610. Niyama, the Cosmic Order……

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/god-and-i/niyama-the-cosmic-order

If a person who is walking in a dense forest happens to see a landscape with a brick pathways, flowering plants, trimmed foundation shrubs, creepers and climbers he concludes that there must be a gardener who has maintained it so well. Likewise any ordinary person who looks at this universe which is so very well managed will think of a supreme power behind it which is making it possible. Theists like me attribute this cosmic order to Absolute and give it a name Sri Hari.

Well, it could be Sri Hari or Supreme Power which is called in different names, but the Cosmic Order called Niyama is there and there is no iota of doubt about it. We can only have differences over what to call that Niyamaka (Controller) but we can never rubbish the Cosmic Order itself.

In Vedas it is termed “RITAM” and every philosophy has done a study on this and has come out with theories which are similar to what every other philosophy has told. When looked at in detail and in the core all philosophies say the same but there are slight differences on the surface. 

Buddhism interrelate every event that happens to the cause and effect and categories the effect into five different Cosmic Orders:

1. Dharma Niyama (Natural Causation):

This Cosmic Order points to the Law of Nature. It shows us that our physical body undergoes invariably six changes namely  Asti (Existence),  Jayate (Birth), Vardhate (Growth),  Viparinamate (Modify), Apaksheeyate (Decline),  Vinashyate (Destroy). No one can avoid these natural changes and we need to accept it.

2. Utu Niyama (Environmental Causation):

This Cosmic Order refers to the seasonal change in the nature environment which controls the forest fire and torrential rain. We need to understand and respect the necessity of sunshine, rain and snow fall.

3. Bija Niyama (Genetic Causation):

This Cosmic Order talks of Genetic Inheritance. As we sow so we reap, no one can change the genetic inheritance. A biotech professional can alter the genes and help in getting a better yield, but the genetic manipulation is not possible. A mango plant cannot be grafted to an apple plant nor can we have a crossbreed of any of these seven species canine, feline, equine, bovine, porcine, cervine, and ovine.

4. Chitta Niyama (Psychological Causation):

This Cosmic Order relates to Mind and its activities like perception and conception. For example a particular smell will evoke the memory of the past similar experience and helps in recognizing the event or an incidence. This order proves that mental phenomenon arises due to certain conditions.

5. Karma Niyama (Karmic Causation): 

Karma is the activity of transforming our energy through thought, word and deed. The result of this energy transformation is considered purposeful only if less suffering or for better no suffering is produced out of it. Every karma has a cause and effect. One cannot get away from the effect once the cause has been stimulated, just as the arrow shot from the hunter finds its destination once it is left the bow and cannot be retracted. Hence one has to be very aware of the consequences before he transforms the energy into thought, word or deed.

609. Let’s use Words to Appreciate, Rejuvenate, and Elevate!!!!

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/self-improvement/lets-use-words-to-appreciate-rejuvenate-and-elevate

The power of word has its roots in the power of thought and all action sprouts from thought. Every word irrespective of language has the emotional imprint behind it. Words have a deep emotional impact than action if it is taken to the heart. It isn't volume of words that is powerful but the thought, intent, and transparency behind it. With focused intent, if we speak what we mean to speak, then our words are created. Words have a capacity to make deep scars that even favorable action can never heal. Words should be used as tools of communication and not as a substitute for action.

Sometimes we feel our words are “just words” and that it has no substance compared to action. Interestingly these powerless words are used in practices like hypnotism and neuro-linguisitic program to create very powerful effects.

There once was a wise Sage who wandered the countryside. One day, he was approached by a woman who told him of a sick child nearby. She requested him to help this child. 

So the Sage came to the village, and a crowd gathered around him, for such a man was a rare sight. One woman brought the sick child to him, and he sat next to the child and started consoling it. 

“Do you really think your words will help the child, when medicine has failed?” yelled a man from the crowd.

“You know nothing of such things! You STUPID FOOL!” said the Sage to the man angrily.

The man was taken back and became very angry hearing those words and his face grew hot and red. He was about to say something, when the Sage walked over to him and said:  “If one word has such power as to make you so angry and wild, may not another have the power to relieve and heal?” 

And thus, the Sage healed two people that day.

