Your Turn, Our Turn

[akhanda]

[shadow=red,left,300]Your Turn, Our Turn[/shadow]

One day, four or five centuries B.C., when Buddha was out travelling with his monks (on foot, of course!) they came to a river where a fight was about to take place. The stream was a boundary between the lands of two tribes, the Sakyas and the Koliyas, and the farmers of both wanted to use the water. So heated the argument had become, that bands of armed men had gathered, shouting, on both sides of the river. Seeing this, Buddha walked among them and the men honored him and became quiet. "Send me," said Buddha, "six of your chief men from either side."
These came and he said to them, "you have lived as neighbors for centuries, for all the history of India; why are you going to wage war now?"
"Because it is the hot season and there is drought, and these robbers (each pointing to the other) want all the water of the river for their fields."
"Where does the water of this river come from?" Buddha asked.
"Sir, it gathers together from the slopes of the Himalaya mountains." "Who owns those mountains?" said Buddha. The men scratched their heads and said, "Ah, who can say that ? The mountains are God's. No man can claim or even climb them." "And if war begins between your two peoples," Buddha continued, "what will become of the crops? Will not your farmers lie dead in the mud, the rice not sown, your wives and children going hungry?" Buddha had good reason to think about this: he himself was from the Sakya clan, and Yashodhara, she who had been his wife, was a Koliya!
"Tell me," he said to the angry farmers, "Can you hold back the water of this river, the way men tether a goat?"
"Of course not, sir, it flows and stops nowhere." Then the Buddha made his judgment. It went like this:
"Let the Koliyas have freedom to draw the water today, and let the Sakyas dig their channels to the fields for them. Tomorrow let the Sakyas draw water and the Koliyas dig the channels. Thus working together you will bring life to your fields and fruition to the harvest."

[Manorama]

Just as everyone has a natural affection for their homeland, the place of their birth, everyone has a natural affection for God. This is so because He is our origin. Indeed it is from Him that we derive our very existence. Our identity depends on Him because we emanate from Him.

It is only due to the deluding influence of maya or illusion that our affection is directed towards His inferior material nature. Of course, this is still Him. The Lord and His energy are non-different. So we are still loving Him. But it is just that we are going about loving Him in the wrong way, in the indirect way, and thus deriving unsatisfying results. If we can simply rechannel our love through His spiritual energy by adopting the process of devotional service, we will regain our original natural position of pure direct love of God and thus experience an eternal life, full of bliss, and full of knowledge.

[Manorama]

Question: Frustration
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What to do? From my experience (I don't know about others) when I start off endeavoring for the transcendental bliss of Akhanda consciousness I always meet with frustration.

Regarding bliss, how do you know whether it comes from God or not? and is there any chance that the bliss one experiences may come from maya? What is the test?

What is the best motivation that I could have for performing devotional service? (also, what are the not-so-good motivations I could have for performing devotional service?) And can you say anything to inspire the best attitude within me?
ANSWER
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Capturing the Elusive Butterfly of Bhakti Bliss
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If we simply want to receive without giving, we will always remain frustrated.

It is not difficult to distinguish between material bliss and spiritual bliss. The bliss coming from God is eternal and ever-increasing, while the bliss coming from Maya is diminishing and temporary. Maya's bliss is like nectar in the beginning and poison at the end. God's bliss is nectar in the beginning and nectar without any end.

The first motivation for performing devotional service is to get out of our suffering situation in the cycle of birth and death. As we advance we gradually learn to perform devotional service for the pleasure of God instead of for our own happiness. The more we advance in this mood of pleasing God, the more we experience genuine spiritual bliss. In the beginning we only get sneak previews of this bliss. But gradually as we learn to become more and more God centered and less and less self-centered, we become solidly situated in transcendental happiness.

[satyajitroyjoy]

Origin of AUM / OM

Found first in the Vedic scriptures of Hinduism, Aum has been seen as the first manifestation of the unmanifest Brahman (the single Divine Ground of Hinduism) that resulted in the phenomenal universe. Essentially, all the cosmos stems from the vibration of the sound 'Aum' in Hindu cosmology. Indeed, so sacred is it that it is prefixed and suffixed to all Hindu mantras and incantations. It is undoubtedly the most representative symbol of Hinduism.
Use of this sound in rituals, may have originally started by imitating a similar territorial call of the male tiger.
The OM symbol's left part, which is like a figure 3, is also a component of some Devanagari letters, where it means "this syllable has no initial consonant".

Philosophy of AUM / OM
Gods and Goddesses are sometimes referred to as Aumkar, which means Form of Aum, thus implying that they are limitless, the vibrational whole of the cosmos. Ek Onkar, meaning 'one god' is a central tenet of Sikh religious philosophy. In Hindu metaphysics, it is proposed that the manifested cosmos (from Brahman) has name and form (nama-rupa), and that the closest approximation to the name and form of the universe is Aum, since all existence is fundamentally composed of vibration. This is considered by some to be remniscent of some current physical theories such as quantum physics and super string theory, which describe the universe in terms of vibrating fields or strings.

