Open the cage that holds your mind, reality is not always what it seems

Cow Farm

‎
''Mass production and streamlining of super corporate farms are only metaphors for our society. These farms represent the current state of the world, being force fed, brain washed, given pseudo freedom, and told to play in a world controlled by others. Open the cage that holds your mind, reality is not always what it seems'' - SimpleHinduBhai

Hindu Blog: Significance of Amavasya

Namaste, Hari Om,

I came across this on HinduBlog, original link here, http://www.hindu-blog.com/2008/02/significance-of-amavasya.html Also the content is below (All rights/words are from Hindu-Blog.com).

This is very important, many times we forget those who have passed and feel that they are no longer in our lives. Even if we have had a bad relationship, we still need to uphold our part and support them.

Healing ourselves by helping others is something that helps us in many ways.

Do not feel that this is some ancient or Hindu specific day, these things are very simple. The world is formed in energy, our prayers do help others, our wishes go a long way. Every scripture has details of this event, its just said in various ways.

Never forget your ancestors, those who have secured and passed on your beliefs and traits. Take some time to give back to your ancestors, whether its meditation to thank them, going to their burial site and offering flowers or even a simple thank you while browsing their photos goes a long way.

We are all interconnected in many dimensions, things we can explain and things we can not explain will always be there, faith guides us all.

Many have recalled dreams of having their ancestors visit them and offer guidance or messages, but it depends on the person, how they are willing to have these, and if the connection is there.

Knowledge is power. Fear can limit your mind and cause hatred. There are always two sides to the coin, always work under the guidance of someone who is qualified to be a guru. And as always, a good heart and positive intentions always win.

Jai Shri Ram
SimpleHinduBhai






Amavasya, or Amavasi, is the name of new moon night in Hindu religion. It is the first night of the first quarter of the lunar month. Since the moon is invisible on the day, Amavasya is also referred as no moon night. Amavasi holds great importance in Hinduism. Many Hindus choose this day to make offering (tharpanam) to the dead ancestors. There is also an ongoing debate whether Amavasya is auspicious or inauspicious.

The term ‘Amavasya’ is commonly used in all regional languages in India. The fortnight that starts with Amavasya is also referred as the Shukla paksha (bright half of the month). Mauni Amavasya in Hindu Magh month (January – February) and Mahalya Amvasya in Ashwayuja (September – October) are highly auspicious. Similarly the Amavasi in Aadi month is of great importance in Tamil Nadu. The Amavasya in Karkidakam month is of importance in Kerala.
In some regions people observe partial fast (Upvaas) or a complete fast on the day.
Thanks to mainstream Indian movies, Amavasya is considered the ideal day to perform black magic and evil acts. Since there is no moon, Amavasya night is pitch dark and this provides the ideal setting to invoke evil powers.

Earlier it was advised not to travel on an Amavasya night. The logic being that there is no moonlight and this could invite lot of hardship and danger.
Many astrologers advise against performing any important ceremony on the day as moon and important planets in Hindu astrology are not visible. In some regions, people do perform certain auspicious deeds on the day. But largely no new beginnings or important ceremonies are held on the day.

Symbolically, the period from Amavasya to Purnima (full moon) is considered to be the gradual awakening and transcendence into the fullness. From darkness to the gradual realization of the Supreme Soul.

Hinduism Today: What is Hinduism?

click below to read the article,

contains a great overview and introduction to Hinduism.

http://www.hinduismtoday.com/modules/wfdownloads/viewcat.php?op=&cid=2 

Poem to Shri Ram

Poem to Shri Ram


''Our hero, Our hero, a warrior's heart.
I tell you, I tell you, the SunBorn comes.
With a Voice-wielding power of the Ultimate art.
Believe, Believe, the Sunborn comes.
Its an end to the evil, of all the world's foes.
Beware, Beware, the Subborn comes.
For the darkness has passed, and the legend yet grows. 
You'll know, You'll know, the Sunborn's come.'' - SimpleHinduBhai

SimpleHinduBhai Quotes

Namaste, Shanti (peace),

Here is a collection of words from the past, in life we sometimes hear a voice of reasoning, or hear words of wisdom. This is our inner selves speaking to us, we all are here for a reason, there is a force, a power that knows why. We do not know why, but a part of us does.

