GOD is self revealing. The Heavens are telling the glory of God. The Universe is proclaiming his handiwork. There is no voice or words or speech. His creations proclaim his glory. It is a message without words. It is up to man to read what GOD has written in the Universe because all scientific research depends upon that ability. According to science, the world falls into two categories, the KNOWN and the UNKNOWN. .The spectacular mysteries of the Universe, the grandeur of the Cosmos provoke the Scientists to discover much of what is not yet known. But it is the unknowable, that which is far beyond our intellect, that we really know nothing about, is G O D. We may deny the existence of GOD, but the intellect cannot prove or disprove the concept of GOD. If it does, the intellect becomes greater than GOD. Then GOD and Religion are not necessary. Science and intellect would suffice. The doubts we carry, the search for certainty and the struggle to solve the mystery has been the pursuit of mankind from time immemorial. The inheritance of knowledge that good and wise men have left behind, as a result of their search for GOD and TRUTH, has resulted in the emergence of Theology and mythology. The stories convey a lot to understand universal and eternal nature.
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There is always more than one way of understanding the Epics/Myths which convey great philosophical and metaphysical truths. A reader of higher intuition will know the constant struggle between lower inclinations and higher aspirations in mankind, between GOOD and EVIL. The pain or Bliss that follows in the battle, depend on the choices we make..
Throw away the outside garments and vestures of these stories. Understand the inner essence. Probe into the symbolic significances. Search for the pearls and then you may throw away the shells of the oysters . Taste the fruit and you may then throw away the rind. But BEWARE . Beware, lest in your dislike for the rind, you throw away the whole fruit.
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1 DO NOT TOUCH ME...
When he put his finger on FIRE, it burnt his finger.
He was startled and upset. He asked the FIRE...
" Did you burn my finger...?"
" ....YES....."
He was startled and upset. He asked the FIRE...
" Did you burn my finger...?"
" ....YES....."
" Why did you burn my finger...?"
" I did not burn your finger..."
" Just now you agreed that you burnt my finger..."
" Yes..I said that...But I say now that I did not burn your finger... I am of course responsible for your finger getting burnt... Still I am not the reason...."
" How is it possible....? "
" When you placed your finger on me, I became responsible for the burning of your finger......... I AM FIRE.....I burn those who come into contact with me,. You touched me...YOU BURNT YOUR FINGER. I was not after you. So, I have not burnt your finger. I do not gain anything by burning your finger. But if you touch me, you will be definitely burnt.. That is it.."
" I did not burn your finger..."
" Just now you agreed that you burnt my finger..."
" Yes..I said that...But I say now that I did not burn your finger... I am of course responsible for your finger getting burnt... Still I am not the reason...."
" How is it possible....? "
" When you placed your finger on me, I became responsible for the burning of your finger......... I AM FIRE.....I burn those who come into contact with me,. You touched me...YOU BURNT YOUR FINGER. I was not after you. So, I have not burnt your finger. I do not gain anything by burning your finger. But if you touch me, you will be definitely burnt.. That is it.."
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2 TIME HAS COME
Every ERA " युग " is known by the characteristics of the people and KALIYUG is widely believed to be known for weird behavior of people. This is represented by a story in Mahabharatha. When Yudhistra, the King of Dharma, was ruling, a case came to him for judgement. One person sold his land to another. The purchaser was ploughing the land and found a treasure. The purchaser wanted to return the treasure to the seller, as he did not actually pay for the treasure, but only for the land. The seller refused to accept the treasure because he had already sold everything to the purchaser.
King Yudhistra, after hearing the case, adjourned it for ten days. When the case resumed, the purchaser changed his mind and claimed that the treasure belonged to him as he has paid for the land including everything. The seller also started quarreling that the treasure belonged to him, as he sold only the land and not the treasure. The Court wondered how the same people changed their behavior, within a short period of ten days.King Yudhistra explained that KALIYUG कलियुग had started during the ten days of adjournment, ushering in revolutionary changes in human behavior.
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3 KNOW THYSELF
VALMIKI was a highway robber or dacoit who used to waylay travelers and loot their belongings. One day NARADA was held by Valmiki for robbery. Narada asked the dacoit why he is robbing him.
" To take care of my family..." said Valmiki
"When you rob a person, you are committing a sin. You say that you are robbing to take care of your family. Would your family share the sin also."
" I am sure, they will..."
" Why don't you tie me up,go home and ask your family whether they are ready to share your sin."
Totally overtaken, Valmiki went home and asked everyone, including his wife. All of them refused to share his sins. Valmiki was shocked to learn this truth. He came back to Naradha, heart broken, seeking his forgiveness. Narada blessed and Valmiki turned a new leaf in his life and transformed himself into a sage. VALMIKI blossomed into a celebrated harbinger-poet in Sanskrit literature. He is the author of the epic Ramayana.He is revered as the आदि कवी First Poet, for he discovered the first स्लोक i.e. first verse, which set the base and defined the form to Sanskrit Poetry. The Ramayana, originally written by Valmiki, consists of 24,000 slokas. Valmiki Muni is revered as the first Poet, or Adi Kavi and Ramayana as THE FIRST काव्य. His first disciples to whom he taught Ramayana were Kusha and Lav, the sons of Rama.Maharishi Valmiki was a great astronomer also.
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TULSIDAS lived in the city of Varanasi, almost 500 years ago, and was married to Ratnavali. He was extremely mad of her and would not leave her company even for a moment.. Once when Ratnavali went to her father's home with her brother for an emergency, Tulsidas was unable to stay at home that night. She was staying on the other side of the river JAMUNA and the infatuated Tulsidas swam across the turbulent Yamuna river in the night to meet his wife. Ratnavali was shocked and chided Tulsidas for this bravado, and remarked that if Tulsidas was even half as devoted to God as he was to her body of flesh and blood, he would have been redeemed.
Hada mamsa-maya deha mam, taso jaisi priti;
Vaisi jo sri-ram-mein, hot na bhav bhiti.
"My body is but a network of flesh and bones. If you would develop for Shri Rama even half the love that you have for my filthy body, you would certainly cross the ocean of Samsara and attain immortality and eternal bliss".
This struck him as a thunderbolt. An apparently simple and innocuous expression of annoyance brought about an inner volte-face in Tulsidas’s mind, a turning point in his future life. Such uncommon instances have been recorded in the lives of saints of all religions. Tulsidas left her instantly for the holy city of Prayag where he renounced the Grihastha गृहस्थ (householder) stage and became a peripatetic monk Sadhu. This attachment, an inchoate form of bhakti- LOVE [wrongly directed towards his wife], when freed from human attachment, that blossomed into an unbounded love for God. Sant TULSIDAS emerged as a Hindu poet-saint, reformer and philosopher renowned for his devotion to the god Rama, best known as the author of the epic Ramcharitmanas, a retelling of the Sanskrit Ramayana in the vernacular Awadhi and is read and worshiped with great reverence in every Hindu home in Northern India. It is an inspiring book. It contains sweet couplets in beautiful rhyme.Tulsidas was acclaimed in his lifetime to be a reincarnation of Valmiki, the composer of the original Ramayana in Sanskrit. Brahmins of Varnasi decided to find out the worth of Ramacharitamanas. So they put it to a test. They placed it in the sanctum sanctorum of the Vishwanath temple overnight, at the bottom of a pile of Vedas and other holy books. Next morning, when they opened the door, they found theRamacharitamanas on top of the pile with the words Satyam Shivam Sundaram inscribed on it.He is also considered to be the composer of the Hanuman Chalisa, a popular devotional hymn dedicated to Hanuman, the divine devotee of Rama.
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4 TOO TRUE
SAINT KAUSHIK was reputed for speaking the truth always. He never spoke a lie in his life time. One day, when he was doing Tapasya, decoits were chasing a man, who came running and hid himself in the hut of the Saint. He begged the Saint to save him from the dacoits. Later when the dacoits came in search of him to the hut and inquired about the man to the Saint. The Saint, who has never spoken a lie in his life time, spoke the truth and disclosed the whereabouts of the hiding man. The dacoits killed the man and carried away the money. Saint Kaushik went to HELL after his death, even though he was a saint and never spoke a lie in his lifetime.
When Arjun asked Lord Krishna, what is Dharma धर्मं , the Lord said that to establish Dharma one can tell lies. If you speak the truth which leads to harm, then speaking the truth itself is Adarma अधर्म . Speaking the truth or lies should be determined by looking at the consequences in an impartial way.
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5 POWER POINT
6 SELFISH PRACTICE
7 S A K T I शक्ति
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8 VEDAS & EQUALITY
And he who conceives the self
As part of the Universal soul
Does not look down on anyone.
He never hates anyone and never falls
A victim to hatred, grief or sorrow.