Words we utter have tremendous power they can build up or tear down, motivate or demoralize, cause harm or bring healing to those we talk to. Sticks and stones may break our bones but words can break our heart. Because our words have power, we must use them wisely and carefully.

Here are some suggestions for the positive ways of using our words:

Words to Appreciate: 

Many relationships fade up and die simply because they have not been watered with words of appreciation. We have seen husbands and wives, parents and children, brothers and sisters gradually grow apart and get detached. The cause is the simple failure to express words of appreciation.

Words to Rejuvenate: 

When someone is low and down discouraged about life, we can speak to them deep from our heart in way which will energize their mind, motivate them, and generate hope about future. 

Words to Elevate:

Lifters and Loaders are two kinds of people we came across. Lifters are those who lighten our life burdens and loaders are those who add to life burdens. If we notice there seems to be far more loaders than lifters in this world. One successful way to be a lifter is by offering words which help others ease the stress and strain of living and help elevate their self-esteem.

608. Bhakti of Recent Times is either Prepaid or Postpaid…….

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/self-improvement/bhakti-of-recent-times-is-either-prepaid-or-postpaid

Bhakti (Devotion) without Jnana (Knowledge) is fallacy and Jnana without Bhakti is foolishness. Bhakti without Jnana would be like saying “I love you but I don't know you” and Jnana without Bhakti would be like saying “I know you, but I don't love you.” 

To realize the Oneness with Absolute is Bhakti and for that to happen two stages are required. First stage is preparing the mind to receive the knowledge of Absolute and the second is the knowledge of Oneness with Absolute. Ritualistic worship is a part where the mind is prepared for the process and thereafter Sadhana helps intensify our thirst to know Absolute and to surrender. Surrendering to that which cannot be comprehended by our mind or intellect with the aid of Tattvajnana (Philosophy) is real Bhakti. When there is Jnana & Bhakti, Vairagya (Dispassion) comes very easily. Scriptures says
“Paramaatmani Yo Rakta, Virakta Aparamaatmani” (one who is enchanted with Lord finds everything else disenchanting).

If one has to translate “Bhakti” to English the nearest word is Devotion, but it does not convey the essence of the meaning completely. English language may not be in a position to put an equivalent word but it is far better that what we relate and understand to the word “Bhakti” in recent time. Bhakti to most has become a routine work and it is like sparing some part of the time in a day or in a week to go to temple or recite some mantras and slokas. 

Bhakti happens when one relates to Absolute with Sakhya bhava as a friend or surrenders to Him with Daasaya bhava as a servant or experiences His love with Madhurya bhava or just is showered with peace by His Shanta bhava or yearns to have His parental love with Vatsalya bhava.

Bhakti is showing love towards the Absolute. It has no time, space or causation limit. It does not require pomp and show or rituals that is done hour together. Even if for a fraction of a second one is able to connect with the Absolute in a single day with his senses, mind and intellect inward and with full concentration, it is equal to doing an Yagna (Sacrificial rite). It will be called Pooja (worship) only if the mind is inward without external matters stressing it. Worship should not be as a timetable. There has to be no hard and fast rule to show love towards Absolute.

In Bhagavad-Gita Lord Krishna explains to Arjuna that whoever remembers him while leaving the body will attain Him. Now Arjuna has a doubt and wants to know how one can know that he is nearing death to remember the Lord. Lord Krishna hence tells Arjuna it will be better if one remembers Him always and perform his duty. With our activities dedicated to Him and our mind and intellect fixed on Him there is not even an iota of doubt about achieving Him.   

If we look at recent times we are mislead to think of Absolute to be a businessman, and temples His corporate office and our devotion to be give and take policy. Either we will be offering our gratitude for the grace received by Him which makes it Postpaid or we place an application of our needs and request for His grace which makes it Prepaid. This Postpaid and Prepaid services are available in the communication sector on this earth plane, it seldom works in the astral level. So it is wise to be connected with Absolute by having a lifelong eternal connection which is available 24x7 by only surrendering our Self........What say???          