Hope it makes your present moment happy, enjoy:

‎"Laziness, anger, frustration, sorrow, hate, jealousy, greed and confusion are like rain clouds, all derived from the sky (mind) but together can drown earth (life) if prolonged" - SimpleHinduBhai

‎"To some, spirituality is like a light switch, when life is dark and sad they turn it on, when there is light and happiness they turn it off. Why not keep the light on all the time?" - SimpleHinduBhai

‎"It is great that you can recite God's name so beautifully, pour knowledge of saints and swamis on to others, but there is no comparison to someone who implements the teachings silently into their everyday life, living by the sacred words should be our goal not just knowing it" - SimpleHinduBhai

‎"The true hero is one who conquers his own anger and hatred." - SimpleHinduBhai

"Why do we focus on negativity? Secretly we are unhappy and pointing out the faults of others gives a false sense of gratification, yet the "pointers" are the ones who are unhappy" - SimpleHinduBhai

‎''At the root of sarcasm sits the truth'' - SimpleHinduBhai

‎"Apka savaal, apka javab hain. Your question is your answer. God is both formless and form. The power is complete and absolute, even at the same time. Our minds can not imagine or fathom how to tag or label and mold that power. Even if we read all the books we still can not come close to knowing everything. But the beauty is that (esp in Kaliyug) little efforts go a long way, just imagine great bhakti, nothing can stop you."-SimpleHinduBhai

‎"What if one day we had a view of the true inner beauty in everyone? A special glasses to view the innter truth. Would we continue to judge and take things for granted? No, inner beauty and truth sets us all free, search and you will find" - SimpleHinduBhai


‎"They say count your blessings in life, look at the glass half full, remember the good times. Why? Because it keeps negative thoughts away from your mind, neurogically we are inclined to focus on the bad, counter natural tendincies with positive energy" - SimpleHinduBhai


‎''No one said life is easy, when reason and logic run out, faith is your secret strength in the darkest hour'' - SimpleHinduBhai


‎''It is said loneliness draws the heart closer, why wait for loneliness to embrace love, tomorrow may never come, each day is a count down till we unite with our creator'' - SimpleHinduBhai


‎"Ego and standing by your principles are sometimes used in a wrong way, not doing or acknowledging something for a reason can cross both sides, be careful why you do things, ask, is it out of ego or principle" - SimpleHinduBhai


‎"Within us all is a blackbox containing knowledge and data from previous births, this data can be unlocked via meditation and silence" - SimpleHinduBhai


‘’The sun can give heat and light to the whole world when the clouds of pain shut out his rays. Similarly as long as anger and doubt veils the heart, God cannot shine upon it.’’ -SimpleHinduBhai


‎"Everything is within us, we just have to have the will to look within, the energy, guidance and love will come once we have the desire to look within." - SimpleHinduBhai



‎"Oh mighty Indestructible Goddess of the many worlds,
So strong is your eyes upon the land like the sun as it unfurls, 
Your caring voice eases all of my burning pains within,
With your graceful smile my sorrows can never begin,
Oh mighty universal Goddess I adore thee with ease,
Thou are part of me, as waves hug the ocean's breeze" - SimpleHinduBhai


‎"Dont worry, a true child of God could never be hurt. Those with evil minds/thoughts will build a burning house for themselves since they cannot open their eyes to walk out the door of ignorance. There is always a silent witness in every action and thought." - SimpleHinduBhai




Jai Shri Maa
SimpleHinduBhai.

Karma Management: By Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami

Shri Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami

Namaste, Hari Om,

The word Karma automatically sparks the thought, ''what goes around comes around'', but there is more to karma than that one thought.

If you have ever caught yourself saying the following statements, you need to read this article, ''my life is destined to be bad'', ''The pundit/priest said Saturn is in my realm and this is not good'', ''I cant control my karma or luck'', and ''I feel powerless in my life''.

Out of all the topics on the blog, this one is the most influential in our lives, its simplicity can answer many questions no matter who you are, where you are from, your background or even your species.

We meet many problems, hardships,  happy moments and prosperous times - yet we dont know why. We blame others for our faults, yet when we have something good we pin that honor to ourselves. In life, even to those who are walking the spiritual path, We always ask, ''where was God'', ''why would God allow this'', and ''Why do deserve these (good/bad) things?'' etc..

Thankfully this great article will help, written by his greatness, Shri Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami, titled, ''Karma Management, A Step-by-Step Guide to Help You Effectively Deal with Your Karma. Swami ji is the head of Hindu Press International, you can find the full article by clicking below (and Save to Download): http://www.hinduismtoday.com/pdf_downloads/what_is_hinduism/Sec4/WIH_Sec4_Chapter29.pdf .

Below we will observe parts of the article from Shri Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami Ji. We will start with the first part, Misconceptions. Note, these words are from his greatness, Shri Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami Ji. Any comments from our side will be noted with, ''[SimpleHinduBhai]''.