He becomes a lover of all
A part and parcel of the universal joy
He flows with the stream of happiness
And is enriched by each loving soul. Yajur veda यजुर वेद
VEDIC PHILOSOPHY
Vedas are are oldest written text on our planet. They date back to the beginning of our civilization and are the earliest written records of mankind. The wisdom and knowledge was passed on through oral tradition for over 10,000 years and they appeared first in a written form from 2500 to 5000 years ago. The ancient Vedic hymns are:-
RIG VEDA........... Knowledge of HYMNS...................10859 verses
YAJUR VEDA.........Knowledge of LITURGY................. 3988 verses
SAMA VEDA......... Knowledge of classical MUSIC....... 1549 verses.
AYUR VEDA........ Knowledge of MEDICINE............100,000 verses.
ADARVA VEDA..... Knowledge of RITUALS......spells and charms.........
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9 BRAHMA.ब्रहमा
10 Gayatri mantra
Line 3: BHARGO DEVASYA DHEEMAHI: भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि
Bhargo the light, devasya of the deity, dheemahi we should meditate. The rishi instructs us to meditate upon the available form (light of suns) to discover the formless Creator (God). Also he wants us to do japa of the word Om (this is understood in the Mantra). This is how the sage wants us to proceed, but there is a great problem to realize it, as the human mind is so shaky and restless that without the grace of the Supreme (Brahma) it cannot be controlled. Hence Vishvamitra suggests the way to pray Him as under:
Line 4: DHIYO YO NAH PRACHODAYAT धियो यो नह प्रचोदयात
Dhiyo (intellect), yo (who), nah (we all), prachodayat (guide to right Direction). O God! Deploy our intellect on the right path. Full scientific interpretation of the Mantra: The earth (bhur), the planets (bhuvah), and the galaxies (swah) are moving at a very great velocity, the sound produced is Om , (the name of formless God.) That God (tat), who manifests Himself in the form of light of suns (savitur) is worthy of bowing/respect (varenyam). We all, therefore, should meditate (dheemahi) upon the light (bhargo) of that deity (devasya) and also do chanting of Om. May He (yo) guide in right direction (prachodayat) our(nah) intellect dhiyo.
The important points hinted in the mantra are
11 NATARAJA
The sage answered..." These are but the chief manifestations of the Highest, immortal, the unbodied Brahman. Brahman is indeed all these. A man may meditate or worship or even discard those, which are but Its manifestations. These GODS must be understood as being Divine Forces and Powers in Nature, that guide the Universe. According to pious Hindus, there are 33 crores of Gods in the Universe and it is not possible to worship all of them. These are manifestations of the Supreme Power, just as the rays are the manifestations of the power of the SUN. They who invoke these powers by correct knowledge and practice obtain those powers. You will find the warriors in Ramayana and Mahabharata, invoking these powers and obtain these celestial gifts from them. These GODS may be taken as those perfected egos of the prior fields of evolution who have gained experience and wisdom, and are now GODS to the lower kingdoms". Brh.Upanishad
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" Let a man meditate upon That as a support and he will be endowed with that support.
Let him meditate upon That as the Great and he will be possessed with greatness.
Let him meditate upon That as Mind and he will be endowed with mental vigor.
Let him meditate upon That as obeisance and all objects of desires will do obeisance to him.
Let him meditate upon That as the Supreme Lord and he will be endowed with supremacy". Taitreya Upanishad.
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Thus man gets fruits of his worship. The metaphysical truth is that he gets all that he seeks.
Sage Ramakrishna said, " You get what you seek. He who seeks God attains to Him. He who seeks wealth, attains to that. He who wants Him realizes Him. Go verify it in your life..."
The Best sellers of modern Authors deal with the same dogma.
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13 BLESSINGS
An anecdote about Senior (Chandrasekara) SANKARACHARYA of KANCHI. When Periyavaa was giving darshan, four or five Vidwans who had come for darshan, were sitting on the floor. In the course of his conversation (with the devotees), Periyavaa asked them, "When Bhaktas do namaskaram to me, I bless them with the name 'Narayana, Narayana'. What do you people who are samsAris say for blessing?"
"We say, धिर्ग आय्श्मान भवः only that is the custom." ....Pundits said
"What does it mean?"
"Remain in saukyam सौक्यम for a long time' is its meaning."....... Pundits replied.
Periyavaa remained in silence for sometime. Then he said, "The meaning you all said is a wrong one."
The erudite and learned Pundits were taken aback. Even those with a little knowledge of Sanskrit can tell the meaning of the simple words 'Dirgha AyushmAn bhavah' and yet Periyavaa says the meaning is wrong? " Shall I tell it myself.....?" The Pundits sharpened their ears.
"Of the twenty-seven Yogas, one is named AyushmAn. Of the eleven KaraNas, one is the called the Bhava. Among the week days, the Saumya Vaasaram falls on a Wednesday. When all these three--on a Wednesday, the AyushmAn Yoga and the Bhava KaraNa--occur together, that day is said to be shlAgya. Therefore, if these three occur together, whatever good phalas would be got, I bless that you may get all those fruits..." All the Vidwans got enlightened
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14 Self sake
Yajnavalkya told his wife: "My dear, you have been my beloved and now you want to know what is after my heart. If you wish,my dear, I shall explain it to you. As I explain it, meditate on what I say."
Everything is the Self, O Maitreyi ! Yajnavalkya said:
"Verily, not for the sake of the husband, my dear, is the husband loved, but he is loved for the sake of the self which, in its true nature, is one with the Supreme Self.
"Verily, not for the sake of the wife, my dear, is wife loved, but she is loved for the sake of the self.
"Verily, not for the sake of the sons, is the son loved, but he is loved for the sake of the self.
"Verily, not for the sake of the wealth, is wealth loved, but it is loved for the sake of the self.
"Verily, not for the sake of the animal is animal loved, but it is loved for the sake of the self.
"Verily, not for the sake of the brahmin, is brahmin loved, but he is loved for the sake of the self.
"Verily, not for the sake of the kshatriya, is kshatriya loved, but he is loved for the sake of the self.
"Verily, not for the sake of the worlds, are the worlds loved, but they are loved for the sake of the self.
"Verily, not for the sake of the gods, are the gods loved, but they are loved for the sake of the self.
"Verily, not for the sake of the Vedas, are the Vedas loved, but they are loved for the sake of the self.
"Verily, not for the sake of the beings, are the beings loved, but they are loved for the sake of the self.
"Verily, not for the sake of the All, is the All loved, but it is loved for the sake of the self.
"Verily, my dear Maitreyi, it is the Self that should be realized, heard, reflected on and meditated upon. And by the realization of the Self, my dear, through hearing, reflection and meditation, all this is known." - BRIHADARANYAKA UPANISHADS
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15. number 108
2) Astrological: We have 12 "Rashis" and 9 Grahas, 12 x 9 = 108 different combination of radiations on our selves at the time of birth decides our entire future and what type of human nature we will develop during the course of our lives. Based on these Hindus make their horoscopes. Based on these relations we can, at any time, possess one of those 108 combinations.
3) Mathematical: There is a symmetrical formula in math that sums up to 108. Whether that means anything to human life or not we do not know. But if we calculate ( 1 to the power of 1) times ( 2 to the power of 2 ) times ( 3 to the power of 3 ) = 108 May be 108 * ( 4 to the power of 4 ) would be some other great figure.
4) Chemistry: There are 108 distinct elements that are found so far.
5) Cultural: Bharatnatyam is an Indian dancing system. Where each mudra represents a distinct expression of a man. There are 108 distinct mudras in Bharat Natyam - the combination of them creates the whole of dance drama.
6) Japa: We have 108 names of Ganesh, Laxmi, Vishnu and other Gods and Goddesses. Incidentally or accidentally even Islam has 108 names of Allah.
7) 108 = 1 + 0 + 8 = 9. The divine number. Why ? Since if you add 9 to any number the sum digit of the number remains the same. [ e.g. 23 = 2+3 = 5; 239 = 2+3+9 = 41 = 4+1 = 5 ]. Also if you multiply any number by 9 and add all the digits the sum will remain the same as the sum of the original number. -anonyms-
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16. PRINCIPLES OF SPIRITUALITY
17. Navagrahas
The Nine Planetary Deities in Hindu Astrology
18. Who Knows ?
As the web springs from the spider and is again withdrawn, as the plant springs from the soil, hairs from the body of man, so springs the world from the EVERLASTING. The EVERLASTING is shapeless, birth less, breathless, mindless above everything, outside everything, inside everything. He is not knowable by perception, neither by that which is known, nor by that which is not known, nor by the sum of all that might be known. He is undefinable, unthinkable, indescribable.............. Upanishads
Those who know they know, even without me saying it and those who do not know, will not know, even if I say it. There is no point in talking to those who have not tasted the ambrosia of life and therefore I am silent. How can you convey something so intimate. Words cannot convey it. Words end where TRUTH begins.. Buddha
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19. Q U O V A D I S ?
You have a crew but no captain, pilot, compass or charts.
You may end up in different waters
from where you began.
But to what purpose ?
What was the voyage for ?
SISYPHUS SYNDROMEs
SIN NO MORE.
The Scribes and the Pharisees brought unto him, a woman taken in adultery and say unto him
" Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the Law commanded us that such should be stoned, but what sayeth Thou..?"
But Jesus did not reply and when they continued bothering him, He said unto them,
" He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her..."
