«
»

Wishing you a very happy and prosperous Diwali….

May the Goddess shower you all with abundant prosperity, good health and joy this Diwali. And, may you all continue to light up plenty of lives forever.

Prayers and good wishes

Sharmila

This entry was posted on November 4, 2010 at 11:15 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

217 Responses to “Wishing you a very happy and prosperous Diwali….”

  1. Reader Says:
    November 4, 2010 at 11:26 pm

    On the occasion of Laxmi Puja, here is my contribution:

    For those who recite the Sri Sukta, please read the transliterated text while playing the link. Translation is given after the translit which can be read at leisure later on.

    Sri Suktam

    Aum hiranya varanaam harinim su-varna rajat srajaam
    Chandraam hiranya mayim Lakshmi jaat vedo ma aavaha

    Aum taam ma aavaha jaat vedo Lakshmi-man-pagaa-minim
    Yasyaam hiranyam vinde-yam gaam-asvam purushaan-ham

    Asva purvaam rath madhyaam hasti naad pra-bodhinim
    Sriyam Devi mup-havye Srir-maa Devi-jush-taam

    Kamso-smitaam hiranya-praakaaraam- aardhraam jvalantim truptaam tarpayantim
    Padma-sthitaam padma-varnaam taami-hop-havye Sriyam

    Chandraam prabhaa-saam yash-saa jvalantim Sriyam loke dev-jushtaamudaaraam

    Taam padmini-mim sharanam-aham pra-padhye a-Lakshmir-me nashyan-taam
    tvaam vrune

    Aaditya-varane tapaso-adhi-jato vanas-pati-stava-vruksho-atha bilvaha
    Tasya falaani tapasaa-nudantu maayaa-anta- raayaa-scha baahyaa a-Lakshmi-hi

    Upeiy-tu maam Dev-sakha-ha kirti-scha maninaa saha
    Praadur-bhuto su-raashtre-asmin kirtim-vrudhim dadaatu me

    Kshutpi-paasaa-malaam jyeshtaam -a-Lakshmim naash-yaamya-ham
    Abhutim-a-samrudhim cha sarvaa -nirnud me gruhaat

    Gandha-dvaaraam duraa-dharshaam nitya-pushtaam karishi-nim
    Ishvariim sarva-bhutaanaam taami-hop-havye Sriyam

    Manasaha kaam-maa-kutim vaacha-ha satya-mashi-mahi
    Pashu-naam rup-manya-sya mayi Srihi srayataam yasha-ha

    Kardamen prajaa bhutaa mayi sambhava kardam
    Sriyam vaasaya me kule Maataram padma-maali-nim

    Aapaha srajantu snig-dhaani chiklit vasa me gruhe
    Ni cha Devim Maataram Sriyam vaasaya me kule

    Aardhraam push-karinim pushtim pinglaam padma maali-nim
    Chandraam hiranya-mayim Lakshmim jaat-vedo ma aavaha

    Aardhraam yah-kari-nim yashtim suvarna-aam hem-maali-nim
    Suryaam hiranya-mayim Lakshmim jaat-vedo ma aavaha

    Taam ma aavaha jaat-vedo Lakshmi-man-pagaa-nim
    Yasyaam hiranyam pra-bhutam gaavo-daasyo-asvaan vindeyam purushaan-ham

    Yaha shuchi-hi preyato bhut-vaa juhu-daayaa-jya-manva-ham
    Suktam panch-dashar-cham cha Sri-kaam-ha satatam japet

    Sarsij-nilaye saroj-haste dhaval-taraam-shuk gandh-maalya-shobhe
    Bhagavati-Hari-vallabhe-mano-gne tri-bhuvan-bhuti-kari prasid mahyam

    Asva-daaye gow-daaye dhan-daaye mahaa-dhane
    Dhanam me jush-taam Devi sarva kaamaa-scha dehi me

    Putra poutra-dhanam dhaanyam hastya-asvaadig-veratham
    Prajaanaam bhavasi Maataa aayush-mantam karotu me

    Dhanam-agnir dhanam-vaayur dhanam-Suryo dhanam-vasuha
    Dhanam-Indro Bruhaspatir-Varunam dhanam-ishvarou

    Veinate Somam piba Somam pibatu vrutra-haa
    Somam dhana-asya Somino mahyam dadaatu Sominaha

    Na krodho na cha maatsarya na lobho na-ashubhaa mati-hi
    Bhavanti krun-punyaa-naam bhaktaa-naam Sri-suktam japet

    Padma-nane padma karu padma sambha-ve
    Tanme bhajasi Padma-aakshi yen soukhyam labhaa-mya-ham

    Vishnu patnim ksha-maam Devim Maadhavim Maadhav priyaam
    Vishnu priya sakhim Devim namaam-yam nyut Vallabhaam