''1. You have no doubt heard the most common false concept about
karma on a number of occasions. It goes something like this: “Nothing
but bad things happen to me. It’s my karma, and even when
I strive to do better, my striving has no effect upon it. S o why should
I even try to make my life amount to anything? It’s truly hopeless.”
This misconception must be rejected for two important reasons.
The first is that you can actually change your karma through the
principles of effective karma management. The second is that how
you live in this life creates the karma you will face in your future lives.
So, why not consciously use the law of karma to create a future that is
filled with pleasant experiences rather than painful ones?''

[SimpleHinduBhai]: These words are golden, it is amazing that in life you will get the greatest advice from the shortest sentences. We should try to understand Karma so we can abide by the laws as we walk this plain. In our lives we should never feel like we are stuck or in quick sand. We can change the current state even in the eleventh hour when all hope is gone, there is hope.

''2. A second common false concept about karma, which you
have probably also heard, goes like this: “My life is in a state
of chaos. Everything is going wrong, and it all started three
months ago when Saturn entered Taurus and my karma changed. I
have been advised that if I can successfully appease Saturn through
having a priest do regular Sani puja, my problems will go away.
Therefore, that has become the entire focus of my religious life at
this time.” The fallacy of this attitude is that, yes, karmic difficulties
indicated by your astrology can be mitigated, but not simply
by paying a priest to do Sani puja. If that is all you are doing to
work with your situation, that’s not enough. In working through the
trying times of life, your primary powers are willpower, devotion
and understanding. Such karma can be mitigated through specific
actions performed by the individual, such as those outlined below,
but not merely by giving over such duties to others.
A second reason this misconception must be rejected is that it attributes
the cause of our problems to the planet Saturn rather than
to our own actions in the past. It is like pleading with the jailer to
release you from your cell simply because being incarcerated is
an unpleasant experience, having forgotten about the crime you
committed that put you in prison in the first place. Planets don’t determine
your karma, and neither do the actions of others. It is selfcreated,
and you are the source of it all—good, bad and mixed.''

[SimpleHinduBhai]: The last line is extremely important, we must take the time to understand how the energies of earth, sky and lokas (various plains) work with our chemical compositions.  Understanding our actions will impact our outlook in life.

Please take a look at the article, read a page a day, meditate and understand the words. Share it with a friend, or family member. The words are deep and insightful, this topic of Karma is very deep, but this article does a great job. We will dive into the 10 Correct Concepts in a future post.

Enjoy,
Thanks Swami Ji,

SimpleHinduBhai

Dhyana Vahini Ch 14

"You must reform your mental traits and habits. Cultivate the habit of never causing pain to others. Try to understand others, sympathise with and help them. Train yourself to take insult and criticism as decorations awarded to you. Be friendly with everyone, whatever be their nature or conduct. A joyous disposition is necessary for spiritual progress, but many things and situations deprive you of the atmosphere of joy. So you must pray sincerely in order to be free from such obstacles. The recital or repetition of prayers (mantras) will be of great help."

-Dhyana Vahini, Ch 14: “Remove Defects in Character

Why I don't care anymore?

Why I don’t care anymore?

This is a hard question to answer, sometimes we go through so many sorrowful moments in our lives we just don’t know where to start, sometimes where to end. We put faith in humans, relationships and even a higher power. When something goes bad our faith goes down, never does it ever go down when something good is happening.

It’s ok to feel lost, lonely and a lack of care, trying to fight your life to stay positive only goes so far. Its ok to put your head down and think deeply, or cry for a few moments. With relationships we place so much trust and love with someone, when that trust and love is taken for granted, we lose faith. When we see a spiritual leader or someone we admire/love deeply take us for granted, we lose faith.

When you cant understand why things happen, where this empty dark hole in your chest is coming from, we lose faith.

When you run through a thousand questions in your mind to figure out what why the event happened, we still lose faith.

Before we lose faith we are tied with some kind of pain that can bear no comparison to the strongest coffee. It becomes so overbearing that we just become numb, we lose faith.

Something that happens to parents or partners who are engulfed in love (which is not a problem) – You give so much and constantly think how to make their lives better, but yet you get kicked back and taken for granted. You ask how could this person treat me this way, we lose faith.

The person whom you have given your life to serve throws your sincerity away and thinks you are doing nothing but hurting and limit their lives, we lose faith.

You cant help someone who is hurting themselves and enduring endless suffering because of their vindictive attitude, ego and pride, we lose faith.

You watch someone that would rather stand their ground and never bend or reason with someone, we still lose faith.