It is frequently used to represent three subsumed into one, a common theme in Hinduism. It implies that our current existence is mithya, or 'slightly lesser reality,' that in order to know the full truth we must comprehend beyond the body and intellect and intuit the true nature of infinity, of a Divine Ground that is immanent but also transcends all duality, being and non-being, that cannot be described in words. Within this metaphysical symbolism, the three are represented by the lower curve, upper curve and tail of the ॐ subsumed into the ultimate One, represented by the little crescent moon-shape and dot, known as chandrabindu. Essentially, upon moksha, mukti, samadhi, nirvana, liberation, etc. one is able not only to see or know existence for what it is, but to become it. In attaining truth one simply realizes fundamental unity; it is not the joining together of a prior manifold splitting. When one gains true knowledge, there is no split between knower and known: one becomes knowledge/consciousness itself. In essence, Aum is the signifier of the ultimate truth that all is one.

OM TAT SAT

JAI GURU

[satyajitroyjoy]

What is the full meaning of Om?

Answer :

Om (or AUM) is the sacred syllable of hinduism and represents God or Brahman - the source of all existence.

This great mantra is intoned every moment of the night and day by the Sun throughout the cosmos, giving life and vitality unto the many mansions of god's kingdom!
It was realized by the ancients that the closest thing to god that man could possibly conceive was the great Sun of our solar system. This Great, most holy being was regarded by them as a Living Intelligence that was selflessly giving its every etheric breath or prana into the cosmos to assist countless lifestreams in their journey through evolution.

From the Sun came this ancient and yet most modern cosmic vibration - which is actually the sound created by the pranic forces energizing the great system and even beyond.

This tremendous sound which is issued by the sun was 'The word that was with God in the beginning' as stated in the Bible!!!

Unknown to most adherents of the worlds many religions their fervent prayers and devotions to God, called by many names, was actually a prayer to the Sun God!!!

Many may disagree with this statement or wish to put forward their views or opinions on the subject...however these are the thoughts put forward by many saints and sages throughout history into this very interesting phenomena and have stood the test of time.

The AUM represents the three gunas or qualities inherent in the Cosmic Vibration.

A - represents creation

U - represents Preservation

M - represents Transmutation

From this basic concept much wisdom and truth was elaborated upon by many different teachers in the light of their personal realization, expressing 'new' facets of truth unto the masses depending upon the plane of consciousness they were operating.

All the theory regarding this mantra will not mean a thing unless practiced.
Experience of truth is much more important than theological and theoretical discussion and book learning.

However, we all need encouragement and inspiration at times and more than ever, especially in these days, the right kind of support and inspiration!

Now, this mantra when expressed through the human vocal system constitutes the generalized symbol of all other sounds.

This is another important aspect of this mantra.

All articulated sounds - that is to say all words are produced in the space of the mouth and throat.

The larynx and the palate are used as sounding boards. When you pronounce -A- no part of the tongue or palate is touched.
When you pronounce -U- the sound rolls from the very root to the end of the sounding board of the mouth.
-M- is the last sound which is produced by closing the two lips.

Thus, when properly pronounced Om represents the entire phenomena of sound production! Because of this it is regarded as the mother of all mantras and indeed all possible words and it’s a name.

OM TAT SAT

Jai Guru.

[satyajitroyjoy]

BRAHMAN GAYATRI PHILOSOPHY

Everybody wants peace and happiness. Nobody wants a single sorrow. That is why the soul is bounded with Karma (deeds) theory that whatever the soul wants it is not necessary that she will get it. It is rightly said that man proposes, God disposes. However the origin of soul in human body is empowered to burn all the sorrows by virtue of worship the God to get happy, peaceful life and even to attain Salvation. In this pious way Gayatri Mantra is very much beneficial for human beings.

Om Bhurbhuvaha Swaha Tata Savitur Varenyam Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi Dhiyo Yo Nha Prachodyat.
This is the Gayatri Mantra given in Yajur Veda Mantra 22/9,30/2,36/3 Saam Veda Mantra 1462 and Rig Veda 3/62/10.This Mantra has been praised in Manu Smariti 2/81 to say it the mouth of God.

Meaning------

Om --is a saviour of all and immortal. So this name is everlasting and we must remember it repeatedly. Bhuhu----base of breath i.e., creator (God). Bhuvaha----ends sorrows (God). Swaha----omnipresent (God) .Tata---he, Savitur--- creator of whole Universe .Varenyam--- Acceptable . Bhagho----unsophisticated/clean/pure or Supreme. Devasya-----giver of pleasure. Dhimahi-----meditate/concentrate i.e., we do meditation of Almighty God who is base of breath of all, ends sorrows, omnipresent, creator, acceptable , giver of pleasure, unsophisticated/Supreme. Now see second part----Dhiyho----mind, Yo----who, Nha--- our, Prachodyat---enlightenment with wisdom i.e., the adorable God may enlighten our mind with wisdom.