And they who heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, even unto the last and JESUS was left alone and the woman standing in the midst.
Jesus said unto her, " Woman, where are those accusers..? Hath no man condemned thee..?"
" No man........Lord.." she said.
And JESUS said unto her, " Neither do I condemn Thee; Go and sin no more"
" Forgive me........My Lord " she said
And Jesus said.. " To err is human...To Forgive is Divine..."
GOSPEL BY ST JOHN.
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2 TIME HAS COME
Every ERA " युग " is known by the characteristics of the people and KALIYUG is widely believed to be known for weird behavior of people. This is represented by a story in Mahabharatha. When Yudhistra, the King of Dharma, was ruling, a case came to him for judgement. One person sold his land to another. The purchaser was ploughing the land and found a treasure. The purchaser wanted to return the treasure to the seller, as he did not actually pay for the treasure, but only for the land. The seller refused to accept the treasure because he had already sold everything to the purchaser.
King Yudhistra, after hearing the case, adjourned it for ten days. When the case resumed, the purchaser changed his mind and claimed that the treasure belonged to him as he has paid for the land including everything. The seller also started quarreling that the treasure belonged to him, as he sold only the land and not the treasure. The Court wondered how the same people changed their behavior, within a short period of ten days.King Yudhistra explained that KALIYUG कलियुग had started during the ten days of adjournment, ushering in revolutionary changes in human behavior.
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3 KNOW THYSELF
VALMIKI was a highway robber or dacoit who used to waylay travelers and loot their belongings. One day NARADA was held by Valmiki for robbery. Narada asked the dacoit why he is robbing him.
" To take care of my family..." said Valmiki
"When you rob a person, you are committing a sin. You say that you are robbing to take care of your family. Would your family share the sin also."
" I am sure, they will..."
" Why don't you tie me up,go home and ask your family whether they are ready to share your sin."
Totally overtaken, Valmiki went home and asked everyone, including his wife. All of them refused to share his sins. Valmiki was shocked to learn this truth. He came back to Naradha, heart broken, seeking his forgiveness. Narada blessed and Valmiki turned a new leaf in his life and transformed himself into a sage. VALMIKI blossomed into a celebrated harbinger-poet in Sanskrit literature. He is the author of the epic Ramayana.He is revered as the आदि कवी First Poet, for he discovered the first स्लोक i.e. first verse, which set the base and defined the form to Sanskrit Poetry. The Ramayana, originally written by Valmiki, consists of 24,000 slokas. Valmiki Muni is revered as the first Poet, or Adi Kavi and Ramayana as THE FIRST काव्य. His first disciples to whom he taught Ramayana were Kusha and Lav, the sons of Rama.Maharishi Valmiki was a great astronomer also.
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TULSIDAS lived in the city of Varanasi, almost 500 years ago, and was married to Ratnavali. He was extremely mad of her and would not leave her company even for a moment.. Once when Ratnavali went to her father's home with her brother for an emergency, Tulsidas was unable to stay at home that night. She was staying on the other side of the river JAMUNA and the infatuated Tulsidas swam across the turbulent Yamuna river in the night to meet his wife. Ratnavali was shocked and chided Tulsidas for this bravado, and remarked that if Tulsidas was even half as devoted to God as he was to her body of flesh and blood, he would have been redeemed.
Hada mamsa-maya deha mam, taso jaisi priti;
Vaisi jo sri-ram-mein, hot na bhav bhiti.
"My body is but a network of flesh and bones. If you would develop for Shri Rama even half the love that you have for my filthy body, you would certainly cross the ocean of Samsara and attain immortality and eternal bliss".
This struck him as a thunderbolt. An apparently simple and innocuous expression of annoyance brought about an inner volte-face in Tulsidas’s mind, a turning point in his future life. Such uncommon instances have been recorded in the lives of saints of all religions. Tulsidas left her instantly for the holy city of Prayag where he renounced the Grihastha गृहस्थ (householder) stage and became a peripatetic monk Sadhu. This attachment, an inchoate form of bhakti- LOVE [wrongly directed towards his wife], when freed from human attachment, that blossomed into an unbounded love for God. Sant TULSIDAS emerged as a Hindu poet-saint, reformer and philosopher renowned for his devotion to the god Rama, best known as the author of the epic Ramcharitmanas, a retelling of the Sanskrit Ramayana in the vernacular Awadhi and is read and worshiped with great reverence in every Hindu home in Northern India. It is an inspiring book. It contains sweet couplets in beautiful rhyme.Tulsidas was acclaimed in his lifetime to be a reincarnation of Valmiki, the composer of the original Ramayana in Sanskrit. Brahmins of Varnasi decided to find out the worth of Ramacharitamanas. So they put it to a test. They placed it in the sanctum sanctorum of the Vishwanath temple overnight, at the bottom of a pile of Vedas and other holy books. Next morning, when they opened the door, they found theRamacharitamanas on top of the pile with the words Satyam Shivam Sundaram inscribed on it.He is also considered to be the composer of the Hanuman Chalisa, a popular devotional hymn dedicated to Hanuman, the divine devotee of Rama.
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4 TOO TRUE
SAINT KAUSHIK was reputed for speaking the truth always. He never spoke a lie in his life time. One day, when he was doing Tapasya, decoits were chasing a man, who came running and hid himself in the hut of the Saint. He begged the Saint to save him from the dacoits. Later when the dacoits came in search of him to the hut and inquired about the man to the Saint. The Saint, who has never spoken a lie in his life time, spoke the truth and disclosed the whereabouts of the hiding man. The dacoits killed the man and carried away the money. Saint Kaushik went to HELL after his death, even though he was a saint and never spoke a lie in his lifetime.
When Arjun asked Lord Krishna, what is Dharma धर्मं , the Lord said that to establish Dharma one can tell lies. If you speak the truth which leads to harm, then speaking the truth itself is Adarma अधर्म . Speaking the truth or lies should be determined by looking at the consequences in an impartial way.
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5 POWER POINT
Kaushika
was a king in ancient India who during his Digvijay, passed through
the Ashram of Rishi Vasistha, who invited the King for meals. " I have come with a big army..." said the King and the Rishi said, " Do not worry. There is meal for everyone". The entire army
was well fed and taken care of to the astonishment of the proud king.
When the King came to know that it was the "holy cow" NANDINI, the calf of Indiras's
celestial cow KAMADENU, which could cater and indulge all their
requirements, he was wonder-struck. The King desired to obtain the cow
from the sage, who politely refused but suggested, " Take her, if Nandini herself was
willing to go with you". Nandini refused and the King forcibly dragged the cow and ordered his
soldiers to seize the cow. Thousands of soldiers emerged from her and
defeated and drove away all of them. The angry King shot arrows at the Rishi who made them ineffective.
This
incident made him realize that
the spiritual power obtained by penances was far greater than mere
physical might. He renounced his kingdom and began his quest to become a
greater Rishi than Vashistha. He took on the name Vishwamitra and undertook a fierce penance for many
years. Indra, the God of Heaven sent Menaka, an apsara to seduce him and
disturb his penance.
The enchanted Vishwamitra lived with Menaka and they had a baby girl
Shakuntala. Vishwamitra discovered that Menaka had destroyed his years of
meditation and thus he cursed her that she would lose her beauty, [ the cause of his distraction] in her next birth. And hence in the next birth she
became a monkey Anjani and mother of Hanuman. Vishwamitra pursued his
harsh penances, amongst various episodes, to become an equal to
Brahmarishi Vashishta.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6 SELFISH PRACTICE
That which protects the world is DHARMA. धर्मं Our Hindu scriptures contain many stories of great religious leaders, who practiced religion for selfish reasons. In the Bhagawatgita, there are details of how HORANYAKASHIBU performed austerities, pleasing BRAHMA ब्रहमा himself. Nobody had done tapasya as powerfully as Hiranyakashibu. RAVANA was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. VRITRA was the greatest devotee of Lord Vishnu. BALI was a great devotee as well. There were INDRAJIT, NARAKASHURA, BHASMASHURA and a host of other religious and mythical personalities. They all thought they were religious. Only their direction was negative. They were all selfish, and in order to attain their own good, they did tapas to gain power to be able to annihilate everyone. Our scriptures praise their tapas, their prowess, but say that GOD did punish them. Our Bhakti भक्ति scriptures go so far as to say that out of the nine types of devotion, hatred is one type. KHAMSA got liberation through his hatred for Lord Krishna, because he always thought of him
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 S A K T I शक्ति
The SUPREME BEING manifested in a feminine form, is a concept that has its finest expression in Hinduism. SAKTI is described as the blossom of 1000 lotus flowers, the bursting of 1000 suns. Such is the beauty and radiance.The sun and moon are her eyes. Sakti is in the laughter of women, wrath of warriers and in the tongues of flames. She is the fond mother, enchanting beauty and also the terrible one, wearing garland of skulls. SAKTI is the power of the primordial cosmic energy and represents the dynamic forces operating through the entire universe. Even Brahma, Vishnu and Siva function with the wishes of Sakti, the one that motivates birth, maintenance and death or destruction. It is the sacred force or empowerment, the agent of all change. The world is a puppet show and the hand that pulls the strings is that of Sakti. She is the power behind everything. It is well told in SOUNDARYA LAHARI written by Sankaracharya. Sakti is perennial, remains for ever, without beginning or end.The worship of Sakti goes back to pre-Aryan and pre- Dravidian Times. Sakti is represented as benign, beautiful and fierce. With one
hand she nourishes you by showering love and affection and with the other hand she tears you apart in pieces. Her side-long glance can enrapture and bless you and her stare can terrify and destroy you. She is the power who inspires you or expires you. One of the finest Hindu concept is that of Siva as Ardhanarishwara अर्धानारारिश्वारा meaning "the Lord who is half woman." representing the synthesis of masculine and feminine energies of the universe (पुरुष and प्रकृति) and illustrates how Shakti, the female principle of God, is inseparable from Shiva, the male principle of God. The union of these principles is exalted as the root of all creation. The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad says that Purusha splits himself into two parts, male and female, and the two halves copulate, producing all life.What greater proof is needed of the Hindu recognition of equality of sexes.
