symbolic petals of the lotus spreading from the center. These are symbolic representations of this process of evolution and involution. When these concentric figures are gradually growing away from its center (bindu) in stages, this is for human beings a symbol of the process of macrocosmic evolution. When they are gradually growing towards its center, this is for human beings a symbol of the process of microcosmic involution.
In Hindu ritual practices, which date back to the Vedic times, Yantras are created using certain objects, symbols, sounds, names and forms, and specific divisions of time to invoke the power of a deity.

Constituents of Yantra
Generally, yantras have following constituents:

Point (Bindu) – The point is located in the center of the yantra from which all forms and creations radiates.
Triangle – Another shape in yantras is triangle generally pointing upward or downward. The downward pointing triangle represents Shakti; the female principle and upright triangle represents Shiva; the male principle.
Hexagram – The hexagon represents two equilateral triangles pointing opposite sides usually upwards and downwards symbolizing union of male and female principles.
Lotus – Lotus symbolizes creation, purity, transcendence and sphere of absolute. It represent water element.
Circle – Circle represents ether.
Square – It represents earth.

Types of Yantras

Sri yantra – Mother of all Yantras. It fulfills all desires of the person and elevates a person both materialistically and spiritually
Yantras for wealth - Lakshmi yantra, Kuber Yantra, Shri Bhairava Yantra.
Yantras for Health - Mahamrithyunjay Yantra.
Yantra for Education - Saraswati yantra, Hayagriva yantra.
Yantra for Marriage - Swayamvara Parvati yantra, Uma Maheshwara yantra.
Yantra for Love & Attraction - Akarshana yantra.
Yantra for removal of black magic and evil spells - Sudarshan yantra, Prathyangira yantra.
Other Yantras - Ganesh Yantra, Muruga yantra.
Planetary yantras - Navagraha yantra, Sun yantra, moon yantra, Rahu yantra, Kethu yantra, Mars yantra, Mercury yantra, Jupiter yantra, Venus yantra, Saturn yantra.

Sri Yantra

Sri Yantra, also known as Sri Chakra, is called the mother of all yantras because all other yantras derive from it. Sri refers to bhagwati “Lalita tripursundari”. Lalita means one who plays; Tripura means three world as well as three Shakti (Kali, Lakshmi & Sarasvati) and Sundari means beauty. Sri Yantra represents the microcosmic level of the Universe as well as the human body. When Sri Yantra is properly installed, it is highly beneficial and bestows pleasure, prosperity and success.

Sri Yantra is a sacred mathematically precise design and based upon Golden Proportion or Phi ratio. It is represented in three forms viz. plane form (most common), pyramidal form (Meru) and spherical form (Kurma or turtle) which is rarest.
The Sri Yantra has point in the center and a configuration of nine interlocking triangles, surrounded by two circles of lotus petals with the whole encased within a gated frame, called the "earth citadel".

The design of Sri Yantra consists of the following:

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Tantra – the Advanced Spiritual Science

2/22/2019

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Tantra – the Advanced Spiritual Science

Tantra is pure spiritual science which is not well known. The root word “tan” means continuation or expansion. Another root word Tantr means to rule, to govern, and to keep in order. Tantra means expansion of individual consciousness into universal consciousness. The science of Tantra stresses on the three aspects of human existence – physical desire, psychic urge and extreme love for the God. In tantric texts, gross body, astral body and causal body is mentioned as Om, Tat & Sat respectively.

Tantra is widely misconceived. In fact, it is a systematic step by step approach with rigorous physical and psychological discipline to achieve spiritual enlightenment.

Tantra aims to liberate and transform the mind and body from their natural impulses and binding impurities instead of supressing them, and make them fit for self-absorption and self-realization. Different postures, breathing and meditation techniques, and self-purification practices are used for this purpose.

Steps of Tantra

Attainment of extreme love for god,
Acceptance of god as source of all auspiciousness,
To see god in all,
To eliminate all evils,
To find inner peace through practice of different mudras during meditation and experience of Samadhi.

Tantra, Mantra & Seven Chakras
The ancient yogis found seven principle psychic-spiritual energy centres in the human body which emanates different sounds. These sounds are found in the alphabet of Sanskrit, and certain combinations of the sounds were used in ancient processes of concentration and meditation. Sound vibrations with special characteristics are mantras which liberate the mind. All mantras are repeated in synchronization with the inhalation and exhalation of breathing.