Yajur Veda Matra 31/7 says that the Vedas are originated from God. So Gayatri Mantra is a complete prayer preached direct by God to us for our benefit which everyone must adhered to. Question may arise why? We see the sun, moon, earth, our body etc., and can guess that these have not been made by us except God. God has given us every facility like water, food, air, milk and family etc., and then if we can not even remember/pray Him (God) in return, then it will be a direct thanklessness towards God, which is the most hatred sin.

Rig Veda Mantra 10/110/8 says that while worshipping we have to keep in mind the three aspects ---1. Stuti (description of true qualities in God) 2.Upasana(to sit nearest to God) God being omnipresent is always within us but being indulged with materialistic world we can not realize Him. For Upasana---Worship the word "Dhimahi " i.e., meditation has been used in Gayatri Mantra. So when we keep aside the materialistic world for sometime both in morning and evening and meditate,worship, do japa or Yajna etc., then it is said that we are sitting nearest to God . 3.Prayer--- by virtue of prayer we are inspired to do auspicious deeds .For prayer the words in Gayatri Mantra are Yha Dhiyha Nha Prachodyat i.e., we pray God to enlighten our mind with wisdom. Due to the lack of this tradition mostly we forget this primary requirement of worship with the result our worship may go in vain. The Gayatri Mantra is thus sound and fulfills the said requirements together as mentioned in above Rig-Veda. In the Vedas there is no other Mantra like these containing three aspects together.

OM TAT SAT

Jai Guru

[satyajitroyjoy]

About Origin of Hindu Dharma


Swamiji,

you claim that hindu religion exists from 3000 thousands year,do you have any proof for this existence, and if so the whole world would have been only hindus,but 54 percent in the world population are christians and 40 percent are muslims and the rest are others and the hindus are there only in india, why so………

Regards,
kewin

Swami Ramswarup :

This is a truth that even today every religion decides the truth or untruth based on its religious holy book. This is also a well known fact & world accepts it that in the world's library (in Britain also) there are four Vedas as the ancient holy book of the world. Yajurveda chapter 31, Rigveda Mandal 10 sukta 129, Atharvaveda 8/11/3-6 & Saamveda 617 already say that the knowledge of four Vedas is direct from Almighty God at the time of creation. Knowledge can be given only when someone gives knowledge to others. That is why before more than 5000 years Rishi Patanjali told in Yog Shashtra Sutra 1/26 that almighty God is the Spiritual master of all human beings. In the Vedas there is no mention of any sects & caste system. We the mankind is the children of only one Almighty God, our father. Manu Smariti is also a holy book written by Manu after studying Vedas. Manu Smariti gives the proof in its chapeter one that the present time of the Earth is 7th Manvanter uptil now 6 Manvanter have passed. Those are Swayambhar, Swarochish, Ottmi, Tamas, Ryivat & Chakshash, now its 7th Manvanter. 71 Chaturyugi=1 Manvanter.

There are four Yug : Satyug, Treta, Dwapur & Kaliyug.

Satyug = 17 lakhs 28 thousand years
Treta = 12 lakhs 96 thousand years
Dwapar = 8 lakhs 64 thousand years
Kaliyug = 4 lakhs 32 thousand years

The total of four yugas comes to 43 lakhs & 20 thousand years which is equal to one Chaturyugi. 71 Chaturyugi i.e., 30 crore 67 lakhs & 20 thousand years equal to one Manvanter & 6 Manvanter have yet passed whose calculation comes to one Arab 84 crore 30 lakhs & 20 thousand years. This is 7th Manvanter & 28 Chaturyugi & the present Kaliyug has passed its time of 5002 years. So uptil now the age of the earth & Vedas is one Arab 96 crore 8 lakhs 53 thousands & 2 years. Bhagwat Geeta Shaloka 8/17 also says about this fact. ManuSmariti Shaloka 1/64 to 1/80 also says at that time there were no any sects or caste system. And there was no any word Hindu at that time.

The word Hindu is also not mentioned in holy books, Upnishads, Shashtras & Valmiki Ramayan, Shatpath Brahmin Granth etc. And in these holy books there is no any word Hindus or sects or caste system, where as it is clearly mentioned in every chapter of thereof that there is only one God of the Universe. Yajurveda chapter 31, Rigveda Mandal 10 Sukta 129 Mantra 1-6, Saam veda Mantra 11/8/3-6 says that this Universe including Earth and all human beings is the creation of one Almighty God. Manu Smariti Shaloka 1/21 also says that cow, horse, mankind etc., made by God and its name were made from Vedas. Shaloka 1/136-141 & 2/17 says that on whole of the Earth, the man & woman took birth only in Trivishtup.