    Mahaa Lakshamim cha vidmahe Vishnu patnim cha dhi-mahi
    Tanno Lakshami-hi prachodayaat

    Padmaa-nane padmini padma-patre padma-priye padma-dalaa-yataaxi
    Vishva-priye vishva-manonu-kule tvat-paad-padma-mayi san-nidhat-sva

    Aanand kardama-ha Sri-daha chiklit iti vi-srutaa-haa
    Rushaya-ha Sri-va-putraas-cha mayii Sri-Devi devtaa

    Run-rogaadi daaridhra-yam paapam cha ap-mrutya-va-ha
    Bhaya-shouk-manas-taapaa nash-yantu mama sarva-daa

    Sri-varcha-strayam-aayuyshyam-aarogya maavidhaat-pav-maanam mahi-yate
    Dhanam-dhaanyam pashum bahu putra-laabham shat samvat-saram dirghamaayu-hu

    Aum Sri Mahaa-Kaali Mahaa-Lakshmi Mahaa-Saraswati
    Trigunaatmikaa Chandikaaye namah

    ===

    Translation by P. R. Ramachander

    Hiranyavarnaa harineem suvarna rajaathastrajam,
    Chandraam hiranmayeem jatha vedo ma aavaha. 1

    Hey God of fire,
    Request that Sridevi,
    Who shines like gold,
    Who destroys all sins,
    Who wears silver and gold ornaments,
    Who is like the moon,
    And who is golden,
    To come here,
    And shower her grace on me.

    Thaam ma aavaha jatha vedo Lakshmi- manapagaaminim,
    Yasyam hiranyam vindeyam kaamaswam purushanaham. 2

    Hey God of fire,
    Request that Sridevi,
    By whose grace,
    I got gold,
    I got cows,
    I got horses,
    And I got relatives and friends,
    To come here,
    Shower her grace,
    And never ever leave me.

    Aswa poorva radha madhyaam hasthi nadha prabhodhineem,
    Sriyam devi upahvaye srirma deveem jupathaam. 3

    I beseech and request that Sridevi,
    Who is heralded by the voice of elephants,
    Who is piloted by horses,
    And who is surrounded by chariots,
    To come near me and shower her grace,
    And request her to be within me.

    Kaam sosmathim hiranya praakaram aardhra jwalantheem truptham tharpayantheem,
    Padme sthithaam padma varnaam thaam ehopahvaye sriyam. 4

    I request and pray that Sridevi,
    Who is happiness personified,
    Who is ever smiling,
    Who is in the golden fort,
    Who is full of mercy,
    Who is ever shining,
    Who makes others happy,
    Who sits on the lotus,
    And who is of the colour of lotus,
    To be present here with me.

    Chandraam prabhasam jwalanthim sriyam loke deva jushta mudhaaram,
    Thaam padmineemeem saranamaham prapadhye lakshmeerme nasyatham twam vrune 5

    I seek the protection of that Sridevi,
    Who makes the world happy like the moon,
    Who is richly lustrous,
    Who shines because of her fame,
    Who is full of mercy,
    Who is the meaning of the letter �eem�,
    And who possesses treasures like Padmanidhi,
    And request Lakshmi to remove poverty from me.

    Adhityavarne thamaso adhijaatho vanaspathisthva vrukshodha bilwa,
    Tasya phalaani tapasa nudhanthu mayaantharayascha bahya alakshmi. 6

    Hey Goddess who shines like sun,
    By your great penance,
    Was born the bilwa tree,
    Which is the king of forests,
    And let its fruits full of knowledge,
    Remove ignorance inside,
    And bad things outside.

    Upaithu maam deva sakhaa keertheeya maninaa saha,
    Pradhur bhoothosmo rashtresmin keerthim vruddhim dadhathu me. 7

    The god of wealth Kubhera,
    Who is the friend of Mahadeva,
    Should come in search of me,
    For I am born in this country,
    Showered with your grace,
    Be pleased to give me fame and fulfillment.

    Kshupthipaasa malaam jyeshtamalakshmim nasayamyaham,
    Abhoothim masamrudheem cha sarva nirnudha me grahad. 8

    I would remove Jyeshta*,
    Who creates hunger and thirst,
    Wherever she lives,
    By your grace,
    And please remove poverty and want from my house.

    Gandhadwaaram dhuradapaa nithyapushtaam kareepineem,
    Easwaree sarva bhoothaanam thaam ehopahvaye swayam. 9

    I request and pray that Sridevi,
    Who pleases others by sweet scent,
    Who cannot be defeated,
    Who gives prosperity daily,
    Who is full of everything,
    And who is the goddess of all beings,
    To come and be present here.