607. History & Mystery behind KISS of LOVE.

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/self-improvement/history-mystery-of-kiss-of-love

Who told Hindu culture opposes to Kissing. We had this expression of love even before the Romans greeted their women with it and French men used it to romance their mademoiselles. From the great epic Srimad Mahabharata of Sri Vyasadeva to our Kalidasa’s Abhijnana Shakuntalam there is a mention of Kiss. Having said that one has to observe that the authors did not let the characters in their work to kiss each other for the general public to know about the act. The act of kissing is an expression of love, but who has to express it to whom? Is it not the pair involved in kissing or should the general public also know about it? It is also interesting to know how did this expression of love come into practice.    

Some philematologists studying the evolutionary history of this act suggest that it might have dated back to the days of our early human ancestors. When the mothers might have chewed food and passed it from their mouth to the mouth of their toothless infants. Even after those infants developed teeth mothers would continue to press their lips against their toddlers’ to comfort them. This act continued as the expression of love. While some believe kissing is indeed an instinctive behavior as in animals. They cite kissing-like behaviors of animals rubbing noses with each other as a gesture of affection. Iconography of Lord Varaha depicts the Lord as sniffing the face of Bhudevi with His snout holding Her on His left arm. Truly His way of expressing His love to Her. 

The modern scientific world distinguishes the act of kissing in animals as an aid to sniff out a quality mate and in humans as a dialogue between pheromones, a biological exchange of information as to how bonded the individuals are to each other.

Whatever may be the reasons for the act of kissing the bottom line is that it is an expression of love. The purpose of the act is to express so that the other individual in the act has to feel the sense of being loved. It is never an act of exhibition but an act of expression. Same is true with the Upanishad Mahavakya “Aham Brahmasmi” (I am Brahman) it is to realize within and not to express it to the outside world. Many so called “Godman” have failed to understand this. Just as act of Kiss is a gesture of intimacy for the two involved to know, Aham Brahmasmi is also the phrase for the lower self to comprehend that it is not the body but Brahman. That mahavakya is not for the others around to know that I am God, in that sense we all are Brahman.     

There are somethings that should be experienced within and not to be exhibited to the world outside. With the Kiss of Love campaign which is been organised in our country is an encouragement for youngsters to go on displaying their closeness with their partners in public. Why should the public know is the million dollar question? Is it not enough for the two souls to understand that they are “Jeevan Bandhu” (Life Mate). The event organizers have termed it as a response to moral policing and justify that when urinating in public is allowed kissing should not be a big issue. A civilized person knows that both kissing and pissing in public will cause embarrassment to general public.   

606. Knowledge is Intellectual, Wisdom is Divine……..

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/god-and-i/knowledge-is-intellectual-wisdom-is-divine

Man has built places of worship for the convenience of adoring the Absolute, but out of ignorance he has limited the existence of Absolute to the four walls and forgotten about His aspect of Omnipresence.

In Vedanta Philosophy, the highest word used for Absolute is “OM” and word manifested into Brahman. Vedanta says this universe that has manifested is in reality not different from Brahman. All this manifestation of the universe is one single expansion of the infinite Brahman. The modern physicist also view that the universe is the expansion of a primordial atom. The highest exponent of Vedanta philosophy Sri Sri Sankara says that the knowledge of Brahman alone is not sufficient but an equal amount of Viveka (Wisdom) is also necessary.

Viveka is the first among the four virtues (Sadhana Chatustaya) required for a spiritual seeker. It is an important element for the human mind to understand the vastness of Brahman. There is a story in Vedanta, which illustrates requirement of Viveka without which the knowledge of Brahman is of little use. Once in an ashram a disciple had mastered in various texts of Vedanta from his Guru for many years. After getting proficient in the study of philosophy and learning the logic of it, he was immersed in the knowledge of Brahman.

One day his Guru sent him to the city for the first time to face the world. It so happened that an elephant that was intoxicated and a bit angry was running down the street. The mahout sitting on the elephant was trying to control it and was shouting a warning to everybody in the street. “Watch out! Stay away! Watch out” But the disciple who had taken the lesson of Vedanta philosophy and knew all to be Brahman, thought to himself “I am Brahman and so is the elephant” How can a Brahman hurt a Brahman? Thus contemplating he walk his way reciting the sentence “Sarvam Khalvidam Brahmaa” – All this is verily Brahman.

The rushing elephant gave one blow from its trunk and the poor disciple fell on the side of the road. He got up shaken and his Guru who was watching all this stood there and the disciple asked his Guru, “You thought me that all this is Brahman. How could a Brahman hurt a Brahman?