But Hindus either put them on a pedestal and worship them or stamp them under foot. Manu has declared that women did not deserve independence. He also held that where women are honored, there the GODS rejoice... The teacher surpasses 10 friends, the father surpasses 100 teachers and the mother surpasses 1000 fathers. There is no greater Goddess than MOTHER.
" Tell me, what faults attributed to women, have not been practiced by men ?" hand she nourishes you by showering love and affection and with the other hand she tears you apart in pieces. Her side-long glance can enrapture and bless you and her stare can terrify and destroy you. She is the power who inspires you or expires you. One of the finest Hindu concept is that of Siva as Ardhanarishwara अर्धानारारिश्वारा meaning "the Lord who is half woman." representing the synthesis of masculine and feminine energies of the universe (पुरुष and प्रकृति) and illustrates how Shakti, the female principle of God, is inseparable from Shiva, the male principle of God. The union of these principles is exalted as the root of all creation. The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad says that Purusha splits himself into two parts, male and female, and the two halves copulate, producing all life.What greater proof is needed of the Hindu recognition of equality of sexes.
But Hindus either put them on a pedestal and worship them or stamp them under foot. Manu has declared that women did not deserve independence. He also held that where women are honored, there the GODS rejoice... The teacher surpasses 10 friends, the father surpasses 100 teachers and the mother surpasses 1000 fathers. There is no greater Goddess than MOTHER.
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8 VEDAS & EQUALITY
All men are equal in brother hood
There is no one small and no one big.
The one who loves all intensely
Begins perceiving in all living beings
A part of himself.
And he who conceives the self
As part of the Universal soul
Does not look down on anyone.
He never hates anyone and never falls
A victim to hatred, grief or sorrow.
He becomes a lover of all
A part and parcel of the universal joy
He flows with the stream of happiness
And is enriched by each loving soul. Yajur veda यजुर वेद
VEDIC PHILOSOPHY
Vedas are are oldest written text on our planet. They date back to the beginning of our civilization and are the earliest written records of mankind. The wisdom and knowledge was passed on through oral tradition for over 10,000 years and they appeared first in a written form from 2500 to 5000 years ago. The ancient Vedic hymns are:-
RIG VEDA........... Knowledge of HYMNS...................10859 verses
YAJUR VEDA.........Knowledge of LITURGY................. 3988 verses
SAMA VEDA......... Knowledge of classical MUSIC....... 1549 verses.
AYUR VEDA........ Knowledge of MEDICINE............100,000 verses.
ADARVA VEDA..... Knowledge of RITUALS......spells and charms.........
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9 BRAHMA.ब्रहमा
He is One. He is the ever-existent. He is the Truth, the self-manifest, self-existent. He is Eternal Intelligence. He is the Witness of all that passes. He is the Eternal, Omnipresent and pervades all things. He is the illuminator of all the senses and their powers, and the cause of all the Three Worlds. He is the Mind of men. He knows the Universe yet none know Him. We come from Him as our cause. He the Supreme God, is the cause of all beings and whose Creative Energy in the three worlds, is called BRAHMA.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10 Gayatri mantra
Gayatri mantra has been bestowed the greatest importance in Vedic dharma. This mantra has also been termed as Savitri and Ved-Mata, the mother of the Vedas.
Om bhur bhuvah swah ॐ भुर बुवश स्वाह
Om bhur bhuvah swah ॐ भुर बुवश स्वाह
Tat savitur varenyam तत सवितुर वरेण्यम
Bhargo devasys dheemahi: भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि
Dhiyo yo nah prachodayat धियो यो नह प्रचोदयात
The literal meaning of the mantra is:
O God! You are Omnipresent, Omnipotent and Almighty, You are all Light. You are all Knowledge and Bliss. You are Destroyer of fear, You are Creator of this Universe, You are the Greatest of all. We bow and meditate upon Your light. You guide our intellect in the right direction.
The mantra, however, has a great scientific importance too, which somehow got lost in the literary tradition. The modern astrophysics and astronomy tell us that our Galaxy called Milky Way or Akash-Ganga contains approximately 100,000 million of stars. Each star is like our sun having its own planet system. We know that the moon moves round the earth and the earth moves round the sun along with the moon. All planets round the sun. Each of the above bodies revolves round at its own axis as well. Our sun along with its family takes one round of the galactic center in 22.5 crore years. All galaxies including ours are moving away at a terrific velocity of 20,000 miles per second.
The alternative scientific meaning of the mantra
Line 1: OM BHUR BHUVAH SWAH: ॐ भुर बुवश स्वाह
Bhur the earth, bhuvah the planets (solar family), swah the Galaxy. We observe that when an ordinary fan with a speed of 900 RPM (rotations Per minute) moves, it makes noise. Then, one can imagine, what great noise would be created when the galaxies move with a speed of 20,000 miles per second. This is what this portion of the mantra explains that the sound produced due to the fast-moving earth, planets and galaxies is Om. The sound was heard during meditation by Rishi Vishvamitra, who mentioned it to other colleagues. All of them, then unanimously decided to call this sound Om the name of God, because this sound is available in all the three periods of time, hence it is set (permanent). Therefore, it was the first ever revolutionary idea to identify formless God with a specific title (form) called upadhi. Until that time, everybody recognized God as formless and nobody was prepared to accept this new idea. In the Gita also, it is said, "Omiti ekaksharam brahma", meaning that the name of the Supreme is Om , which contains only one syllable (8/12). This sound Om heard during samadhi was called by all the seers nada-brahma a very great noise), but not a noise that is normally heard beyond a specific amplitude and limits of decibels suited to human hearing. Hence the rishis called this sound Udgith musical sound of the above, i.e., heaven. They also noticed that the infinite mass of galaxies moving with a velocity of 20,000 miles/second was generating a kinetic energy = 1/2 MV2 and this was balancing the total energy consumption of the cosmos. Hence they named it Pranavah, which means the body (vapu) or store house of energy (prana)
Line 2: TAT SAVITUR VARENYAM: तत सवितुर वरेण्यम
Tat that (God), savitur the sun (star), varenyam worthy of bowing or respect. Once the form of a person along with the name is known to us, we may locate the specific person.Hence the two titles (upadhi) provide the solid ground to identify the formless God, Vishvamitra suggested. He told us that we could know (realize) the unknowable formless God through the known factors, viz., sound Om and light of suns (stars). A mathematician can solve an equation x2+y2=4; if x=2; then y can be known and so on. An engineer can measure the width of a river even by standing at the riverbank just by drawing a triangle. So was the scientific method suggested by Vishvamitra in the mantra in the next portion as under:-
The literal meaning of the mantra is:
O God! You are Omnipresent, Omnipotent and Almighty, You are all Light. You are all Knowledge and Bliss. You are Destroyer of fear, You are Creator of this Universe, You are the Greatest of all. We bow and meditate upon Your light. You guide our intellect in the right direction.
The mantra, however, has a great scientific importance too, which somehow got lost in the literary tradition. The modern astrophysics and astronomy tell us that our Galaxy called Milky Way or Akash-Ganga contains approximately 100,000 million of stars. Each star is like our sun having its own planet system. We know that the moon moves round the earth and the earth moves round the sun along with the moon. All planets round the sun. Each of the above bodies revolves round at its own axis as well. Our sun along with its family takes one round of the galactic center in 22.5 crore years. All galaxies including ours are moving away at a terrific velocity of 20,000 miles per second.