There is no reason that we can imagine why negative and bad things happen to us that we can see now. We are constantly let down daily, ripped apart and thrown out the window – we lose faith.

You go through so many rounds of arguments, deep sorrowful moments and questions – your tears no longer flow, we lose faith.

You see someone who is spiritual with corrupt dualistic habits, we lose faith.

your pockets are empty, we lose faith.

Someone passes away, or is removed from your life, you hold deep regrets, we lose faith.

When you are on your knees in a dark empty cold place, nowhere to turn and barely a whisper on your lips – we don’t care anymore. What we thought was once righteous is now wrong, perfect becomes imperfect and love becomes sorrow.

Negative thoughts flood your mind when faith is gone, questions turn into statements – Statements derived from anger once the sorrow dries like the morning dew.

How do we turn around? Where do we go from ‘’rock-bottom’’ or when your back is against the wall?

Its ok to talk about Karma, i.e. the three categories, Sanchita (Accumulated karma) , Parabdha (karma appears as a problem in the present life) and Kriyamana Karma (flows into sanchita karma from this life, shapes future). Karmic patterns can tell where we stand and why, but human emotions need to be conquered before we can start to comprehend these higher thoughts – but this is not an issue, the beauty of spirituality does not just come from books/gyan or knowledge, but also from the heart…

But there comes a moment when you want to understand why me? Why do I go through this time and time again? You must rise above these thoughts of control and restriction, be free from your problems, be free from your attachments. Let go of the ones that hurt you, let go of the fear that comes to you.

You lost your faith in someone, or something – your thoughts have become action oriented and your pain has turned into anger… When you lost your faith, you forgot to surrender? You are saying you did, but still you hold on to the pain, anger and vindictive attitude.

Surrendering is the only way to cure your heart, mind and soul of this pain which came from sorrow. If we do not surrender, give up – we will culture hatred, this will make us ugly on the inside which seeps through our pours.

Give up. Surrender. Walk away.

‘’Whether a man should be a householder or a monk depends on the will of Rama. Surrender everything to God and do your duties in the world. What else can you do?’’ – Shri Ramakrishna Paramahansa

Then what? Time will heal you, our cerebral nerves and nervous system is heavily linked to our thoughts. Electro fields in our brain triggers muscles, blood and senses to act in a certain way with emotions. Even if you let go, it still takes time to recover.

‘’look to me, like your thoughts I am always there with you, like the gentle breeze silently watching over you. Like the caring love at birh, I was there, I am here now next to you. I can see you, but sometimes you are blind so you cannot see me. Do not worry, I will always look after you until we join together, I am forever looking after you. Do not be bothered by what you call relationships, keep steady and look to me’’

Jai Shri,
SimpleHinduBhai

Hinduism and the Internet: Prerequisite Before Your Search

Namaste, Hari Om,

Apologies for not posting articles sooner, have been busy with the physical maya of this world. Dont worry that physical maya must be engaged for us all to grow, Bhagavan Krishna States, ''We have two choices in life: One is to fulfill ourselves. The other is to take the time and energy that we would utilize in fulfilling ourselves and use it to make others happy.'' Even if we are in this maya (ie as a business man) we can still help others while fulfilling our daily duties to our family and society.

Moving on, wanted to talk about Hinduism and the internet, does the internet help Hinduism progress or regress?  There are many sources of knowledge thanks to analytic searches and meta tags that can come to our finger tips within seconds. Gyan is received faster than a two hour satsang it seems? When reading websites and trying to seek knowledge via the internet we should always walk with a bit of caution. The core of all aspects is always the hardest to find, while seeking information we should walk with the background and knowledge from reliable sources. The most reliable source of them all is the actual scriptures themselves.

Knowing this will allow you to understand who are posting or editing the ancient words, most of these words existed before the dawn of man/woman. Caution needs to be taken as there are folks who post their interpretation of events that can be totally wrong at times. Then there are sites that mold the words of what is written into something that is far beyond the intended meaning.

Your desire should not be bogged down by bad blogs, articles or wiki like sites, your search for knowledge should always continue. Seek the knowledge on the outside too, attend satsangs, discourses and temples. Find and read the scriptures, try to also do this under a teacher (i.e. Gita studies class).

Just like the mind, the internet can either be your friend or enemy, control and knowledge will make the best use of it.

Jai Shri Krishna,
SimpleHinduBhai 

She's Alive... Beautiful... Finite... Hurting... Worth Dying for!

This nature video is as beautiful as the souls that protect her (Maha aatma's as they are truly selfless, dying in the name of not only another living animal, but for nature herself.. Those shown at the end of the video)..