The mantra acts as dynamo and helps the individual to associate his or her own individual consciousness with universal consciousness.

Seven Chakras start from end of spine to the crown of head. These are Muladhara (location-perineum, shape-square having triangle with lotus having drooping petals, serpent lying in inactive state, end of spine, element – earth, colour-yellow), Svadhishtana (location-below naval, shape-crescent moon, towards back, element–water, colour-silver), Manipura (location-naval centre, shape-triangle with apex down, element-fire, colour-red), Anahata (location-near heart, shape-hexagram, element-air, colour-blue), Visshuda (location-at level of throat, shape-oval, and element-space, colour-dark indigo or black), Ajna (location-between eye brows, shape-winged globe, element-mind) and Sahasrara (location-below crown, shape-Thousands Petal lotus, element – consciousness, colour-crimson red). Lower five chakras are represented as gross body. Astral body travels from vishudha chakra (centre of knowledge,) to Ajna Chakra (soul centre). The causal body can be felt, when immersed in sahasrara chakra (just below the crown). There are three nerves run in the spine, in left is Ida, in right is Pingla and in centre is Sushumna. Sushumna runs a hollow path called as Kula Path. During the upward journey of Kundalini (subtle energy, parashakti), coursing through the Sushumna channel and the chakras along the way, it is finally brought to the crown chakra, Sahasrara. This union is the realization of the Absolute.

Stages in Tantra
Tantra has four stages viz. Jnanapada (path of self-knowledge), Yogapada (path of self-discipline), Kriyapada (path of spiritual practice) and Caryapada (path of spiritual evolution).

Jnanapada – It includes understanding and contemplation of philosophy of Tantra.
Yogapada – It is practical side which utilises chakras, powerful techniques, mudras and pranayama to waken latent spiritual energy i.e. Kundalini.
Kriyapada – Kriya means action. Every action or activity in outer world (family, society etc.) performed with god consciousness. It includes any form of community worship in sacred places, pilgrimages, sacrifices and fire rituals.
Caryapada – It refers to personal discipline in daily life. It guides practical use of mantras, symbolism behind yantras and diverse modes of worship and meditation.

Continued.....

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Act of giving - Charity, Donation or दान

2/3/2019

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Act of giving - Charity, Donation or दान
Family values, upbringing and religion all play a part in giving in India, with Hinduism mandating giving. Donations reduce attachment to sensual pleasure. Donations are simplest way open all the lumps before death. The detachment begins by donations and forgiveness. However, if charity or donation is inadequate, done with repentance or given to ineligible, then it is worthless. In Vedas, service, charity and benevolence have been attributed to paramount religion. Rigveda (verse – 3.24.5) says, “शतहस्त समाहर सहस्त्र हस्त सं किर” means earn with hundreds of hands and donate with thousands of hands.

The World Giving Index (WGI) is an annual report published (2016) by the Charities Aid Foundation, using data gathered by Gallup, and ranks over 140 countries in the world according to how charitable they are. This annual index measures generosity by three factors: the amount of money donated, participation in volunteering, and helping a stranger. Myanmar despite country in lower middle income claims the title of the world’s most generous country consistently for last three years 2014, 2015 & 2016. (USA – 2nd; Australia – 3rd; New Zealand – 4th; Sri Lanka – 5th; India – 91)

Top 5 most charitable people in the world are Bill Gates (Net worth 84.2 billion, life time donation $27 billion), Warren Buffett (Net worth: $61 billion, life time donations $21.5 billion), George Soros (Net worth: $24.4 billion, life time donations $8 billion), Azim Premji (Net worth $15.9 billion, life time donations $8 billion) and Charles Francis Feeney (Net worth $1.5 million, life time donation $6.3 billion).

In various Hindu scriptures such as Puranas, Mahabharata, Ramcharitramanas etc., importance of donation or daan has been highlighted. Shree Krishna in Shrimad Bhagavad Gita has explained three types of donations as under:

Satavic donation:
1. अफलाकाङ्क्षिभिर्यज्ञो विधिदृष्टो य इज्यते । यष्टव्यमेवेति मनः समाधाय स सात्त्विकः॥(verse-17-11) means when one believes that charity must be performed, is Sattvika in character.
2. दातव्यमिति यद्दानं दीयतेऽनुपकारिणे । देशे काले च पात्रे च तद्दानं सात्त्विकं स्मृतम् ॥(verse-17-20) means charity which is bestowed with a sense of duty on one from whom no return is expected, at appropriate time and place, and to a deserving person (hungry, orphan, sick, patient, beggar, disable etc.) that charity has been declared as Sattvika.
Rajasic Charity: अभिसन्धाय तु फलं दम्भार्थमपि चैव यत् । इज्यते भरतश्रेष्ठ तं यज्ञं विद्धि राजसम् ॥ (verse-17-12) यत्तु प्रत्युपकारार्थं लमुद्दिश्य वा पुनः । दीयते च परिक्लिष्टं तद्दानं राजसं स्मृतम् ॥ (verse-17-21) mean charity when is bestowed in a grudging spirit (चंदा) and with the object of mere show, getting a service in return or in the hope of obtaining a reward (prestige, fame, position, getting heaven etc.) is called Rajasika.
Tamasic Charity: अदेशकाले यद्दानमपात्रेभ्यश्च दीयते । असत्कृतमवज्ञातं तत्तामसमुदाहृतम् ॥ (verse-17-22) means charity which is made without good grace and in a disdainful spirit, out of time and place, and to undeserving persons, (for drinking wine, eating meat, stealing, and inferior task etc.) is said to be Tamasika.
Shree Krishna says in Shrimad Bhagavad Gita (17.28) says, “अश्रद्धया हुतं दत्तं तपस्तप्तं कृतं च यत्। असदित्युच्यते पार्थ न च तत्प्रेत्य नो इह।“ means donation done, a gift given, an austerity practised, and whatever good deed is performed, if it is without faith, it is termed as naught i.e., “asat”; therefore, it is of no avail here or hereafter.

In Ramacharitramanas (Uttarkand), Sant Tulsidas ji explained that प्रगट चारि पद धर्म के कलिल महुँ एक प्रधान। जेन केन बिधि दीन्हें दान करइ कल्यान।।(verse-103(ख)) means there are four types of donations viz. daily, casual, Kamay and Vimal. The spirit of daily donation is done by not wanting any fruit. The casual donation is given to the scholar for cessation the sins done knowingly or unknowingly. The Kamya donation is given out of desire to attain the children, victory, happiness and prosperity heaven. The Vimal donation is given to delight God. It has been said that one should donate one-tenth of the money earned through rightful means.

Hindu scriptures have dealt with the various aspects of donations such why donate, what to donate, who to donate, how to donate, when to donate and exemplary stories of donations. Such details with relevant quotations in Sanskrit are as under:

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Why Prayer or Worship

12/8/2018

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Why Prayer or Worship
Why prayer or worship? Many people pray to fulfil their desires, some people pray as ritual i.e. habitually, some people pray out of fear and very minuscule people pray out of love and affection to the deity. Prayer may be done as per prescribed procedure by the respective religion or by simply meditating.

In Sanskrit language, the word for prayer is prarthana. It is formed by combining words, ‘pra’ meaning ‘intensely’ and ‘artha’ meaning ‘to plead’.

Hinduism is most dynamic religion having widest range of prayers or worships to suit individual temperament and preferences. Worship is not fixed to locations or timings. Hindus worship personal deities to fulfil individual desires or formless Supreme Being to integrate the body, the mind and the Atman in order to evolve into a higher being. While worshipping the Ishta Devata (most loved deity), the person chants and reminds his attributes so that these attributes are imbibed.

The classical approaches in Hinduism are Raja, Jnana, Karma, and Bhakti Yoga, as well as Hatha, Kriya, Kundalini, Laya, Mantra, Nada, Siddha, and Tantra Yoga. Meditation, contemplation, mantra and prayer finally converge into a unified force directed towards the final stage, piercing the pearl of wisdom called bindu, leading to the Absolute.

Why Prayer and Prayer room:
Various rituals and techniques of prayer in Hinduism play an important role in enhancing physical health, mental serenity and establishing connection with Supreme Consciousness. Scientific studies have been conducted to investigate the healing effects of prayers. The role of prayers and prayer room can be enlisted as follows:

Prayer or worship creates sacred thoughts, calmness and hopes in mind.
Regular Japa helps in detaching mind from distraction of multiple thoughts, slow down thought process, developing concentration and focus. Long term focus is essential not only for spiritual progress but also for material success.
Different types of meditation have shown to result in psychological and biological changes that are actually or potentially associated with improved health. Meditation has been found to produce a clinically significant reduction in blood pressure & heart rate, to alter levels of melatonin and serotonin, to suppress corticostriatal glutamatergic neurotransmission, to boost the immune response, to decrease the levels of reactive oxygen species as measured by ultra-weak photon emission, to reduce stress and promote positive mood states, to reduce anxiety and pain and enhance self-esteem and to have a favourable influence on overall and spiritual quality of life in late-stage disease.
Different types of Fasting such as intermittent fasting, have been associated with a wide range of health benefits, including weight loss, as well as improved blood sugar control, heart health, brain function and cancer prevention. Studies show that fasting can increase levels of human growth hormone (HGH), an important protein hormone that plays a role in growth, metabolism, weight loss and muscle strength. Animal studies show that fasting could improve brain function, increase nerve cell synthesis and protect against neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s.
Spiritual thoughts and vibrations accumulated through regular meditation, worship and chanting done there pervade the prayer room. Even when we are tired or agitated, by just sitting in the prayer room for a while, we feel calm, rejuvenated and spiritually uplifted.
Prayer room reminds us that the almighty resides in our homes with us.
Prayer room provides proper environment to antahkaran (mann-mind, buddhi-intellect, ego and atman-soul) to see the light of atman and parmatma, when one surrenders oneself, detach mann from multiple thought, avoid unnecessary arguments, melt our ego, adopt humility and japa or meditate on single object (inner or outer) or prayer.

Why & what are the different types of Prayers:
Hinduism has devised diversified types of prayers or worships depending on the pre-dominance of intellect, mind, determination or physical activities which can be classified as under:
1. For Persons of high emotions:

Eulogizing the deity by hymns and chants i.e. Salutation, Bhajan and Kirtan.
Offering flower, food, water etc. to deity and eating the offered food as prasada.
Establishing relationship of friend, parent, children etc. with deity.
Doing selfless charity, donation, daan etc.
Service to the ashram, a deity, holy people, etc.

2.   For Persons of strong will power and high discipline:
a.   Dharna, Dhayan and Samadhi.
b.   Japa of Mantras which is sacred syllable or set of syllables (Please see a detailed article on “Chanting of Mantra” on this website under the category of Puja).
c.   Tapas i.e. austerity or Penance or fasting.

Sanyasa i.e. renunciation of worldly thirst of honour, fame, social prestige, wife, progeny, wealth and whatever other transient objects regarding them as an obstacle in God-realization.

3.   For Person who is activity oriented:
a.   Ritual worship i.e. lighting & waving of the lamp, burning incense sticks, offering food, Arti, prostrating in front of god, reading chalisa of deities (Shiv Chalisa, Hanuman Chalisa, Durga Chalisa etc.) to invoke, praise and asking him/her to help and remove all obstacles and hardships on the path to fulfilment, pronouncing 108 sacred names of the deities reminding their qualities, chanting mantras (moola mantra, beej mantra, gayatri mantra, etc.) having divine powers etc.
b.   Yajna & Havan
c.   Pilgrimage to holy places
d.   Circumambulation of a temple

4.   For Persons of intellect:
a.   Reading of religious books (Ramcharitramanas, Bhagwat Geeta, Shad Darshan, Upnishads, etc) regularly to imbibe knowledge to understand moral & religious duties and clear doubts of life and moksha.
b.   Listening or Sravana of spiritual texts,
c.   Contemplation or Manana of spiritual teachings,
d.   Nididhyasana or practice is a rational & cognitive process by which intellectual conscience is transformed into stillness, a calm in which the soul lays itself open to the Divine.

Why worship of Sakar forms or Nirakar Supreme Being:
All religions have images to worship which may be Gurugranth Sahib, Cross with Jesus hanging on it or Mother Mary, holy Kabaa, Arc & torah, Buddha or Mahavira or Tirthankaras.

Hinduism is a monotheistic religion which believes that God manifests Himself or Herself in several forms. One is supposed to worship the form that is most appealing to the individual without being disrespectful to other forms of worship. Vedanta holds the view that Brahman is cosmic consciousness (Sat-Chit-Ananda – Truth-Consciousness-Bliss) who creates universe – jivatma & physical universe, maintains and withdraws within it.

However, Hinduism recognised various needs and desires of human being and to fulfil them various deities & forms are invoked. Though supreme God is nirakar (formless), it manifest in many forms to fulfil the needs. (Please see a detailed article on “what is God under Hinduism” on this website under the category of Principles).

What do Hindu Prayers invoke?