“That is true, my boy. The Guru explained, “A Brahman can never hurt a Brahman. But one who was shouting all the time to watch out and stay away, why didn't you hear to that Brahman”.

Never mistake Knowledge for Wisdom. One helps you make a living; the other helps you make a life.

605. Pleasant/Adverse Events are due to effect of Chaos Theory!

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/mysticism/pleasantadverse-events-are-due-to-effect-of-chaos-theory

We humans’ due to ignorance blame the Absolute when we happen to get involved in an accident. At the same time if we narrowly miss getting involved in it we thank our stars. It is a mystery yet to be understood why an individual blames Absolute if his anticipations are not met and interestingly why he does not at the same time have the thought of paying a token of gratitude to Absolute when the events have indeed turned out as he had anticipated. Even so some due to ignorance or innocence feel that because they have belief and are praying to Absolute, it is His duty to protect them from any such incidents. If it were to work like that then an atheist would have died of accidents daily. True seekers who know about Absolute deep inside, understands that in either cases it is only his Prarabdha Karma Phalas (rewards for the past deeds) that are responsible, not Absolute. Every event that is happening is taking shape as it should have been and this is what Chaos Theory also affirms.


What is this CHAOS THEORY?????


Chaos Theory also called “Butterfly Effect” states that certain proceedings does not get amplified by themselves but gathers momentum by a series of events which ultimately yield the vast outcome. If we try to analyze each phrase of the event we land up face to face with the Karmic debt.


We can understand with an example: Suppose you are standing at a bus stop waiting for a bus to go to your fiends place on an invitation. Some stranger comes to you and asks “what’s the time?” You look at your watch and find it not working, in order to tell the stranger the time, you fish out your cell phone tucked in your trouser pocket. The cell phone is keypad locked, you unlock the keypad see the time and tell the time to the stranger. This process has taken a few minutes. The stranger thanks you and he turns back to find a speeding car about to hit a blind man. The stranger dashes to the blind man and saves him. This is just a series of events which happened, but if we observe deeply every event has been interlinked to other.  


Now Chaos Theory….,  if at all had your watch been working properly, the stranger would have left the place few minutes earlier without having a chance to either see the car or the blind man. So no chance of the stranger to save him the blind man. So the stranger wanting to know the time and your watch not working and your cell phone being keypad locked have played an important role in saving a blind man from certain death. Isn't it??? Yes, we can assume only unto this sequences, but if we scrutinize further we find that the reason for you to be at the bus stop is also a reason for the blind man to be save and then that since you had to go to your friends place you were waiting for the bus, then the invitation of your friend to his house might also be the reason. Even that reason has another reason and so on…every event is triggered from some other event.......... This is CHAOS THEORY ………very very mystical to understand it’s the intricate network of Karma Phalas.


Lord Krishna tells in Bhagavad-Gita Chapter 4 verses 17: “Gahana Karmano Gatihi” meaning tracking (Gatihi) of Action (Karma) is mysterious (Gahana). 

Lord Krishna has proclaimed that it is difficult to understand the intricacies and indefinite extent and shape of Karma (Action), as it is so complicated, intricate, zigzag, unfathomable, dynamic, inscrutable, and mysterious because the life is such. The trail of Karma (Action) is jagged and intractable and there is no point in blaming the Absolute or thanking the stars for any event. Just a mindset to accept pleasant or adverse situation the life throws at us is a must....... what say??  

604. Which do you aspire for Success or Happiness?

http://www.speakingtree.in/spiritual-blogs/seekers/self-improvement/are-we-successful-or-happy

In this era of rat race most of us are blindly behind success. In an ambition of getting successful we are setting goals and trying to achieve them. However, most of us who yearn for success are unable to define what success means to us. We think only in terms of the next promotion or next pay raise or climbing the corporate ladder, but very few of us ever stop to really look at where these goals are taking us to.

If we ask people who thrive to be successful as to what they want in life, after a long pause all they say is that they want to be “Happy.” That's awesome, but for two things: they hardly ever know with any conviction what happiness actually means to them, and secondly, they never actually plan to be happy. Instead they fall into trap of “when-I-get-that-I'll-be-happy” syndrome. If we look, we see these kinds of people every day maybe even when we look in the mirror. 