Those who have good qualities they were named Arya and who were entangled in bad deeds was called Dasyu (dacoit or Asur). The whole of the mankind at that time were called Aryans and Dasyus accordingly. After so many years the Aryans came down and where they started living they name the place Aryavrat and long afterwards it was named as Bhartvarsh. Bharat means Vedvani that is Ved Mantras in four Vedas as mentioned in Rigveda Mantra 3/53/12. The meaning of said Mantra is that Almighty God does protection of all those who know and respect the Bhartam (Ved Mantras).

So untill the voice of four Vedas is there in Indians, there will be automatically protection from God because Ved Mantras is the knowledge originated in the heart of selected four pious souls of previous Earth at the time of the present creation, there names are Agni, Vaayu, Aaditya & Angira Rishi. Vedas are thus not books, this is knowledge generated in the heart of the said four Rishis.

Long after that is after one Arab & more than 86 crore years this knowledge which was being learned by heart generation to generation by mouth was written on Bhoj Patra by Vyas Muni & in 18th century it was published. Most of the Indians have forgotten this eternal & Supernatural Vedas knowledge wherein there is only one GOD of the Universe who creates, nurses &destroy the Universe & again after destroying HE creates again. This is faith on Vedas as is the faith of every man or woman in their respective religious book. The Aryavrat countries are is in North Himalaya, in South Vindhyachal, in East & west ocean & river Saraswati, in west Attak river & in east Drishdawati river which is originated from east Nepal mountain and goes to Assam(East Bengal) and from west of Burma to South ocean which is now called Brahmputra. From north moutains to south ocean where Attak river is mixed with ocean. From Himalaya Equator to moutains of south upto Rameshwar & in Vindhyachal the whole area was called Aryavrat country whose present name is Bhartvarsh or Hindustan or India in English. Mahabharta also tells about the same fact. In view of this it is proved that all mankind took birth in Tibet. And there was no any sect at that time.

Mahabharta or Bhagwat Geeta was written by Vyas Muni about 5084 years back. And Valmiki Ramayan was written about nine crore years back. In these authenticated holy books there is also no mention of any sect or caste system. We all mankind were called Aryans upto 5000 years back and thereafter too. The Indian philosophy who has given so many philosophies and views forbenefit of mankind and human beings uptil now. There were Takshila & Nalanda University where the students from all parts of the world used to come to study Vedas & other subjects. Those all were called Aryans at that time. First time Greeks & Unanis used the word Indu for Sindhu Ocean and the public lived on the bank of Sindhu. Thereafter Arabians & inhabitants of Farasstarted saying word Hindi to the Aryans lived across Sindhu River. So whosoever was living across the Sindhu was called Indu. & now Hindu either Muslim, Christian etc. So Hindu word was used for all who lived across the Sindhu. When there was no any word Hindu except Aryans before 5000 years and thereafter too then it is clear that it is being used for the last 2-3 thousand years back.

Within these years too Islam, Jain, Bodh, Christianity, Sikh religion came into existence & who were after Vedas Shastras, Upanishads, Brahmin Granth, Bhagwat Geeta, Ramayan were studying as before have been named with word Hindu instead Aryans. Whole of the world knows about the fact of origin of these religions. So whole of the world can't be considered Hindu now at this belated stage. The study of all religions conclude that no any religion preach hate or war or quarrelling etc. Every religion speaks about love together, worship of one Almighty God, live and let live and to promote brotherhood internationally. The whole mankind thus try to remove the ravages of hatred at all level.

OM TAT SAT

Jai Guru

[Satyajit Roy]

ABOUT THE GOD AS PER .................

Holy Upanishads - Kena Upanishad


Chapter III

1
Brahman, according to the story, obtained a victory for the gods; and by that victory of Brahman the gods became elated. They said to themselves: "Verily, this victory is ours; verily, this glory is ours only."

2
Brahman, to be sure, understood it all and appeared before them. But they did not know who that adorable Spirit was.

3-6
They said to Agni (Fire): "O Agni! Find out who this great Spirit is." "Yes," he said, and hastened to It. Brahman asked him: "Who are you?" He replied: "I am known as Agni; I am also called Jataveda." Brahman said: "What power is in you, who are so well known?" Fire replied: "I can burn all-whatever there is on earth." Brahman put a straw before him and said: "Burn this." He rushed toward it with all his ardour but could not burn it. Then he returned from the Spirit and said to the gods: "I could not find out who this Spirit is,"

7-10
Then they said to Vayu (Air): "O Vayu! Find out who this great Spirit is." "Yes," he said, and hastened to It. Brahman asked him: "Who are you?" He replied "I am known as Vayu; I am also called Matarisva." Brahman said: "What power is in you, who are so well known?" Vayu replied: "I can carry off all-whatever there is on earth." Brahman put a straw before him and said: "Carry this." He rushed toward it with all his ardour but could not move it. Then he returned from the Spirit and said to the gods: "I could not find out who this Spirit is,"
11-12
Then the gods said to Indra: "O Maghavan! Find out who this great Spirit is." "Yes," he said and hastened to It. But the Spirit disappeared from him. Then Indra beheld in that very region of the sky a Woman highly adorned. She was Uma, the daughter of the Himalayas. He approached Her and said: "Who is this great Spirit?"