Description of the form of God or a deity seen in a vision.
Request for pardon of sins committed knowingly or unknowingly.
Prayer for the removal of problems and difficulties and request for the grant of the good things of life.
Desire for obtaining devotion, knowledge and detachment that help one in spiritual life.

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Chanting of Mantra – The practical aspects

9/14/2018

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Vedic Mantras are sacred formulae, if chanted in prescribed way and counts, may realise the deity of mantra and bring desired results. Mantras with special syllable energise the specific points of parasympathetic nervous system which have positive health impacts besides harmonising different levels in the body-mind. It has the effect of quieting the mind and integrating the gross bodies with the divine, inducing the latent spiritual experiences (sukshma) into the realm of the patent.(stula).

Word “Mantra” is derived from Sanskrit of “Mananaat Traayate iti mantrah". Mananaat means by chanting; Traayate means protect ourselves. Mantra is the sound-form of the Deity one worships. Mantra requires specific austerities and knowledge of the science of chanting. The present article deals exclusively into Chanting of Mantra.

Before chanting the Vedic mantras (chants or hymns) it is obligatory to pay one’s respect to the seer (rishi) through whom the mantra was revealed, the deity to whom it is addressed and Chandas - the meter in which the mantra is composed.
(Note - An article of mantra named as Mantras – a key to Health, Happiness, Peace & Prosperity, is already published in this website, under category “Philosophy. The article covers the various aspects of Mantras viz. what is Mantra, Reciting of Mantras, Impacts of Chanting of Mantras, Science behind Mantras and Hindu Philosophy of Mantras.)

Aspects of Mantra

Mantra has sound aspect. When the tongue touches the different parts of inside the mouth say, palette or teeth or lips etc., different sounds are produced. Various sound-roots are arranged in groups which are 64. Word-roots are representatives of natural phenomena, their names, and are inseparable from their meanings such as hum for anger, sreem for happiness and auspiciousness, ram for fire, kleem for desire etc.
Each mantra has a seer (rishi), metre (chandas) and presiding deity (devata).
Samputikarana is a sequence of mantras used for specific purposes combined with specific procedures.
Hymn (Sukta) is a collection of mantras on a specific deity (god-form).

Science of Chanting Mantra

During chanting of mantras, sound energy stimulates various reflex points within mouth which awakens the dormant parts of the brain and its vibrations are distributed into parasympathetic nervous system of whole body through chakras (plexuses) situated in spinal cord.
Attitude of reverence towards chanting of mantra is very important. Chanting of mantra, if done diligently and with pure heart and mind brings desired results.
Complete devotion, sincerity, regular chanting and adherence to a particular mantra are essential for long term gains and success.
Chanting of mantra while in meditation reduces distractions and gradually develops focus in mind.
Chanting of different mantras has different impact on human psyche and energy centres. Vedic chants are extremely powerful and will yield positive results only when chanted in the right way.

Precautions in Chanting of Mantra

Initiation of mantra
Pronunciation & elocution of mantra should be as prescribed
Chanting to be done in the correct metre
Following the rules specific to a particular mantra
Do not attempt to alter or change these mantras

Initiation of Mantra
It is advantageous to take the mantra from the Guru who has realized that mantra because it can add divine potency into it to bring expeditious benefits. Further, it tells the correct pronunciations of Mnatra.

Elocution of Mantra in Japa:
There are 3 forms of Japa:

Maanaseeka form - the sound is internal. There is no lip movement and nothing audible. When japa of a mantra is chanted mentally unconsciously and continuously, even while working or sleeping is called as ajapajapam;
Upamshu form - the lip moves but the sound is inaudible; and
Vaikhari form - the lip and the tongue move and the sound is clearly audible.

Mantra uttered in Upamshu form is hundred times more efficacious than Vaikhari form and in Maanaseeka form its power increases thousand fold.

Pronunciation of Mantra in Japa:
Apart from grammar, the accent, intonation, articulation and pronunciation play a vital role in chanting mantras. They are variously defined as - Ucha stayi (high pitch) neecha stayi (low pitch) madhyama stayi (middle pitch) deergha (elongated) hrasva (shortened), gana (repetition back and forth) udatta (high key), anudatta (low key) swara (tone) etc. so that even the letter, let alone the words of the mantras and other sacred literature could not be altered or tampered with at will.