“If I buy an independent house, then I'll be happy.” 

“When I join that company I can do wonders, then I'll be happy.” 

“Once I get the promotion, I will be happy.”....and the list goes on and on and on.

The biggest problem is it doesn't work that way at all and it is tough to understand this reality. If our immediate goal is achieved and have succeeded then we should have been happy, Isn’t it so? No! We have set another goal and we are behind it. 

Success is the race between one achievement to another. If happiness is our goal; if being happy is what we really want in our life, then we need to be happy today. Not tomorrow, not in a weeks time, not when something is going to happen, not if we achieve something.

So, how do we make ourselves happy?

First, we must seriously ask our self, what makes us happy? What is that activity which when performed makes us feel energetic and completely satisfied and is in touch with the essence of our self?

Maybe for some its painting or music or writing or dance or going on a nature tour or as simple as relishing a cup of tea on a hill top watching the sun set. But as soon as this thought come to our mind another thought engulfs it immediately, “Do I have time to do this crazy things; I have a responsibility to make a living. I don't have enough time as it is.” Hence keep away from these activities and blame ourselves for not being happy.

If happiness is a goal we have, then we must allot time daily to do something that makes us feel happy. After all how we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives. Then the next question is how are we spending our days? The reality is that what we have right now is exactly what will be on our last day here. If happiness is what we require all through our life it has to be started right away and we have to make a new beginning which will be uninterrupted till the end. We deserve it and so let’s not put it off; we have not a second to waste in this endeavor.

Fortunately for me I am happy to write blogs and get the valuable responses from my fellow seekers. I am happy that by writing a blog I know what I know and by getting responses to them I know what I don't know!!!!!

603. The Design Behind Reincarnation!!!!

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/mysticism/the-design-behind-reincarnation

To carnate is “to get personified in flesh” And reincarnate means to “re-enter in to the flesh.” Some religions believe in reincarnation and some believe in rebirth while some do not believe either. The explanation given to the natural way of giving the individual soul a chance to evolve higher to Enlightenment is Reincarnation.

We have all had many lives before the present one and are expected to have more unless we make a thought to stop it. 

How to stop this cycle of birth and death? 

The moment we have repaid all our karmic debts and have not engrossed any then we are liberated. This means the soul will still exist, but will no longer be pulled back to be born in a physical body. Even science is now inclined to believe in reincarnation after many cases of individuals remembering their past lives surfaced. There have been extensive researches done by scientists, psychiatrists and parapsychologists during the past decades and are documenting it for further researchers to investigate in study of reincarnations.

What exactly happens to the Jeevatma (Soul) at the death of a person is illustrated in “Garuda Purana” as thus, at death the Soul leaves the Stula Deha (Physical body) which subjected to recycle afterwards. But the Soul dwells on in the Sukshma Deha (Subtle body) also called the Astral body. 

Separation of Jivatma and body is a great shock to the subtle body, especially if there was great attachment to the physical body. This subtle body is the mental faculty consisting of Manas (Mind), Buddhi (Intellect), Ahamkara (Ego) and Chitta (Memory) of the person which is crammed with unfulfilled ambitions and untold desires. The subtle body exists in the non-physical dimension called the astral plane. Here it continues to have remorseful or complacence experience of the result of all the good and bad deeds done in its past life span until it expiates. Then it is ready to be reborn again in another physical body as a new born. 

There is no hard and fast rule that a person will take birth as human again, he is entitled to have the benefit of taking the womb of any creature according to his wish or whims and fancies. Each reincarnating subtle body is allotted a home and a family which can help it to fulfill its unfulfilled ambitions and untold desires. Again the new life kick starts. 

The new set of circumstances in the brand new body is confusing. The intellectual and emotional aspects are dormant, the subtle body cannot express its memory, so it laughs and cries when it cannot recognize anyone, or when it wishes to express itself. Though in the new womb the subtle body remembers all the intellectual and emotional capabilities, the new born once out of the womb forgotten its past birth and has become accustomed to the new conditions and the new parents.

As we graduate from school and go to college and we never think of going back again to school exactly the same way after enlightenment we do not have to again experience the vileness of this earthly existence, but continue to evolve in our inner bodies to merge with the Supreme. 