Chapter IV
1
She replied: "It is, indeed, Brahman. Through the victory of Brahman alone have you attained glory." After that Indra understood that It was Brahman.
2
Since they approached very near Brahman and were the first to know that It was Brahman, these devas, namely, Agni, Vayu, and Indra, excelled the other gods.
3
Since Indra approached Brahman nearest, and since he was the first to know that It was Brahman, Indra excelled the other gods.
4
This is the instruction about Brahman with regard to the gods: It is like a flash of lightning; It is like a wink of the eye.
5
Now the instruction about Brahman with regard to the individual self: The mind, as it were, goes to Brahman. The seeker, by means of the mind, communes with It intimately again and again. This should be the volition of his mind.
6
That Brahman is called Tadvana, the Adorable of all; It should be worshipped by the name of Tadvana. All creatures desire him who worships Brahman thus.
7
The disciple said; 'Teach me, sir, the Upanishad." The preceptor replied: "I have already told you the Upanishad. I have certainly told you the Upanishad about Brahman."
8
Austerities, self-restraint, and sacrificial rites are Its feet, and the Vedas are all Its limbs. Truth is Its abode.
9
He who thus knows this Upanishad shakes off all sins and becomes firmly established in the infinite and the highest Heaven, yea, the highest Heaven.

OM TAT SAT

[Manorama]

KENA UPANISHAD
Translation by Jayaram V
Invocation
OM! May He protect us both together. May He give us enjoyment. May we exert ourselves through our radiance. May there never be differences between us in understanding. OM peace from heaven, peace from the earth, peace from the body!

OM! May my limbs, speech and prana grow. May my eyes, ears and the strength of the sense grow too. Everything is Brahman described in the Upanishads. Brahman never refuses to accept me. May I never refuse to accept Brahman. Let my Atman show interest in me and may all the virtues described in the Upanishads reside in me!
Chapter 1
By whose commands this mind works? By whose will the life's breath circulates? Who is responsible for man's speech? What intelligence does lead the eyes and the ears?

It is the ear of the ear, the mind of the mind, the speech of the speech. Also the life of all life, and the eye of the eye. The wise abandon the sensory world and become immortal.

There the eyes cannot travel, nor speech nor mind. Nor do we know how to explain it to the disciples. It is other than the known and beyond the unknown. So were we taught by our ancients.

That which the speech cannot reveal, but causes the speech to flow, know that alone to be Brahman, not this whom people worship here (through mantras).

That which the mind cannot conceptualize, but by which the mind does conceptualize, know that alone to be Brahman. Not the one whom people worship her That which the eye cannot see, but by which the eyes are able to see, know that alone to be Brahman. Not this whom people worship here.

That which the ear cannot hear, but by whom the ear can hear, know that alone as Brahman, not this which people worship here.

That which one does not breath, but by whom air is breathed, know that to be Brahman, not that which people worship here.

Chapter II

If you think you know It well, you indeed know It very little. That whom you see in the beings and gods, you see but very little (portion) of It.

I know that I know It (some what) well, also I know that I know It not so well. Who amongst us comprehends It both as the known and not much known, alone has the right understanding.

He comprehends It who thinks he has not. He has not comprehended It who thinks he has. To the real masters It is the unknown, but to the ignorant He is always the known.

Indeed immortality is his gain who understands It by his thoughts. Through the Atman he gains real strength and immortality through the knowledge (of Brahman).

In this world if one knows It, one gains truth. If one does not know it , great is the loss. The wise see clearly in all the Atman and rise from the sensory world to the world of immortality.

Chapter III

Once Brahman won victory for the devas. But unknowing the devas were proud of victory. Thought they, "Ours alone is victory and to us only belongs all the glory."e.


Brahman knowing their vanity appeared in front of them as an Yaksha (ethereal spirit). But they did not know who that great Yaksha was.

So they said to Agni, "Jataveda, know well what this Yaksha is." And as requested Agni agreed.

He rushed to the Yaksha and the Yaksha (Brahman) asked, "What power do you have and of what nature?" And Agni replied," I am Agni (fire), the omniscient. I can burn all that is on earth."

Then Brahman placed a blade of grass in front of Agni saying, "Burn it." Agni rushed to it with all his strength, but could not burn it. He returned to the gods saying," What the Yaksha was I could not find."

So they said to Vayu (the wind) " O great Vayu, go and find out what this great Yaksha is and from where ." And as requested Vayu agreed.

He (Vayu) rushed to the Yaksha and Brahman asked him who he was. Replied Vayu, " I am Vayu. I am really the master of all skies."

And Brahman enquired," What is the nature of your power in you." And replied Vayu, "All this, whatever that is here , I can blow away."