Always respect the ground that bears our weight,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGeXdv-uPaw&feature=player_embedded

hindu Blog: Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Punyatithi

Sri Ramakrishna Punyatithi is the death anniversary of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. As per Gregorian calendar, Sri Ramakrishna died on August 16, 1886. The corresponding date in Hindu Lunar Calendar is the Shukla Paksha Dasami, or the tenth day of the waxing phase of moon, in Bhadarapad month. This date in 2011 is on September 7.

The day is observed by remembering the philosophy and teachings of Sri Ramakrishna. Pujas are offered on the day at various places in India.

The sacred relics of Sri Ramakrishna are kept at the Ramakrishna Templeat Belur Math.

source: 

Definition and Breakdown: Ganesh Stuti-Vakratund Mahakaya

Namaste, Hari Om,

I was recently browsing sites when researching Ganesh Jayanti and came across a great and simple site on Ganesh Stuti. Firstly writer discusses the Ganesh Stuti which talks about Ganesha and seeking his blessings. The website, http://www.avidedu.in/welcome.aspx , is rather excellent, it is great for those who are new to mantras or those who want hard to define words. Information is easy to read and in Sanskrit and English.

I will post on Mantras and the meaning/reasoning behind it soon, but please note this mantra is more than just words with beautiful meanings. It also creates a shield of energy, your pronunciation and vowels use energy from within to extol air that creates sound. These sound vibrations cause energy to be collected and has wonderful effects on your calmness. The power from within is like a beating drum, the more we meditate on it the more it beats, the louder the drum the more colorful our life will be. Similar to chakras, they are attributed to be like an electrifying fan when they are active. Through mantra and meditation we can truly beat the drum or spin the fan of life to a new level.

There is a transliterated version and Sanskrit version on the site, also attached here.

Please enjoy the information and especially the break down, very helpful, many thanks to Ameya Naik and Rajesh Sawant. Please continue to click around their site, the distance learning tool is helpful in further breakdowns. Good site to review with your family, will teach you something new everytime.

Hari Om, Jai Ganapati Morya,

SimpleHinduBhai

Transliterated version:  Vakra-tunda mahaa-kaaya soorya-koti-sama-prabha,
nirvighnam kuru me deva sarva-kaaryeshu sarvadaa.  

SimpleHinduBhai’s comment:

Phonetically it is easy to read, but for those who are not familiar with the words, first say it slow, then try to sing it or make it connected by holding the last letter etc..I have placed it in bold to show what to hold: (VAk-Rah-toondah ma-haa Kaa-yaa, sooryaa kotee samaa prabhaa, neervighnam kuuruu may day-va, saar-va-kaar yay shoe, saar-va-daa)

Youtube Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyHBs_sBMEo

Translation

O God, with a curved trunk and a massive body, whose brilliance is equal to millions of suns, please make all my endeavors free of obstacles always.

Source &Credit for the Content: http://www.avidedu.in/Distance_learning_1ganesha.aspx

Sage Patanjali Thoughts: Aversion is a form of bondage

Namaste, Hari OM,

Sage Patanjali Thoughts:Meditation is an unbroken flow of awareness toward the object of concentration.
Non-attachment is self mastery: it is freedom from desire for what is seen or heard.
Aversion is a form of bondage. We are tied to what we hate or fear. That is why, in our lives, the same problem, the same danger or difficulty, will present itself over and over again in various prospects, as long as we continue to resist or run away from it instead of examining and solving it.- Sage Patanjali
Yoga Sutra of Patanjali – Teachings

The above was from Sage Patanjali's thoughts,
its an interesting outlook into the notion of non-attachment.

Aversion or trying to avoid something (Could be someone sometimes) can tie you to a fear or hatred. Avoiding this fear or feeling all your life is the same as being tied to it.

If you are scared of heights, you will always be scared of heights no matter where you go in the world. The tie to that fear will present itself quickly. We must go within to face these attachments, free these attachments from feelings that your mind can overcome.

For aversion towards people, this is very tricky - Human emotions can go either way, those on the spiritual path must try to look at every soul on earth as a spark of God. This helps to understand human behavior and face those who we do not wish to face.

As the notes from Sage Patanjali states, we must examine the feelings we get. Ask yourself what does it mean to me, what can I do to overcome these feelings.

Fear and other strong emotions take time to overcome, meditating and examining your self in relation to the feeling will help you to overcome these feelings.

Its ok to not wanting to confront feelings directly, especially with some people, but this is painted more for your mind and inner thinking to consider.