Reincarnation is believed by the Jains, the Sikhs, the Hindus, the Buddhists, certain Jewish sects, and many indigenous faiths. Even Christianity originally taught reincarnation, but formally renounced it in the twelfth century.

Lord Krishna tells Arjuna in Bhagavad Gita “As worn-out garments are shed by the body; Worn-out bodies are shed by the dweller within the body. New bodies are donned by the dweller, like garments.”

602. JOY in GIVING!!!!!!

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/wellness/joy-in-giving

A tree never eats the fruit it bears, nor do rivers drink their own water, nor do clouds eat the grains they nourish. Wealth of the rich should also be used for the benefit of society? 

If giving is good but then many questions arise like: 

1. When should one give? 

Yudhishtira asks a beggar who approaches him seeking alms to come the next day. Hearing this Bhima is happy because he thinks his brother has conquered death to be around tomorrow to give. Yudhisthira understands that one does not know really whether he is alive to give the next second! The time to give therefore is then and there. 

2. What should one give? 

Monetary help is not the only thing to be given. We can offer help physically, mentally or could be even a smile to needy. When we give a smile to a stranger that makes a happy day to both! Hospitality service is one which we should learn from Mother Teresa.

3. To whom should one give? 
An empty pot alone deserves filling, what is the use in pouring into a pot which is already full. Also at times we avoid giving a person by finding fault in him. It is good to be judgmental but it is not advised to have presumption that one may not deserve. Who are we to decide if one deserves or not????


4. How much should one give?

Any quantity which we think is small is actually big to one who is a worthy receiver. King Bali thought a mere gift of three feet of land is what Vamana insisted, but to Vamana it was the whole of universe.  

5. How should one give? 

As a giver one should not feel proud and make the receiver feel humiliated. They say “My left hand should not know what my right hand has given” Giving is not for publicity and fanfare. 


6. How should one feel after giving? 
When Dronacharya asked Eklavya for his right thumb as “Guru Dakshina”. He unhesitatingly cut off the thumb and gave it to his guru. At the end of the war when he was asked whether he ever regretted the act of giving away his thumb he reply was “Yes! I regretted this only once in my life. It was when Dhrishtadyumna rushed in to kill Guru Dronacharya who was shocked on hearing the false news of death of his son Ashwathama and had stopped fighting. It was then that I regretted the loss of my thumb. If I had my thumb, no one could have dared touched my Guru?” 

So message is very clear. Give in such a way that you never regret giving!


7. How much wealth should one gather for his welfare of his family? 

“Are we taking away the gift of work from our children? Which is the source of happiness?” Let us provide our family all they need and educate our children and make them capable of making their life themselves. Lets us not underestimate their ability.

 
Warren Buffett, the great investor and philanthropist says, “Leave Your Kids Enough to Do Anything, But Not Enough to Do Nothing!”

Sant Kabir Says, “When the wealth in the house and water in the boat fills, it is wise to put them out with both hands”

Every religion how much ever it may differ in other issues, preach very clearly the JOY in GIVING.  

601. AUM: The Pranava Mantra!

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/meditation/aum-the-pranava-mantra

AUM is the mother of sound and universal symbol of Brahman. It does not represent universe since it is universe by itself and the very auspicious one. AUM is the representation of both Nirguna (Un-manifest) and Saguna (Manifest) aspect of Brahman. The cosmic sound AUM is called the Pranava. AUM is imperishable. Chanting of AUM mantra will pacify our mind and resists rush of thoughts and annihilates Ego.

AUM is the indispensable mantra of all mantras. It has three syllables Akara, Ukara, and Makara. According to Mundakopanishad these three syllables are referred to by the three stages of existence namely Jagrat (Akara) the state of wakefulness, Swapna (Ukara) the state of dream sleep, and Sushupti (Makara) the state of deep sleep. The silence which follows after chanting of AUM implies the state of Brahman, which is the source and end of everything. The chanting of AUM generates the origin to rays of light which illuminates our intellect to guide our body and mind concept. 