The alternative scientific meaning of the mantra
Line 1: OM BHUR BHUVAH SWAH: ॐ भुर बुवश स्वाह
Bhur the earth, bhuvah the planets (solar family), swah the Galaxy. We observe that when an ordinary fan with a speed of 900 RPM (rotations Per minute) moves, it makes noise. Then, one can imagine, what great noise would be created when the galaxies move with a speed of 20,000 miles per second. This is what this portion of the mantra explains that the sound produced due to the fast-moving earth, planets and galaxies is Om. The sound was heard during meditation by Rishi Vishvamitra, who mentioned it to other colleagues. All of them, then unanimously decided to call this sound Om the name of God, because this sound is available in all the three periods of time, hence it is set (permanent). Therefore, it was the first ever revolutionary idea to identify formless God with a specific title (form) called upadhi. Until that time, everybody recognized God as formless and nobody was prepared to accept this new idea. In the Gita also, it is said, "Omiti ekaksharam brahma", meaning that the name of the Supreme is Om , which contains only one syllable (8/12). This sound Om heard during samadhi was called by all the seers nada-brahma a very great noise), but not a noise that is normally heard beyond a specific amplitude and limits of decibels suited to human hearing. Hence the rishis called this sound Udgith musical sound of the above, i.e., heaven. They also noticed that the infinite mass of galaxies moving with a velocity of 20,000 miles/second was generating a kinetic energy = 1/2 MV2 and this was balancing the total energy consumption of the cosmos. Hence they named it Pranavah, which means the body (vapu) or store house of energy (prana)
Line 2: TAT SAVITUR VARENYAM: तत सवितुर वरेण्यम
Tat that (God), savitur the sun (star), varenyam worthy of bowing or respect. Once the form of a person along with the name is known to us, we may locate the specific person.Hence the two titles (upadhi) provide the solid ground to identify the formless God, Vishvamitra suggested. He told us that we could know (realize) the unknowable formless God through the known factors, viz., sound Om and light of suns (stars). A mathematician can solve an equation x2+y2=4; if x=2; then y can be known and so on. An engineer can measure the width of a river even by standing at the riverbank just by drawing a triangle. So was the scientific method suggested by Vishvamitra in the mantra in the next portion as under:-
Line 3: BHARGO DEVASYA DHEEMAHI: भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि
Bhargo the light, devasya of the deity, dheemahi we should meditate. The rishi instructs us to meditate upon the available form (light of suns) to discover the formless Creator (God). Also he wants us to do japa of the word Om (this is understood in the Mantra). This is how the sage wants us to proceed, but there is a great problem to realize it, as the human mind is so shaky and restless that without the grace of the Supreme (Brahma) it cannot be controlled. Hence Vishvamitra suggests the way to pray Him as under:
Line 4: DHIYO YO NAH PRACHODAYAT धियो यो नह प्रचोदयात
Dhiyo (intellect), yo (who), nah (we all), prachodayat (guide to right Direction). O God! Deploy our intellect on the right path. Full scientific interpretation of the Mantra: The earth (bhur), the planets (bhuvah), and the galaxies (swah) are moving at a very great velocity, the sound produced is Om , (the name of formless God.) That God (tat), who manifests Himself in the form of light of suns (savitur) is worthy of bowing/respect (varenyam). We all, therefore, should meditate (dheemahi) upon the light (bhargo) of that deity (devasya) and also do chanting of Om. May He (yo) guide in right direction (prachodayat) our(nah) intellect dhiyo.
The important points hinted in the mantra are
1) The total kinetic energy generated by the movement of galaxies acts as an umbrella and balances the total energy consumption of the cosmos. Hence it was named as the Pranavah(body of energy). This is equal to 1/2 mv2 (Mass of galaxies x square of velocity.)
2) Realizing the great importance of the syllable OM , the other later date religions adopted this word with a slight change in accent, viz., Amen and Ameen
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) Realizing the great importance of the syllable OM , the other later date religions adopted this word with a slight change in accent, viz., Amen and Ameen
11 NATARAJA
Shiva as the cosmic dancer who performs his divine dance, is a traditional Tamil concept evolved during 9th century. He dances within an arch of flames, the upper right hand holds a small drum, the beat of which signifies space, sound and passage of time elements. The upper left hand contains Agni or fire, which signifies destruction. Shiva’s hair is open and flying representing the air element. The Ganga represents the water element.A cobra uncoils from his lower right forearm, and the crescent moon and a skull are on his crest.Third eye is symbolic of his omniscience, insight, intelligence. The dance is a pictorial allegory of 5 principles of eternal energy..creation, preservation, destruction, salvation and Mayaमाया - illusion. The dance is seen as an iconographic representation and symbolic synthesis of the cardinal aspects of Hinduism. The image of his rhythmic action is seen as the source of all movement within the universe-cosmos. The concept and image of Nataraja gives unlimited scope for interpretations and understanding. The wild tandava, which he performs on cremation grounds in the company of his consort Devi, and the evening dance performed on Mount Kailasa before the assembly of gods, some of whom accompany him on various instruments, signify more or less similiar tattva तत्तव
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12 WHO IS GOD..........?
" You nourish the GODS, so that, the GODS may nourish you and thus nourishing each other you may attain the highest felicity." Prajapathy
" How many GODS are there Yajnavalhya..?"
" One" replied the sage.
" then tell me, what about Agni, Varuna, Vayu, Kaal(time), Brahma, Rudra, Vishnu and others..."
" How many GODS are there Yajnavalhya..?"
" One" replied the sage.
" then tell me, what about Agni, Varuna, Vayu, Kaal(time), Brahma, Rudra, Vishnu and others..."
The sage answered..." These are but the chief manifestations of the Highest, immortal, the unbodied Brahman. Brahman is indeed all these. A man may meditate or worship or even discard those, which are but Its manifestations. These GODS must be understood as being Divine Forces and Powers in Nature, that guide the Universe. According to pious Hindus, there are 33 crores of Gods in the Universe and it is not possible to worship all of them. These are manifestations of the Supreme Power, just as the rays are the manifestations of the power of the SUN. They who invoke these powers by correct knowledge and practice obtain those powers. You will find the warriors in Ramayana and Mahabharata, invoking these powers and obtain these celestial gifts from them. These GODS may be taken as those perfected egos of the prior fields of evolution who have gained experience and wisdom, and are now GODS to the lower kingdoms". Brh.Upanishad
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" Let a man meditate upon That as a support and he will be endowed with that support.
Let him meditate upon That as the Great and he will be possessed with greatness.
Let him meditate upon That as Mind and he will be endowed with mental vigor.
Let him meditate upon That as obeisance and all objects of desires will do obeisance to him.
Let him meditate upon That as the Supreme Lord and he will be endowed with supremacy". Taitreya Upanishad.
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Thus man gets fruits of his worship. The metaphysical truth is that he gets all that he seeks.
Sage Ramakrishna said, " You get what you seek. He who seeks God attains to Him. He who seeks wealth, attains to that. He who wants Him realizes Him. Go verify it in your life..."
The Best sellers of modern Authors deal with the same dogma.
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13 BLESSINGS
An anecdote about Senior (Chandrasekara) SANKARACHARYA of KANCHI. When Periyavaa was giving darshan, four or five Vidwans who had come for darshan, were sitting on the floor. In the course of his conversation (with the devotees), Periyavaa asked them, "When Bhaktas do namaskaram to me, I bless them with the name 'Narayana, Narayana'. What do you people who are samsAris say for blessing?"
"We say, धिर्ग आय्श्मान भवः only that is the custom." ....Pundits said
"What does it mean?"
"Remain in saukyam सौक्यम for a long time' is its meaning."....... Pundits replied.
Periyavaa remained in silence for sometime. Then he said, "The meaning you all said is a wrong one."
The erudite and learned Pundits were taken aback. Even those with a little knowledge of Sanskrit can tell the meaning of the simple words 'Dirgha AyushmAn bhavah' and yet Periyavaa says the meaning is wrong? " Shall I tell it myself.....?" The Pundits sharpened their ears.
"Of the twenty-seven Yogas, one is named AyushmAn. Of the eleven KaraNas, one is the called the Bhava. Among the week days, the Saumya Vaasaram falls on a Wednesday. When all these three--on a Wednesday, the AyushmAn Yoga and the Bhava KaraNa--occur together, that day is said to be shlAgya. Therefore, if these three occur together, whatever good phalas would be got, I bless that you may get all those fruits..." All the Vidwans got enlightened
14 Self sake
Yajnavalkya told his wife: "My dear, you have been my beloved and now you want to know what is after my heart. If you wish,my dear, I shall explain it to you. As I explain it, meditate on what I say."
Everything is the Self, O Maitreyi ! Yajnavalkya said:
"Verily, not for the sake of the husband, my dear, is the husband loved, but he is loved for the sake of the self which, in its true nature, is one with the Supreme Self.
"Verily, not for the sake of the wife, my dear, is wife loved, but she is loved for the sake of the self.
"Verily, not for the sake of the sons, is the son loved, but he is loved for the sake of the self.
"Verily, not for the sake of the wealth, is wealth loved, but it is loved for the sake of the self.
"Verily, not for the sake of the animal is animal loved, but it is loved for the sake of the self.
"Verily, not for the sake of the brahmin, is brahmin loved, but he is loved for the sake of the self.
"Verily, not for the sake of the kshatriya, is kshatriya loved, but he is loved for the sake of the self.
"Verily, not for the sake of the worlds, are the worlds loved, but they are loved for the sake of the self.
"Verily, not for the sake of the gods, are the gods loved, but they are loved for the sake of the self.