Brahman placed before him a blade of grass saying, "Blow it away." Vayu approached it with his full might, but could not move it even a little. He too returned to the gods saying, "I could not find that which this Spirit is."

Then the gods requested Indra, "Chief of gods, find out for us this great Spirit and from where." But as he approached, the Spirit disappeared.

And at the very same spot in the sky appeared extremely charming Uma Haimavati (daughter of Himavat). He (Indra) asked her who the great Yaksha was.

Chapter IV
"Indeed It was Brahman," she replied. "Through Him alone you all achieved victory." Then only Indra could discern who the incredible Brahman was.

Therefore Agni, Vayu and Indra are verily above all other gods, for they alone went nearest to Him and were the first to know Him as Brahman.

And therefore Indra of the three above all others for he alone went nearest to Brahman and was the first to know Him as Brahman (from goddess Uma).

Now this is the instruction regarding Brahman, (envision Him) as he appeared before the gods, shining like a lightning and disappearing within the winking of an eye.
Now this is another instruction regarding Brahman, (envision Him) think of Him mentally as the microcosm (Atman) with in the body as Atman.

Now Tadvanam is the name upon which He is to be meditated or worshipped mentally. He who knows Him in this way is extremely loved by all living beings.

The disciple asks, "Sir teach me Upanishad." And the master replies," The Brahman of Upanishad is explained to you. That knowledge of Upanishad we have imparted to you."

"Austerity, control and sincere effort are the foundations on which it (knowledge of Brahma) rests. The Vedas are its limbs and Truth is its abode.

Verily he who knows it thus cleanses all his sins and becomes established in the vast heavenly and the highest state of Bliss. Yes he is certainly established.
The End

[Satyajit Roy]

The name of Almighty..............

AUM
From The Bhagavad Gita, Ch.10, Verse 25

The Blessed Lord said:
"Among words, I am the one syllable AUM"
___________________________________


From Mandukya Upanishad, First Mantra:

"AUM, the word, is all this (phenomenal universe). A clear explanation of it (follows). All that is past, present and future is indeed, AUM. And whatever else there is, beyond the three fold division of time,- that too verily is AUM (OM)."
___________________________________

An explanation by Sri B.L.Satyanarayana Sastri:

The syllable AUM is a sacred Mantra of the Vedas. It is an esoteric formula from which all written and unwritten sounds, letters and words have emanated. The letters A, U, M, which when combined, form the syllable AUM (or OM), represent the entire vocabulary of articulation, as they represent the various sounds uttered through the vocal organ (mouth).
A (pronounced as the 'u' in cut) represents gutturals, U (as in 'put') represents labials and M (pronounced exactly as 'm' in 'mother') represents nasals. The sabda (sound) which comes out through the vocal organ, is in a pregnant form within, till it is spelt out.
The alphabetical letters of all languages form the corpus of meaningful expression. In the deep-sleep state, objects, ideas, as well as letters are all latent. So speech is an expression of consciousness.
___________________________________

An explanation by Swami Nikhilananda
Sri Ramakrishna Math:

The word that signifies God is AUM. AUM, often written OM (to rhyme with home), is the most sacred word in the Gayatri Mantra, which contains the essence of the Vedic philosophy. Hindus regard this word as an effective symbol of Brahman (the Supreme Reality), and give the following reason.
Every thought has a counterpart in a word or sound; the word and the thought are inseparable. The external part of a thing is what we may call the thought. The same thought may be expressed by different words or sounds. Though the sounds vary, yet the relation between the sound and the thoughts is a natural one. This relation is effective only if there is a real connection between the thing signified and the signifying symbol; otherwise the symbol will never be universally accepted. When that natural connection exists, the symbol, when it is used, recalls the thing signified.
According to Patanjali, there is a unique relation between the Godhead and the word AUM. Hindu philosophers regard AUM as the most generalised sound, the substratum and common ground of all sounds.
The three letters A, U, M, pronounced in combination as Aum, are the generalised symbols of all possible sounds. A (pronounced aw as in dawn) is the root sound, the key, pronounced without the tongue's touching any part of the palate; it is the least differentiated of all sounds. Again, all articulate sounds are produced in the space between the root of the tongue and the lips; the throat sound is A, and M is the final sound produced by the closing of the lips. U represents the rolling forward of the impulse that begins at the root of the tongue and ends at the lips. When properly pronounced, AUM represents the whole gamut of sound-production as no other word can. It is therefore the matrix of all sounds, and thus the fittest symbol of the Godhead; it is the Word, which, according to St.John, was in the beginning, was with God, and was God.
The word AUM is not invented by any man. It is the primordial and uncreated sound which is heard by mystics absorbed in contemplation, when their minds and senses are withdrawn from the world.
The three aspects of creation, preservation and destruction are expressed by the three letters AUM. A signifies the creative aspect of the Deity because A is the beginning of all sounds. U signifies the preservative aspect because the sound that is produced in the throat is preserved, as it were, by U, while rolling through the mouth. Finally, M is the symbol of the destructive aspect of the Deity because all sounds come to an end when the lips are closed. There is also an undifferentiated sound which comes at the end of the utterance of AUM and which is the symbol of pure consciousness, or the attributeless Brahman. Both the symbol and the entity signified by it are without parts or relationships. The undifferentiated sound finally merges in silence, which also is the final experience of the mystics.
The word AUM signifies God. By repeating it and meditating on its meaning, the aspirant develops introspection and overcomes such obstructions to the spiritual life as 'disease, mental laziness, doubt, lack of enthusiasm, lethargy, clinging to sense-enjoyments, false perception, non-attaining of concentration, and falling away from concentration when attained'.
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AUM : No Other Word Can Do This