The perennial part that looks like a three syllables is the Akara, the tail off that is the Ukara and the dot above the both is the Makara. There is a fourth part as well called Bindu, a soundless and silent part at the end and fifth part called Nada, the vibration that is felt near the Heart Chakra (Anahata). In the syllable AUM the three letters express the three great aspects of Brahman: Akara - symbolizes the power of Brahman to create the Universe. Ukara - To preserve the Universe. Makara - To dissolve the Universe. The Akara is vocal creation which takes place at the back of our throat where the sound originates; the Ukara happens in the middle of our mouth and the Makara happens at the lips where the sound stops. 

The sacred syllable AUM is the bow, the arrow is the Soul and Brahman is its target. He shall be pierced by him whose attention does not swerve. And then he will become one with Him as the arrow becomes one with the target when it has pierced it.” (Mundakopanishad).

Ramakrishna Parmahamsa says: “By following the roar you can reach the ocean. As long as there is the roar, there must also be the ocean. By following the trail of AUM you attain Brahman, of which the Word is the symbol. That Brahman has been described by the Vedas as the ultimate goal.”

AUM appeared in the Vedas, the sacred text of Sanatana Dharma. The Tibetan Buddhists translate AUM as “HUM.” Jains regard AUM as condensed form of five Parameshthis. For Sikhs it is “ONKAR.” Egyptians, Greeks, Romans also interpreted this sacred syllable as “AMEN.” In Middle Eastern they use the word “AMIN” in their prayers. The simplest English translation of word is “AMEN” is “So-Be-It” and is used to express endorsement of faith, or approval from the heart.

600. Can Seeing alone always be the Source for Believing?

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/god-and-i/can-seeing-alone-always-be-the-source-for-believing

The world we are living in sometime sounds cynical. It only believes that which is seen, heard or felt. It considers only those which the five senses can comprehend. This attitude is not and cannot be blamed for the state of literacy since there are more literates who think only seeing is believing. It is not true that these lots propped up in recent time they have existed even before they were called Charvakas (Advocates of Materialism). They believe only what is seen and rubbish what the adherents could perceive beyond their physical & mental eye. For them only the four elements namely Air, Water, Fire, and Earth matters they do not accept Space as they could not see it.

How much ever we are brilliant, we are not in a position to judge anything even after seeing. It is not only physical sight but our mind; the inner sight has to be agile. There are so many things that we see in our day to day events all of them are not registered in our mind. We are not in a position to tell that those which do not register in our mind do not exist at all. If I am not present in my house does it mean I cease to exist? Even so if the phrase “SEEING IS BELIEVING” is to be taken seriously, then every thing or every person has to be in constant contact with us to make us believe of their existence.

Is this possible?

Sometimes seeing through our physical eye can also deceive us. In a desert the optical illusion of mirage refute that sometimes even seeing cannot be believed. Seeing isn't believing, seeing is just seeing. Believing is sensing the whole without seeing. There are things in this universe that is beyond the grasp of our physical and mental eye and there is no harm in acknowledging it and surrendering to that mighty power. We have to admit that there is an incomprehensible power with infinite foresight and knowledge that has emanated as this universe and has kept it going and going for ever and ever.

Albert Einstein says, “The most beautiful and most profound emotion that we experience is the sensation of the mystical. It is the power of all true science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead. That deeply emotional conviction of the presence of a superior reasoning power, which is revealed in the incomprehensible Universe, forms my idea of God.” 

599. Life is as Tenuous as a Water Bubble!!!!!!!!

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/philosophy/life-is-as-tenuous-as-a-water-bubble

Here i attempt to present one of the Tatva Pada (Philosophical Song) from Sri Kanakadasaru as i understand it....

DiMbadalliru va jeeva kamba sutra goMbeyanthe

Yendigaadarodu dina saavu tappadO

Yendigaadarodu dina saavu tappadO

Meaning:

Jeevatma in the body is like the puppet held by string and pole

Sure someday there is death for the body!

Sure someday there is death for the body!!

Gist:

The poet says that the Jeevi (mind and intellect index) is in the body as a puppet that is hung by the string and a pole. But reminds us that the game has to end as someday there is death for the body. The game has to end someday!

huTTuttEnuu taraliLLa, saayuttEnuu oYYalilla

Suttu Suttu sunnadaraLu Ayiteedeha

Hotte balu keTTadeMdu yestu kasta madidaru

bittU hoguvaaga geNu batte kaaNadO  

Meaning:

Did not bring anything in birth or will not take anything at death

All that remains of the body when charred is only limestone

Hardship is endured to see the pot belly is not in dearth

Alas! While leaving there is not even a piece of cloth on

Gist:

That Jeevi neither brought anything at birth nor does it take anything after death.  The residue when the human body is burnt is limestone (calcium carbonate which is inorganic carbon). Though the Jeevi puts the body to hardship just to fill his stomach, what remains on the body is not even a piece of cloth after death.  