"Verily, not for the sake of the Vedas, are the Vedas loved, but they are loved for the sake of the self.
"Verily, not for the sake of the beings, are the beings loved, but they are loved for the sake of the self.
"Verily, not for the sake of the All, is the All loved, but it is loved for the sake of the self.
"Verily, my dear Maitreyi, it is the Self that should be realized, heard, reflected on and meditated upon. And by the realization of the Self, my dear, through hearing, reflection and meditation, all this is known." - BRIHADARANYAKA UPANISHADS
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15. number 108
The Number "108" is significant in Hindu worship and ancient culture. We have 108 beads in a "Mala" and our ancestors told us that we have to recite a mantra at least for 108 times. We don't know why this constant is chosen and not any other? Is there a reason to it ? We do not know that, but there are some eye catching phenomena/formulas/ events that may enlighten us to think that our saints had some reasons to choose 108 and it was not something that was picked out of thin air. Here are some examples:
1) Astronomical: Solar Eclipse:
a)During Solar eclipse the distance between Earth and Sun divided by Diameter of Sun is equal to 108
b) During Solar eclipse distance between Earth and Moon divided by diameter of Earth is equal to 108
1) Astronomical: Solar Eclipse:
a)During Solar eclipse the distance between Earth and Sun divided by Diameter of Sun is equal to 108
b) During Solar eclipse distance between Earth and Moon divided by diameter of Earth is equal to 108
Lunar Eclipse:
c) During Lunar eclipse distance between Moon and Sun divided by the diameter of Sun is equal to 108
d) During Lunar eclipse distance between Earth and Moon divided by the diameter of Moon is equal to 108
So does it tell you something? If this figure 108 is disturbed at the time of eclipse the Earth will either be too cool (away from sun) or too hot (near to sun) for the habitation.c) During Lunar eclipse distance between Moon and Sun divided by the diameter of Sun is equal to 108
d) During Lunar eclipse distance between Earth and Moon divided by the diameter of Moon is equal to 108
2) Astrological: We have 12 "Rashis" and 9 Grahas, 12 x 9 = 108 different combination of radiations on our selves at the time of birth decides our entire future and what type of human nature we will develop during the course of our lives. Based on these Hindus make their horoscopes. Based on these relations we can, at any time, possess one of those 108 combinations.
3) Mathematical: There is a symmetrical formula in math that sums up to 108. Whether that means anything to human life or not we do not know. But if we calculate ( 1 to the power of 1) times ( 2 to the power of 2 ) times ( 3 to the power of 3 ) = 108 May be 108 * ( 4 to the power of 4 ) would be some other great figure.
4) Chemistry: There are 108 distinct elements that are found so far.
5) Cultural: Bharatnatyam is an Indian dancing system. Where each mudra represents a distinct expression of a man. There are 108 distinct mudras in Bharat Natyam - the combination of them creates the whole of dance drama.
6) Japa: We have 108 names of Ganesh, Laxmi, Vishnu and other Gods and Goddesses. Incidentally or accidentally even Islam has 108 names of Allah.
7) 108 = 1 + 0 + 8 = 9. The divine number. Why ? Since if you add 9 to any number the sum digit of the number remains the same. [ e.g. 23 = 2+3 = 5; 239 = 2+3+9 = 41 = 4+1 = 5 ]. Also if you multiply any number by 9 and add all the digits the sum will remain the same as the sum of the original number. -anonyms-
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16. PRINCIPLES OF SPIRITUALITY
WHOMSOEVER YOU ENCOUNTER, IS THE RIGHT ONE.
None comes into our life by chance.
They come to teach us to improve our situation.
WHATEVER HAS HAPPENED, IS THE ONLY THING THAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED.
None comes into our life by chance.
They come to teach us to improve our situation.
WHATEVER HAS HAPPENED, IS THE ONLY THING THAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED.
It could not have been the other way.
It happens to learn our lesson and move forward,
even if it defies our understanding.
EACH MOMENT IN WHICH SOMETHING BEGINS, IS THE RIGHT MOMENT.
It happens to learn our lesson and move forward,
even if it defies our understanding.
EACH MOMENT IN WHICH SOMETHING BEGINS, IS THE RIGHT MOMENT.
It is neither earlier nor late.
Something new in our life begins when we are ready for it.
WHATEVER IS OVER, IS OVER.
When something ends in our life, it helps our evolution.
It is better to let go and move on,enriched by the experience.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Something new in our life begins when we are ready for it.
WHATEVER IS OVER, IS OVER.
When something ends in our life, it helps our evolution.
It is better to let go and move on,enriched by the experience.
17. Navagrahas
The Nine Planetary Deities in Hindu Astrology
Navagraha or the nine Planets has great importance in Hinduism and Hindu rituals. Navagrahas are considered to play a major role in deciding the destiny of man. The Navagrahas are Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangal (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu (North Lunar Node) and Ketu (South Lunar Node). It is believed that these nine planetary deities influence human lives and is responsible for all good or bad times, one faces in life.
Lord Surya – The Sun God
Lord Surya or the Sun God occupies the central place amongst the navagrahas facing the east. Also known as Ravi, Surya is the Lord of‘Simha Rashi’ or Leo sign in Zodiac. Surya’s vahana is a chariot drawn by seven horses. The seven horses represent the seven colors of the white light and seven days of a week. He presides over‘Raviwar’ or Sunday, his color is red and gemstone is ruby. The practice of doing Surya Namaskar is a good practice for a healthy life. Konark Sun Temple in Orissa and Suryanar Kovil near Kumbakonam in Tamilnadu are two famous temples of Lord Surya.
Lord Chandra – The Moon God
Chandra is a lunar deity and is also known as Soma. The Moon represents the mind, feminine nature, beauty and happiness. He is believed to ride his chariot across the sky every night, pulled by ten white horses or an antelope. He is also called ‘Nishadipati’ and ‘Kshuparaka’. Lord Chandra is also one of the Gods of Fertility. Chandra is the god of Karka rashi or cancer zodiac sign. The mental stability and well being of a person largely depends on the placement of the moon in his horoscope. As Soma he presides over ‘Somavar’ or Monday and gemstone is pearl. Thingaloor Kailasanathar Temple near Thanjavur in Tamilnadu is one of the main Lord Chandra Temples in India.
Mangala - Planet Mars
Mangala, also called Angaraka, is a ferocious god with four hands. He is considered to be the son of Prithvi or Bhumi. Mars is referred to as a ‘hot planet’ and protector of Dharma. He holds weapons in his two hands while the other two hands are held in abhaya and varada mudras. Mesha rashi (Medam) and Vrischika Rashi (Vrischigam) (Aries and Scorpio signs) are ruled by Mangala or planet Mars. He controls the muscular system of the body an also rules over nose, forehead and circulatory systems. His vehicle is Ram (a type of sheep) and his color is red. The day of Mangala or Mars is Tuesday and gemstone is coral. Pullirukkuvelur Vaitheeswaran Koil in near Sirkazhi in Tamilnadu is one of the famous temples of Mangala or Kujan. Remedies for Mangal Dosha .
Budha – Planet Mercury
Budha is generally represented with four hands, three of his hands holding a sword, a shield and a mace respectively while the fourth one is held in usual varada mudra. He rides a carpet or an eagle or a chariot drawn by lions. Mercury represents one’s intelligence and communication. The planet governs the nervous system. His color is green his day is Wednesday or ‘Budhwar’ and his gemstone is Emerald. Budha is the God of Mithuna Rashi and Kanya Rashi in Astrology. Thiruvenkadu Swetharanyeswarar Temple near Sirkazhi in Tamilnadu is one of the main Lord Budha Temples in India.
Brihaspathi – Planet Jupiter
Brihaspati also known as Brahmanaspati is the guru of Devas and is praised in many hymns of Rig Veda. Brihaspati is described of yellow or golden color and holding a stick, a lotus and his beads. Jupiter symbolizes knowledge, love and spirituality. The planet rules the thighs, flesh, kidney, liver, fat and arterial system. The day of Jupiter is Thursday and gemstone is Sapphire. Dhanu Rashi and Meena Rashi are ruled by Brihaspati or planet Jupiter. One of the famous Brihaspati Temples in India is the Alangudi Abathsahayeswarar Temple near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu.
Shukra - Planet Venus
Lord Shukra or Planet Venus is the teacher of the demons and the author of Sukraniti. Sukra is of whit complexion, middle aged and is generally shown with four hands riding upon a golden or silver chariot drawn by eight horses. He holds a stick, beads and a lotus and sometimes a bow and arrow. Shukra Dasha actually remains for twenty years in a person’s horoscope and this planet is believed to give more wealth, fortune and luxury living, if positioned well in one’s horoscope. Venus symbolizes love and passion. The day of Venus is Friday and gemstone is diamond. Vrishaba Rashi (Edavam) and Tula Rashi (Thulam) are ruled by Lord Shukra or planet Venus. Kanjanoor Agneeswarar Temple near Kumbakonam in Tamilnadu is one famous Lord Shukra Temples in India.