Hari Om,
SimpleHinduBhai

Source: http://www.hindu-blog.com/2011/08/sage-patanjali-thoughts.html?m=1

Hindu Students: Are Hindu Scriptures Mythologies?

Namaste, Hari Om,

Great explanation on Hindu Scriptures, its just the tip of the ice-berg, but gives a great introduction in such a small amount of time.

Puranas contain links to other scriptures that are fact, therefore it would be misleading to call it a complete Myth. Furthermore there are factual representations heavily linked to historical Ittihas books i.e. The Ramayana, such as the fortelling of Ravanas kingdom and Rams coming. 18 major puranas are of true nature, but the points proven in the Puranas are built on examples to paint pictures of things that are linked to other great books.


Jai Shri Krishna
-SimpleHinduBhai


Click to See the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sf9A_hhDZ0I&feature=channel_video_title

From the Youtube Info Bar: http://www.youtube.com/user/Hindustudents

Mythologies are stories regarding a person, a religion, or a culture which are exaggerated or fictitious. Young Hindu adults often ask: "Are Hindu scriptures merely mythologies?" Swami Sarveshananda enlightens us that if we take mythologies to mean, "fictitious" then Hindu scriptures are not just "mythologies."

Hindu Dharma has incredibly rich collection of texts. Hindu texts are categorized as, Shruti, that which is heard, and smriti, that which is remembered. Shruti consists of the four Vedas, Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva Veda (Veda comes from a sanskrit term Ved which means to know) which are the most authoritative texts for all Hindus. The Upanishads, are important part of the Vedas, which explains the core philosophy of Vedas, Upanishads are also known as Vedanta. Vedanta means the philosophical summary of the Vedas. 

The Smriti's are scriptures that the sage wrote from their experience. Smriti's usually deal with the history, ayurveda, astrology, music, dance, architecture, statecraft, domestic duty and law. Smritis consists of Puranas, Itihasas, Vedangas, and Upavedas. The Puranas are encyclopedic accounts of the forms and avatars of God.

When Shruti and Smirit conflict, the authority is always Shrutis.

The Ramayana and Mahabharata are two sacred epic histories of India. The Ramayana is the story of Lord Rama, who is the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and his divine wife Sita. This 24,000-verse poem describes Prince Rama's birth, His banishment to a forest for 14 years, the abduction of Sita by the demon Ravana and Rama's victory over Ravana. The Ramayana remains immensely popular to this day in India and Southeast Asia.

The Mahabharata, "Great India, " is a 78,000-verse story of a massive war that took place in ancient times between the Pandavas and their cousins, the Kauravas, for the throne of a great kingdom. It also describes the nature of self and the world, karma, important family lineages of India, human loyalties, saints and sages, devotion to God and the ideals of dharma. Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is a key figure in the epic. A central episode called the Bhagavad Gita narrates Krishna's dialogue with the Pandava archer, Arjuna, on the day of the battle.

For more information visit:

http://www.ramakrishnavivekananda.info/vivekananda/volume_3/vol_3_frame.htm

http://www.hinduismtoday.com/pdf_downloads/what_is_hinduism/Sec1/WIH_Sec1_Cha...

http://www.hinduismtoday.com/modules/smartsection/item.php?itemid=1501

Patanjali Teachings

Namaste, Hari Om,

The heart and mind can find peace and harmony by contemplating that transcendental nature of the true self as supreme effulgent light.

Undisturbed peace of mind is attained by the cultivation of friendliness toward the happy, compassion for the happy, delight in the virtuous and indifference in the evil.

Practice is the repeated effort to follow the disciplines which give permanent control of the thought waves of the mind. Practice becomes firmly grounded when it has been cultivated for a long time, uninterruptedly, with earnest devotion.

Patanjali

Found on Hindu-Blog:  http://www.hindu-blog.com/2011/07/patanjali-teachings.html

Hindu Blog: Download Govinda Ashtakam Lyrics in pdf – English – Telugu – Tamil

Namaste, Hari Om,

Via Hindu-Blog:

Govinda Ashtakam is a prayer dedicated to Sri Krishna and is believed to have been composed by Jagad Guru Adi Shankaracharya. The prayer is a praise to wonderful aspects and leelas of Govinda. Prapatti website is now offering the lyrics of Govinda Ashtakam in English, Telugu and Tamil. You can download it in pdf format.

Link - Govinda Ashtakam in Telugu

Link – Govinda Ashtakam Lyrics in Tamil

Link – Govinda Ashtakam English

http://www.hindu-blog.com/2011/07/download-govinda-ashtakam-lyrics-in-pdf.html

What is Yoga? Answered by Hindu Students Association

Shri Patanjali the Giver of Yoga

Namaste, Hari Om,

Excellent video on Yoga and the types of Yoga. This video is an initiative by Hindu Students Association to bring proper understanding of Hindu philosophy and practices to Hindus and non-Hindus.