Chandas of Mantra
Chandas is the science of metres. Chandas-sutra has been dealt by Pingala (2nd cen. B.C.). Usually each meter consists of one to five pādas or ‘feet’. Each pāda should consist of a specific number of letters. The metre or chanda is very important when chanting mantras. If the metre of the mantra is broken, it loses its impact and will not produce any benefit at all.

Syllables are classified into two categories, Guru and Laghu. A string of Guru-Laghu sequence of a particular length is called a metre. There are various metres in which the Vedic mantras are composed, such as Gayatri, Anusthup, Trishtup and Jagati. The chandas of a mantra determines its usage, such as its purpose and context.

For instance, the famous Gāyatri meter consists of three pādas and eight letters per pāda. Gayatri Mantra is recited thus:

Pada 1 - Aum bhur bhu [U] va [/U] h s [B] va [/B] h
Tat[B]     sa[/B][U]    vi[/U]    tur   va[B]    re**[/B] n [U] ya[/U] m

Pada 2 - bhar[B]    g[/B] o[U]    de[/U]    v as[B]    ya[/B]    dhee      ma hi

Pada 3 - dhi[U]   y[/U]o   yo[B]    na[/B] h pra[U]    ch[/U] o da[B] ya**[/B] t.
(Where the bold syllable is in higher octave, 2 stars require additional elongated recital in high octave, underline means lower octave.)
(Note:Separate articles on AUM and Gayatri mantra are already published in this website, under category “Puja System”.)

Hence, Chanting of Mantras is complete science and if practised in prescribed way, mantras can be realised.

Reference:

http://www.hindupedia.com/
https://yogaforums.com/t/the-meaning-of-the-gayatri-antra/7500
https://www.advaita-vedanta.org/archives/advaita-l/1999-September/010870.html

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Yajna, Havan, Homa & Yagya – The Fire Rituals

8/4/2018

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In Hinduism, one of the essential constituents of religious rites is Yajna (यज्ञ). Yajna, a fire ritual is an act of gratitude to divine and to seek his blessings. Yajna brings material, environmental, psychological and spiritual benefits. Yajna can be performed with a specific desire in mind (sakama yajna), or without any desire, for the benefit of humanity in general (nishkama yajna). Yajna is larger public fire rituals. Homa or Havana is private ritual around a symbolic fire, such as those observed at a wedding.

The primary constituents of a Yajña are the inspiration or urge of the doer (भावना), learning (स्वाध्याय), rites involved (कर्म), offerings (त्याग), deity (देवता) and the results (फल). The process of Yajna is learnt from Vedas & Vedangas. Yajna involves three kinds of offering viz. sacrifice (याग), donation (दान) and offering (होम).

The word Yajna is derived from “Yaj” of Sanskrit which means "to worship, adore, honour, revere". The Yajna has its roots in Rigveda, Yayurveda, and Karma Mimansa. Kalpa Sūtrās deal with the rules, regulations and austerities of yajña, the geometry of altars, and the rites to be undertaken at each stage of life. Shulba sutra describes the geometric ratios of Vedi altar, with mathematical precision and geometric theorems.

According to Vedic scholars, the main kinds of yajnas are: paka yajna, havi yajna, (pancha) maha yajna, ati yajna and shiro yajna. Each yajna offers a way to purify the senses, mind, mental archetypes, tattwas (elements), gunas or the entire ecological system.

Homas are performed in those designated places to the corresponding devatas, according to the rites of the respective Vedas. Major Yajnas/yāgas are performed in premises meant for them, called yāga śālās.

The duration of Yajna depending on the type, may vary from a few hours to few months. Depending on the periodicity, the rites (karma) are classified as Nitya karma (done regularly. for e.g. nitya karma is Agni hotra - the homa done thrice a day); Naimittika karma (done on specific occasions. For e.g. pitru tarpana) and Kāmya karma (done optionally with specific purpose e.g. soma yāga and vājapeya).

Yajnas are discussed in detail (benefits, constituents, processes, types and relevant Hindu scriptures) as under:-

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PUJA & Bhakti

Trikal Sandhya

Tapas (तप्) (Penance or Austerity)

Fasting, Vrata (व्रत) & Upvas (उपवास)

Emergence of Diverse Modes of Worship in Hinduism

Yantra – the Energy Diagrams

Tantra – the Advanced Spiritual Science

Act of giving - Charity, Donation or दान

Why Prayer or Worship

Chanting of Mantra – The practical aspects

Yajna, Havan, Homa & Yagya – The Fire Rituals

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