Shani - Planet Saturn
Lord Shani is regarded as a troublesome god and is capable of breaking fortunes by his influence and position in the planetary system. Lord Sani is generally shown with four hands riding upon a chariot or a buffalo or a vulture. Shani is seen holding a sword, arrows and two daggers. Saturn is often referred to as ‘dark planet’ and symbolizes longevity, misery and grief. The day of Saturn is Saturday and gemstone is Blue Sapphire. Kumbha rashi and Makara rashi in zodiac signs are ruled by Lord Shani or planet Saturn. Shani Shingnapur Temple in Maharashtra and Thirunallar Darbaranyeswarar Temple in Tamilnadu are two famous Lord Shani Temples in India. Remedies for Shani Dosha.
Rahu
In Hindu mythology, Lord Rahu is described as the head of a demonic snake that swallows the sun and moon, causing eclipses. Rahu is a shadowy planet and do not have any special day dedicated to him. He is depicted in art as a dragon with no body riding on a chariot drawn by eight black horses. When Rahu is affected one faces several miseries and obstacles in the way of success. The gemstone of Rahu is Gomedh or Honey Colored Hessonite. Tirunageswaram Naganathaswamy Temple near Kumbakonam in Tamilnadu is one of the famous Lord Rahu temples in India.
Kethu
In Sanskrit, Kethu (Dhuma Ketu) means comet. It is also a shadowy planet and is depicted as the tail of a demon snake. In the images he is usually shown with a poke marked body, riding upon a vulture and holding a mace. Lord Kethu is the representation of karmic collections both good and bad, spirituality and supernatural influences. The gemstone of Ketu is Cat’s Eye. Kethu Naganathaswamy Temple in Nagapattinam District of Tamilnadu is a famous Lord Kethu temple in India.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18. Who Knows ?
What is it that when known, makes us know everything in the world..?
That which makes the tongue speak, but needs no tongue to explain. That which makes the mind think, but needs no mind to think. That which makes the eye see, but needs no eye to see. That which makes the ear hear, but needs no ear to hear. That which makes life to live, but needs no life to live. What has made my life begin...? That which lives in all that lives, hearing through the ears, thinking through the mind, speaking through the tongue, seeing through the eye, which eye and tongue cannot approach, nor mind know. It lies beyond the known, beyond the unknown.
THAT cannot be known by discourse, nor found by the Mind or the Eye. He that believes in His existence, finds Him. How can a man who does not so believe, find Him ...? Go backward from effect to cause, until you are compelled to believe in Him. Once you are so compelled, TRUTH dawns.
That which makes the tongue speak, but needs no tongue to explain. That which makes the mind think, but needs no mind to think. That which makes the eye see, but needs no eye to see. That which makes the ear hear, but needs no ear to hear. That which makes life to live, but needs no life to live. What has made my life begin...? That which lives in all that lives, hearing through the ears, thinking through the mind, speaking through the tongue, seeing through the eye, which eye and tongue cannot approach, nor mind know. It lies beyond the known, beyond the unknown.
THAT cannot be known by discourse, nor found by the Mind or the Eye. He that believes in His existence, finds Him. How can a man who does not so believe, find Him ...? Go backward from effect to cause, until you are compelled to believe in Him. Once you are so compelled, TRUTH dawns.
As the web springs from the spider and is again withdrawn, as the plant springs from the soil, hairs from the body of man, so springs the world from the EVERLASTING. The EVERLASTING is shapeless, birth less, breathless, mindless above everything, outside everything, inside everything. He is not knowable by perception, neither by that which is known, nor by that which is not known, nor by the sum of all that might be known. He is undefinable, unthinkable, indescribable.............. Upanishads
Those who know they know, even without me saying it and those who do not know, will not know, even if I say it. There is no point in talking to those who have not tasted the ambrosia of life and therefore I am silent. How can you convey something so intimate. Words cannot convey it. Words end where TRUTH begins.. Buddha
--------------------------------------------
19. Q U O V A D I S ?
If you believe in “nothing”, if you question everything,
then where are you ?
You are like a ship adrift, without a destination.
then where are you ?
You are like a ship adrift, without a destination.
You have a crew but no captain, pilot, compass or charts.
You may end up in different waters
from where you began.
But to what purpose ?
What was the voyage for ?
With faith,
you know where you are going.
At least you get going in the right direction –
and your faith may give you the assurance
that somehow,if the voyage is not over,
you will continue in some other form.
Faith lends meaning
to an otherwise meaningless existence.
It makes life worthwhile.
-------------------------------------------------------------
An old farmer lived on a farm in the mountains with his young grandson. Each morning, Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading his Bhagavat Geeta. His grandson wanted to be just like him and tried to imitate him the same way .…One day the grandson asked, “Grandpa! I try to read the Bhagawat Geeta just like you but I don’t understand it, and what I do understand, I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Bhagawat Geeta do?”
The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and replied, “Take this coal basket down to the river and bring me back a basket of water.” The boy did as he was told, but all the water leaked out before he got back to the house.The grandfather laughed and said, “You’ll have to move a little faster next time,” and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again.This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before here turned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was impossible to carry water in a basket, and he went to get a bucket instead.The old man said, “I don’t want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You’re just not trying hard enough,” and he went out the door to watch the boy try again.At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got back to the house. The boy again dipped the basket into river and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty.Out of breath, he said, “SEE…. it is useless!”
“So you think it is useless?” The old man said, “Look at the basket.” The boy looked at the basket and for the first time realized that the basket was different. It had been transformed from a dirty old coal basket and was now clean, inside and out.
“Son, that’s what happens when you read the Bhagavat Geeta. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, you will be changed, inside and out. That is the work of GOD in our lives.”
--------------------------------------------
22. T E M P L E why & what
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------you know where you are going.
At least you get going in the right direction –
and your faith may give you the assurance
that somehow,if the voyage is not over,
you will continue in some other form.
Faith lends meaning
to an otherwise meaningless existence.
It makes life worthwhile.
-------------------------------------------------------------
20. BELIEVING IS SEEING IS BELIEVING
Would you believe if someone tells you that the trains are running everywhere efficiently and systematically, without any owner or manager. Suppose it is said that the trains got built all by itself, even the engines and stations appeared out of thin air and started carrying and connecting people as per schedule endlessly for years together... all on its own..Would you accept it...? Will you believe that the Mobile phones that enable you to talk with your friends located in another continent, shaped all by itself, without any Organisor. Can the wisest person convince you that the car you have was not made by someone but formed by itself. The watch you are wearing, is not designed by a watch maker...? If these examples are unbelievable, how you still believe that the Universe works so precisely, all by itself, without a CREATOR.
Why disbelief comes naturally to us, while belief takes so much effort to
convince. When you see a bus driving thought the town, you know it is not operating on its own. There is someone behind the wheel steering it through the streets. Yet people question and debate whether or not a greater power is behind the creation of life and universe. Nothing in this world can happen by accident. Someone has to be there to coordinate everything happening around us. The human body itself is a marvelous creation where everything works with a clock like precision. One day something happens and the body becomes limp and everything comes to a standstill. DEAD.. You dissect the body and find what was there before and what has gone away now.. We have no explanation for a power which controls the events of this world.
There is no state of mind as non-belief. If you do not believe in GOD, you actually believe in the non existence of GOD. Nobody can exist without faith. If you have no faith in an umbrella, you may have faith in a rain coat. It is only a question of different levels of faith. At least, you have faith in yourself, if not on GOD. Look at the monkey and its baby. The baby holds its mother tight. Look at the cat. The baby is carried by its mother in its mouth. The baby monkey believes in itself and holds the mother tight. That is equal to believing in oneself. But the baby Cat does the opposite. It believes its mother who takes care of it...Belief in GOD.. Ultimately both methods signify having faith in oneself or in GOD.
Without understanding, there cannot be true faith, and that understanding is built on the foundation of the community of believers, the scriptures and traditions and on the personal experiences of the believer. Faith is a knowledge within the heart, beyond the reach of proof or the evidence of things not seen. Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.
-----------------------------------------------
21 HOW IT WORKS
Why we read the Bhagavat Geeta, even if we can’t understand it?
An old farmer lived on a farm in the mountains with his young grandson. Each morning, Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading his Bhagavat Geeta. His grandson wanted to be just like him and tried to imitate him the same way .…One day the grandson asked, “Grandpa! I try to read the Bhagawat Geeta just like you but I don’t understand it, and what I do understand, I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Bhagawat Geeta do?”
The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and replied, “Take this coal basket down to the river and bring me back a basket of water.” The boy did as he was told, but all the water leaked out before he got back to the house.The grandfather laughed and said, “You’ll have to move a little faster next time,” and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again.This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before here turned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was impossible to carry water in a basket, and he went to get a bucket instead.The old man said, “I don’t want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You’re just not trying hard enough,” and he went out the door to watch the boy try again.At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got back to the house. The boy again dipped the basket into river and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty.Out of breath, he said, “SEE…. it is useless!”
“So you think it is useless?” The old man said, “Look at the basket.” The boy looked at the basket and for the first time realized that the basket was different. It had been transformed from a dirty old coal basket and was now clean, inside and out.