Hattu yentu laksha galisi matte saaladeMdu

Parara Arthakkagi aase pattu nyaya maadvarO

bitti belasu tannadeMdu vyartha chintheyannu maadi

sattu hodamele Artha yaarigaagudO 

Meaning:

Earned in lakhs and yet not satisfied with what he has

Wishing for the fortune of others he does mediation   

Thinking all that he has sown and grown is all his

After death his wealth is for other in succession

Gist:

Eventhough a person earns a lot he is not satisfied and contented with what he has, instead he wishes to add more by poking his nose into other peoples affairs. He foolishly thinks all that he has earned in the way of sowing and harvesting is his but after his death all that he has amassed is free for all.  

heNNU hoNNu maNNu muuru tannallidO uNNalilla

aNNa tamma taayi tande bayasalaagadO

anna vastra bhoogakkagi tanna sukhava kaaNalilla

maNNu paalu adamele yaarigagudO

Meaning:

Never enjoyed the company of the three that was his namely woman, gold and property

He never preferred his brothers, mother and father

For food, clothing and material wealth he lost his peace and tranquility

When the body merges with soil everything is ether

Gist:

The physical body yearns for three namely a companion as wife or a life partner, and then wealth in the form of jewels and finally property in the form of house. The Jeevi is so crazy in wanting more that even if it has all the three it will never enjoy. It will never want brothers mother father as he has become selfish. To gain food cloth and material wealth he loses his peace, but when his body merges with the soil it is someone else who will benefit all that he has so earned.  

belli bangaariTTukoMDu oLLe vastra hoddukoMdu

chaLLA piLLa gOmbeyanthe agihOdanE

haLLa haridu hooguvaga guLLe bandu oDeyuvanthe

guLLe pOreyaMte kaaNoo samsaradaata

Meaning:

With silver and gold and best of clothing

He becomes most loved and pampered toy

As the water bubble burst in the water flowing

That thin layer of water bubble is your life is my boy

Gist:

With all that he has earned he buys himself the best of cloths and jewelry. Wearing them on he looks like a pampered and most loved toy. But all this is short lived just as the water bubble that is on the flowing water that can burst anytime. Life is as tenuous as that water bubble is what the poet warns us all. 

vaarthe kirthi yembo eradu sattamele bandavaYYa

vastu prana naayakanu hyange dorakuvanO

krtru kageneleyaadi keshavana Charana Kamala

nityadalli bhagisi sukhiyagi baaLelO

sukhiyagi baaLelO

Meaning:

Fame and status are the two that comes after death

But how can one seek the leader of living and non living while alive?

The lotus feet of Adi-Kesava of the Kaginele who is the Doer

Live Blissful by remembering Him daily…… Live Blissful

Gist:

A person is elevated to fame and his status is upheld after his death. How can one attain the Lord here the poet addresses Him who is the sole Doer as the Nayaka (Lord) of Vastu (Non-living) and Prana (Living). Asking this question the poet himself gives away the secret. One who always chants and praises the lotus feet of Adi-Keshava of Kaginele (a village in the Byadagi taluk of Haveri district, Karnataka.) the birth place of Kanakadasa,  

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanaka_Dasa

My humble Submission: I have made an honest attempt to translate this meaningful song from the great Saint Poet, if the meaning is not congruous it is because of my untidy work. This work which I have attempted is an effort by me who do not have the thought to match the great Saint Poets thinking ........ please excuse my mistakes if any...    

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbmhHNrB_dw  

(This song sung by Sri Mysore Ramachandrachar for teleserial Sri Raghavendra Vaibhava) ....listen and enjoy....

This great devotee of Lord Krishna has made the Lord turn towards him.....read on

http://memyinnerthoughts.blogspot.in/2014/11/598-when-deity-in-sanctum-turned.html