What is Yoga? from HinduStudents on Vimeo.

From the Website: http://vimeo.com/25539466

From Julia Roberts to a college student it seems like everyone is doing Yoga! Some practice
Yoga to help them deal with the day to day stress of a hectic life while for others it’s a means of physical
wellbeing. The health benefits of Yoga are numerous, helping some people lose weight and others
breathe properly to improve their attention. Yoga has become the tool to help your mind and body stay
healthy. But Yoga's higher purpose is to attain a state of perfect spiritual insight; its true purpose is to
assist a Yogi, a practitioner of Yoga, connect to the Divine within! Yoga stems from the Sanskrit word
Yuj, meaning to "join" or "get united." The ultimate goal of Yoga is to unite one’s soul with the Brahman,
the Absolute Reality.

The word, "Yoga" first appears in the Hindu scripture, Katha Upanishad, in Chapter 3 verse 11. The
verse tells us the meaning and purpose of the Yoga, it says,

“(10) When the five senses are stilled, when the mind
Is stilled, when the intellect is stilled,
That is called the highest state by the wise.
(11)They say YOGA is this complete stillness
In which one enters the unitive state,
Never to become separate again.
If one is not established in this state,
The sense of unity will come and go.”

Yoga philosophy recognizes that as there are many different types of individuals so there are many
different paths to the Brahman, an individual may follow a path based on their temperament. All these
paths are categorized in four practices, Gyan Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Raja Yoga.

Here is how, Swami Vivekanada described each Yoga.

Gyan Yoga (aka Jnana Yoga): First: hearing the truth — that the Atman is the only reality and that
everything else is Mâyâ (relativity). Second: reasoning upon this philosophy from all points of view.
Third: giving up all further argumentation and realizing the truth. This realization comes from (1) being
certain that Brahman is real and everything else is unreal; (2) giving up all desire for enjoyment; (3)
controlling the senses and the mind; (4) intense desire to be free. Meditating on this reality always and
reminding the soul of its real nature are the only ways in this Yoga.

Karma Yoga: Karma-Yoga is purifying the mind by means of work. The watchword of the Karma-Yogi
is "not I, but Thou", and no amount of self-sacrifice is too much for him. But he does this without any
desire to go to heaven, or gain name or fame or any other benefit in this world.

Bhakti Yoga: Bhakti or worship or love in some form or other is the easiest, most pleasant and most natural way of man. The natural state of this universe is attraction; and that is surely followed by an ultimate disunion. Even so, love is the natural impetus of union in the human heart; and though itself a great cause of misery, properly directed towards the proper object, it brings deliverance. The object of Bhakti is God. Love cannot be without a subject and an object. The object of love again must be at first a being who can reciprocate our love. Therefore the God of love must be in some sense a human God.
He must be a God of love. Aside from the question whether such a God exists or not, it is a fact that to
those who have love in their heart this Absolute appears as a God of love, as personal.

Raja Yoga: As each science has its particular method of investigation, so is this Raja-Yoga the method of
religion. This science also is variously applied according to various constitutions. The chief parts are the
Prânâyâma, concentration, and meditation. For those who believe in God, a symbolical name, such as
Om or other sacred words received from a Guru, will be very helpful. Aum is the greatest, meaning the
Absolute. Meditating on the meaning of these holy names while repeating them is the chief practice of
Raja Yoga.

This video is an initiative by Hindu Students Association to bring proper understanding of Hindu
philosophy and practices to Hindus and non-Hindus. We would like to thank Dr. Pankaj Jain, Professor
of Hinduism at University of North Texas, for his assistance in giving us academic advice in the
production of this video.

HSA E-mail: info@hsamail.org

HSA Website: HinduStudentsAssociation.org

Twitter: twitter.com/​HinduStudents

YouTube: youtube.com/​user/​Hindustudents

Your Home = Your Temple (Introduction to the Vastu Shastra)

Budhanilkantha Temple (Sleeping Vishnu) - Nepal

Namaste, Hari Om,

What is a temple? Like many religions there is a place of worship, whether its at home or at a central point in the community, it is deemed a holy place.

For many people going to a place of worship or somewhere peaceful like a garden or waterfall, helps to ease our mind and bring good energy. This energy helps us understand the world better as our mind thinks at a different rate, there is no pollution or distractions at these peaceful places.