“Son, that’s what happens when you read the Bhagavat Geeta. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, you will be changed, inside and out. That is the work of GOD in our lives.”
--------------------------------------------
22. T E M P L E why & what
There are thousands of temples all over India in different size, shape and locations but not all of them are considered to be built the Vedic way. Generally, a temple should be located at a place where earth's magnetic wave path passes through densely. It can be in the outskirts of a town/village or city, or in middle of the dwelling place, or on a hilltop. The essence of visiting a temple is discussed here.
Now, these temples are located strategically at a place where the positive energy is abundantly available from the magnetic and electric wave distributions of north/south pole thrust . The main idol is placed in the core center of the temple, known as गर्भाग्रिहा "Garbhagriha" or मूलास्थानम Moolasthanam . In fact, the temple structure is built after the idol has been placed . This Moolasthanam is where earth’s magnetic waves are found to be maximum . We know that there are some copper plates, inscribed with Vedic scripts, buried beneath the Main Idol . What are they really? No, they are not God’s / priests’ flash cards when they forget the shlokas .
The copper plate absorbs earth’s magnetic waves and radiates it to the surroundings . Thus a person regularly visiting a temple and walking clockwise around the Main Idol receives the beamed magnetic waves and his body absorbs it. This is a very slow process and a regular visit will let him absorb more of this positive energy . Scientifically, it is the positive energy that we all require to have a healthy life .
Further, the Sanctum is closed on three sides . This increases the effect of all energies . The lamp that is lit radiates heat energy and also provides light inside the sanctum to the priests पुजारी performing the pooja . The ringing of the bells and the chanting of prayers takes a worshipper into trance, thus not letting his mind waver . When done in groups, this helps people forget personal problems for a while and relieve their stress . The fragrance from the flowers, the burning of camphor give out the chemical energy further aiding in a different good aura . The effect of all these energies is supplemented by the positive energy from the idol, the copper plates and utensils in the Moolasthanam /Garbagraham.
थीर्थम Theertham, the “holy” water used during the pooja to wash the idol is not plain water cleaning the dust off an idol . It is a concoction of Cardamom, Karpura (Benzoin), zaffron / saffron, Tulsi (Holy Basil), Clove, etc . . . Washing the idol is to charge the water with the magnetic radiations thus increasing its medicinal values . Three spoons of this holy water is distributed to devotees .
Again, this water is mainly a source of magneto-therapy . Besides, the clove essence protects one from tooth decay, the saffron & Tulsi leafs protects one from common cold an d cough, cardamom and Pachha Karpuram (benzoin), act as mouth fresheners . It is proved that Theertham is a very good blood purifier, as it is highly energized . Hence it is given as prasadam to the devotees.
This way, one can claim to remain healthy by regularly visiting the Temples. This is why our elders used to suggest us to offer prayers at the temple so that you will be cured of many ailments. [ They were not always superstitious. Yes, in a few cases they did go overboard when due to ignorance they hoped many serious diseases could be cured at temples by deities.] When people go to a temple for the दीपाराधना Deepaaraadhana, and when the doors open up, the positive energy gushes out onto the persons who are there . The water that is sprinkled onto the assemblages passes on the energy to all . This also explains why men are not allowed to wear shirts at a few temples and women are requested to wear more ornaments during temple visits . It is through these jewels (metal) that positive energy is absorbed by the women . Also, it is a practice to leave newly purchased jewels at an idol’s feet and then wear them with the idol’s blessings. This act of “seeking divine blessings” before using any new article, like books or pens or automobiles may have stemmed from this through mere observation.
Energy lost in a day’s work is regained through a temple visit and one is refreshed slightly . The positive energy that is spread out in the entire temple and especially around where the main idol is placed, are simply absorbed by one's body and mind. All the rituals and practices are, in reality, well researched, studied and scientifically backed thesis of nature to lead a good healthy life.
Now, these temples are located strategically at a place where the positive energy is abundantly available from the magnetic and electric wave distributions of north/south pole thrust . The main idol is placed in the core center of the temple, known as गर्भाग्रिहा "Garbhagriha" or मूलास्थानम Moolasthanam . In fact, the temple structure is built after the idol has been placed . This Moolasthanam is where earth’s magnetic waves are found to be maximum . We know that there are some copper plates, inscribed with Vedic scripts, buried beneath the Main Idol . What are they really? No, they are not God’s / priests’ flash cards when they forget the shlokas .
The copper plate absorbs earth’s magnetic waves and radiates it to the surroundings . Thus a person regularly visiting a temple and walking clockwise around the Main Idol receives the beamed magnetic waves and his body absorbs it. This is a very slow process and a regular visit will let him absorb more of this positive energy . Scientifically, it is the positive energy that we all require to have a healthy life .
Further, the Sanctum is closed on three sides . This increases the effect of all energies . The lamp that is lit radiates heat energy and also provides light inside the sanctum to the priests पुजारी performing the pooja . The ringing of the bells and the chanting of prayers takes a worshipper into trance, thus not letting his mind waver . When done in groups, this helps people forget personal problems for a while and relieve their stress . The fragrance from the flowers, the burning of camphor give out the chemical energy further aiding in a different good aura . The effect of all these energies is supplemented by the positive energy from the idol, the copper plates and utensils in the Moolasthanam /Garbagraham.
थीर्थम Theertham, the “holy” water used during the pooja to wash the idol is not plain water cleaning the dust off an idol . It is a concoction of Cardamom, Karpura (Benzoin), zaffron / saffron, Tulsi (Holy Basil), Clove, etc . . . Washing the idol is to charge the water with the magnetic radiations thus increasing its medicinal values . Three spoons of this holy water is distributed to devotees .
Again, this water is mainly a source of magneto-therapy . Besides, the clove essence protects one from tooth decay, the saffron & Tulsi leafs protects one from common cold an d cough, cardamom and Pachha Karpuram (benzoin), act as mouth fresheners . It is proved that Theertham is a very good blood purifier, as it is highly energized . Hence it is given as prasadam to the devotees.
This way, one can claim to remain healthy by regularly visiting the Temples. This is why our elders used to suggest us to offer prayers at the temple so that you will be cured of many ailments. [ They were not always superstitious. Yes, in a few cases they did go overboard when due to ignorance they hoped many serious diseases could be cured at temples by deities.] When people go to a temple for the दीपाराधना Deepaaraadhana, and when the doors open up, the positive energy gushes out onto the persons who are there . The water that is sprinkled onto the assemblages passes on the energy to all . This also explains why men are not allowed to wear shirts at a few temples and women are requested to wear more ornaments during temple visits . It is through these jewels (metal) that positive energy is absorbed by the women . Also, it is a practice to leave newly purchased jewels at an idol’s feet and then wear them with the idol’s blessings. This act of “seeking divine blessings” before using any new article, like books or pens or automobiles may have stemmed from this through mere observation.
Energy lost in a day’s work is regained through a temple visit and one is refreshed slightly . The positive energy that is spread out in the entire temple and especially around where the main idol is placed, are simply absorbed by one's body and mind. All the rituals and practices are, in reality, well researched, studied and scientifically backed thesis of nature to lead a good healthy life.
SISYPHUS SYNDROMEs
The
myth of SISYPHUS, in Greek mythology, is the story of a King who fell
out of favor with the Gods. He was sentenced to a terrible fate in
the underworld. His task was to roll an enormous rock to the top of the
hill, only to watch it roll back to the bottom. Sisyphus has then to
trudge down the hill, back to the bottom, to begin the task once again,
repeating this for endlessly, consigning him to an eternity of useless
efforts and unending frustration, as a punishment for his trickery. They had thought with some reason that there is no more dreadful punishment than futile and hopeless labor This story capsulates the meaninglessness and absurdity of our lives,
loaded with such pointless or interminable activities. Sisyphus
personifies the oddity of human life. He symbolizes the vain struggle of
man, in the pursuit of wealth, greed and other absurd pursuits. It
depicts life as an endless struggle to perform tasks that are
essentially meaningless, even though much of what one does seem very
meaningful. Sometimes a person forces (him)self to undertake an
impossible task, repeat a failing process over and over, again and again,
unwilling to compromise on key substantive issues, refusing to accept
the fact that he will be unsuccessful and the process is fatalistic.. There
is no conclusion to the Greek myth. It is still going on.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SIN NO MORE.
The Scribes and the Pharisees brought unto him, a woman taken in adultery and say unto him
" Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the Law commanded us that such should be stoned, but what sayeth Thou..?"
But Jesus did not reply and when they continued bothering him, He said unto them,
" He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her..."
And they who heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, even unto the last and JESUS was left alone and the woman standing in the midst.
Jesus said unto her, " Woman, where are those accusers..? Hath no man condemned thee..?"
" No man........Lord.." she said.
And JESUS said unto her, " Neither do I condemn Thee; Go and sin no more"
" Forgive me........My Lord " she said
And Jesus said.. " To err is human...To Forgive is Divine..."
GOSPEL BY ST JOHN.
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