These three letters AUM pronounced in combination as OM, may well be the generalised symbol of all possible sounds. The letter A is the least differentiated of all sounds, therefore Krishna says in the Gita. "I am ‘A’ among the letters." Again all articulate sounds are produced in the space within the mouth beginning with the root of the tongue and ending in the lips – the throat sound is ‘A’, and ‘M’ is the last lip sound, and the ‘U’ exactly represents the rolling forward of the impulse which begins at the root of the tongue till it ends in the lips. If properly pronounced, this OM will represent the whole phenomenon of sound production, and no other word can do this.
----- Swami Vivekananda
(The foremost disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa)

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From the Bhagavad Gita, Ch.10, Verse 25

The Lord said:
"Among sacrifices, I am the sacrifice of silent repetition"
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All about the Icon OM.

"The goal which all the Vedas declare, which all austerities aim at, and which men desire when they lead the life of continence … is Om. This syllable Om is indeed Brahman. Whosoever knows this syllable obtains all that he desires. This is the best support; this is the highest support. Whosoever knows this support is adored in the world of Brahman."
~ Katha Upanishad I

Om or Aum is of paramount importance in Hinduism. This symbol (as seen in the image on the right) is a sacred syllable representing Brahman, the impersonal Absolute of Hinduism — omnipotent, omnipresent, and the source of all manifest existence. Brahman, in itself, is incomprehensible; so a symbol becomes mandatory to help us realize the Unknowable.
Om, therefore, represents both the unmanifest (nirguna) and manifest (saguna) aspects of God. That is why it is called pranava, to mean that it pervades life and runs through our prana or breath.

Om in Daily Life

Although Om symbolizes the most profound concepts of Hindu belief, it is in use daily. The Hindus begin their day or any work or a journey by uttering Om. The sacred symbol is often found at the head of letters, at the beginning of examination papers and so on. Many Hindus, as an expression of spiritual perfection, wear the sign of Om as a pendant. This symbol is enshrined in every Hindu temple premise or in some form or another on family shrines.
It is interesting to note that a newly born child is ushered into the world with this holy sign. After birth, the child is ritually cleansed and the sacred syllable Om is written on its tongue with honey. Thus right at the time of birth the syllable Om is initiated into the life of a Hindu and ever remains with him as the symbol of piety. Om is also a popular symbol used in contemporary body art and tattoos.

The Eternal Syllable

According to the Mandukya Upanishad, "Om is the one eternal syllable of which all that exists is but the development. The past, the present, and the future are all included in this one sound, and all that exists beyond the three forms of time is also implied in it".

The Music of Om

Om is not a word but rather an intonation, which, like music, transcends the barriers of age, race, culture and even species. It is made up of three Sanskrit letters, aa, au and ma which, when combined together, make the sound Aum or Om. It is believed to be the basic sound of the world and to contain all other sounds. It is a mantra or prayer in itself. If repeated with the correct intonation, it can resonate throughout the body so that the sound penetrates to the centre of one's being, the atman or soul.
There is harmony, peace and bliss in this simple but deeply philosophical sound. By vibrating the sacred syllable Om, the supreme combination of letters, if one thinks of the Ultimate Personality of Godhead and quits his body, he will certainly reach the highest state of "stateless" eternity, states the Bhagavad Gita.

The Vision of Om

Om provides a dualistic viewpoint. On one hand, it projects the mind beyond the immediate to what is abstract and inexpressible. On the other hand, it makes the absolute more tangible and comprehensive. It encompasses all potentialities and possibilities; it is everything that was, is, or can yet be. It is omnipotent and likewise remains undefined.