If we spend more time at home than at a place of worship or a peaceful place, shouldn't our home be like a temple? The answer is yes it should be, our home represents our mind, its an outer expression of our thinking and well being. If your home is painted with red walls and no pictures some can see you as a monotone person with no expression - this could very well be true.

Your home should be your temple, every wall should make you feel at ease, every room should make you feel  happy. Gods name should be remembered at all times, this is why we decorate our houses with Gods pictures. A wise man once told me, ''People hang pictures of their family members up, today I like my cousin, sister etc.. then tomorrow we get into a fight, i take the picture down. The next day I like that person etc.. The  relationship is ever changing a people constantly change, where as God does not". Reminding our selves of the guiding force will help our mind in case of tensions and bring good energy to us.

A home should be welcoming, one that is filled with the intangible welcome scents, sight, sounds and taste will bring a calm state of mind to those who dwell there. There is no limitation that energy found at a temple can not live in your home, with the proper practice and maintenance, your home can equal your Temple.

Dont hide your love for God to a small place, let it shine through out the home. Just as you try to keep your body pure, so should your temple, avoid meat, alcohol, and harmful smoking etc..  Do not argue or say vulgar words, always be pleasant. Why keep such things in your home and have an altar? We must rid our life of duality (having bad and good things) - stick to the good things only.

Lastly, following a Vastu guide will also help:

"Vastu is an inherent energy concept of science. We cannot see energy with our naked eyes but we can realize and see its application in different forms and fashions. Universe is one of the beautiful creations of nature and everything stands alive only in the limelight of truth. Just like every subject of human aspect is governed with rules, regulations & acts, similarly the nature has also got certain key factor principles for smooth governing of its residents, in which "Vastu stands for nature law" and ignorance of law is not an excuse anywhere. Here are some of the basic rules that everyone should follow" - Source (http://www.vaastu-shastra.com/vastu-tips.html) 

The position of certain objects in your house can channel energy in a special way - Having the right position and direction can create great energy.

Jai Jai Shri Devi Maa
- SimpleHinduBhai


Read more below - http://www.stephen-knapp.com/vastu_shastra.htm

Tips From Vastu

1. The main entrance should be in the East or North but it should not be in front of the compound wall.
2. The wall of the house in the North-Eastern side should have minimum height.
3. If the wall of the house in the East is tall, it stalls the entry of prosperity, the Goddess Laxmi, into the house. Therefore, it should be small in height.
4. The southern side of the house should be as tall and heavy as possible.
   In any room of the house the beam or column should not cross in the center.
5. Terrace or balcony in the house should be either in the East or the North.
6. A well, pole or a temple should not be there in front of the main entrance of the house.
7. The slope of the house should be towards East, North or North-East.
   Similarly, the slope of the plinth also should be towards East, North or North-East.
8. The height of the plinth should be maximum in the direction of South-West.
9. The main entrance of the house should not be in front of that of the opposite house.
10. The house should be equipped with the protective wall.
11. The upper storeys of the house should be constructed on the Southern or Western part.
12. The cupboard in the wall should be the Southern or Western part direction of the house.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    Why Follow Vastu?
    God is present in the direction of North-East, it is believed. That is why our ancestors always insisted on having a body of water in this direction to ensure prosperity. Now see the geographical location of a small nation like Japan one of the largest bodies of water in the form of the Pacific Ocean which explains the reason of its growing prosperity.
    Take the example of Mumbai city. On its South-East side where Agni is located, is the atomic power plant and in the direction of North-East is the body of water, which is why when it is compared to other ports, Mumbai port is more prosperous.
    The city of London is famous and rich because it is situated on more or less the ideal principles of Vastu Shastra.
    It is found that at the root of the progress and prosperity of the cities like New York, London, Mumbai, Singapore, Hong Kong, etc. are always the benedictory principles of Vastu Shastra. It is also found that as one progresses towards the North-East in the United States of America the land becomes richer and richer.
    Study the location and construction of the famous temple of Tirupati from the angle of Vastu Shastra. Its legendary prosperity is thanks mainly to the exemplary implementation of the principles of Vastu Shastra. The main temple is situated on the South-West side of the temple precinct. On its North-East direction is a lake and pond. The dining hall of the temple is on South-East side while the North-West and North side of the temple is allocated to the godown (storage place) for grains and items require in the kitchen. The entire temple precinct is of square shape as a result of which its axis and that of the Earth are perpendicular to each other. The main temple is occupying only the one fourth area of the total precinct and on its Eastern and Northern side is an  open area. Thus the Tirupati temple of Lord Balaji is an ideal place according to the norms of Vastu Shastra which is why it is the most prosperous temple on earth.