The Power of Om

During meditation, when we chant Om, we create within ourselves a vibration that attunes sympathy with the cosmic vibration and we start thinking universally. The momentary silence between each chant becomes palpable. Mind moves between the opposites of sound and silence until, at last, it ceases the sound. In the silence, the single thought—Om—is quenched; there is no thought. This is the state of trance, where the mind and the intellect are transcended as the individual self merges with the Infinite Self in the pious moment of realization. It is a moment when the petty worldly affairs are lost in the desire for the universal. Such is the immeasurable power of Om


OM TAT SAT

[Tapan Mukherjee]

Thanks to Satyajitda for his noble desire. Please write more from your great collection , whenever you will have time to make this board useful for other akhandas. Babamani apnar mangal karun

[Satyajit Roy]

All Akhanda Gurughai & Gurubon, believe me our Great Guru Akhanda Mandaleshwer Sri Sri Swami Swarupananda Paramhansadeva informed us, gave us the greatest Mantras of Almighty God. Without doubt as per all religious scripture ( VEDA, UPANISHADS,GITA, QURAN,BIBLE it is God him self !!!!! & that why once a Rishi said

" Sono Sono Aamriter putrogon, Sono, dibbo loker odhibasigon ami sei aadi moohan purushkey janiyachi, aditrer moto jar bornno, tini sokol oggaan- adhareer parey, tahakey janleyi mittrukey otikkom kora jai, eha chara r kono path nai: & He is OM (Supreme Reality) ....................................below the is proof


Esoteric significance of OM

Esoterically the 'a' stands for the first stage of wakefulness, where we experience, through our gross body and the senses and the mind the totality of external experiences. The 'u' stands for the state of dream sleep in which mental experiences are available, though erratically, by the mind which is the only thing awake, without the help of the external sense organs or the presence of the discriminating intellect. The two kinds of experience, namely, those of the waking state and those of the dream state, contradict each other, in the sense that a man may experience hunger in a dream though he has eaten in the waking state a few minutes earlier.

In the state of deep sleep, represented by the sound 'm' there is no consciousness of any experience; even the mind has gone to sleep. But still there is an awareness after the deep sleep is over that one has been sleeping. The Maanduukyopanishad says that in the state of deep sleep the aatman which is always present, has been the witness to the sleep of the body and it is this which brings back the memory. It is the aatman which is also present beyond the three states of experience and this fourth state (turiiyaa-vasthaa) corresponds to the silence that ensues after one has steadily pronounced 'om'. It is the state of 'no maatraa' ( = amaatraa). In that state of silence Consciousness alone is present and there is nothing else, and therefore nothing is to be agonized or be conscious of. So when we recite 'om' we are advised to meditate on this common substratum of all the three states of experience, and, during the silence that follows, merge in the Consciousness that alone persists as a substratum. That Consciousness is theaatman, that is Brahman.

Such is the symbolism behind the scriptures' repeated insistence that the word OM i s the supreme aalambana (= prop) to reach Brahman, it is the one thing which is talked about by all the Vedas and it is for this alone that sages do penance and undergo austerities. It represents both the Brahman with attributes and the Brahman without attributes. It is a reminder of the true state of being .Hence it is that OM is repeated at the beginning and conclusion of everything. It indicates that we, as part of the universe, emanate from Brahman and finally dissolve into Brahman. The jiiva which leaves the body in the midst of conscious OM recitation is said to merge in Brahman itself, that is, attain moksha. The essential condition for this conscious recitation at the time of death is the undeviating memory of the Divine throughout life, through all its ups and downs. Hence it is that all mantras begin with OM. Meditation on the word is recommended for the yogi as a direct path to realization. As the generality of men cannot realize the ultimate reality which is beyond all categories of time, space and causation, the Maanduukyopanishad and its commentator, Gaudapada, recommend the contemplation of the three sound symbols as the three states of man's totality of experience and thus, analysing one's experience, the student endowed with the mental and moral qualifications required for the understanding of Vedanta, is helped to reach ultimate reality. Specifically, if one identifies the amaatraa state of silence with the fourth state of experience and meditates on it without intermission, one realizes one's self and 'there is no return for him to the sphere of empirical life'.

OM TAT SAT

[Tapan Mukherjee]

For years the rapidly vanishing supply of fossil fuel has been a matter of grave concern for a world society which is becoming more and more dependent on it for its daily functioning. But now a new shortage is becoming more and more of a problem: the shortage of water. It wasn't that long ago that the entire world functioned quite well without fossil fuel depending on ox power and horse power. But when in history has the world functioned well without water? A recent study has revealed that one-third of the world population now faces some form of water shortage. And along with water shortage comes desertification. More and more once fertile land is now becoming transformed into desert.

So what is the solution? That easy solution is given by Lord Sri Krishna in the Bhagavad-gita:

annād bhavanti bhūtāni
parjanyād anna-sambhavaḥ
yajñād bhavati parjanyo
yajñaḥ karma-samudbhavaḥ

"All living bodies subsist on food grains, which are produced from rains. Rains are produced by performance of yajña [sacrifice], and yajña is born of prescribed duties." Bhagavad-gita 3:14

If we can introduce sankirtana-yajña, the congregational chanting of the holy names of God, on a wide scale, there will naturally be sufficient rainfall all over the world and the world's water woes will be nicely relegated to the history books. Scholars will then study that time when the world's population was misguided by foolish leaders and unnecessarily suffered so many varieties of difficulties.

[Tapan Mukherjee]

Be a part of solution not a part of the problem. Joy Guru