    Maanasa kamamaakrutheem vachassathya maseemahi,
    Pasoonaam roopamannasya mayi sree srayathaam yasa. 10

    I request you goddess Sridevi,
    To forever bless me,
    With fulfillment of good desires of the mind,
    With ebbing happiness in life,
    With truth in my words,
    And with beauty that plenty of food creates.

    Kardhamena prajaa bhoothaa mayi sambhava kardhama,
    Sriyam vaasaya me kule matharam padmamalineem. 11

    Hey sage Kardhama** ,
    In your house was born,
    Goddess Sridevi as daughter,
    And so be pleased to be with me,
    So that mother Lakshmi with lotus garland,
    Is forever in my family,
    And bless us all with her grace.

    Aapa srujanthu snigdhani Chikleetha vasa me gruhe,
    Ni cha deveem matharam sriyam vasaya se kule. 12

    Hey Sage Sikleedha***,
    Who is the son of Sridevi,
    Let the goddess of water,
    Produce fatty products like milk and ghee,
    And please come and live with us,
    And request Goddess Sridevi,
    To live in our family forever.

    Aardhraa pushkarineem pushteem suvarna hema malineem,
    Sarvaa hiranmayeem lakshmim jathaveda ma avaha. 13

    Hey god of fire,
    Be pleased to bless me,
    So that Goddess Sridevi,
    Who is deeply merciful,
    Who lives on a lotus,
    Who supplies food to the world,
    Who is of golden colour,
    Who wears the garland of lotus,
    Who makes us happy like the moon god,
    And who is purity personified,
    To come and be with me.

    Aardhraa ya karinim yashtim pingalaam padmalineem,
    Chanraam hiranmayeem lakshmeem jathavedo ma avaaha. 14

    Hey god of fire,
    Be pleased to bless me,
    So that Goddess Sridevi,
    Who is deeply merciful,
    Who holds the staff of the emperor,
    Who has a body like tender climbing plant,
    Who has a pretty colour,
    Who wears golden garland,
    Who shines like sun god,
    And who is purity personified,
    To come and be with me.

    Thaam ma avaha jathavedo Lakshmi managaamineem,
    Yasyaam hiranyam prabhootham gaavo dasyoswaan vindheyam purushapaanaham 15

    Hey god of fire,
    Be pleased to bless me,
    So that Goddess Sridevi,
    By whose grace,
    I will get plenty of Gold,
    I will get lot of cows,
    I will get lot of maidservants,
    I will get lot of horses.
    And I will get lot of servants,
    Never ever leave me.

    Ya suchi prayatho bhoothwa juhu yaadajya mavaham
    Sriya panchadasascha cha srikaama ssathatham japeth. 16

    He who prays for the grace of Sridevi,
    Should be pure in mind and body,
    Control his mind,
    And everyday chant the above,
    Fifteen rik mantras,
    And do homa* with ghee.

    Ananda, Kardamashaiva Chikleedha ithi vishrutha,
    Rishayasthe thraya proktha swayam sreereva devatha. 17

    For this Homa*,
    Ananda, Kardhama and Chikleedha,
    Are the famous sages.
    And Sridevi is the goddess.

    Padmasane padmoru, padamakshi padamasambhave,
    Twam maam bhajaswa padamakshi yena sowkhyam labhamyaham. 18

    Hey Goddess who sits on Lotus,
    Hey Goddess who has thighs like lotus,
    Hey Goddess who has eyes like lotus,
    And hey goddess who was born out of lotus,
    Please grant me all,
    That you think will give a good life.

    Aswadhabhi cha godhayee dhanadayee maha dhane,
    Dhanam me jupathaam devi sarva kaamartha siddhaye. 19

    Hey Goddess who grants wealth of horses.
    Hey Goddess who grants wealth of cows,
    Hey Goddess who grants wealth,
    And hey Goddess who is the queen of wealth,
    Grant me more wealth.
    So that I can fulfill all my wants.

    Puthra , pouthra , dhanam dhanysm hasthyaswajaavigoradham,
    Prajaanaa bhavasi mathaa ayushmantham karothu maam. 20

    Hey Goddess you are mother of all people,
    Please grant me sons, grandsons, wealth and grains,
    Please grant me elephants, horses, sheep, goat, cow and chariots,
    And also please grant me long life.

    Chandramam lakshmeem eesaanaam sooryamaam sriyam easwareem,
    Chandrasooryagni varna maam Sri Mahalakshmim upasmahe. 21

    I pray and meditate on that Maha Lakshmi,
    Who shines like the cool moon,
    Who is the inner strength of Iswara,
    Who shines like the hot sun,
    Who is Sridevi and Iswari,
    And who is of the form of crescents,
    Of moon, sun and fire.

    Dhana magnir , dhanam vayur dhanam sooryor dhanam vasu,
    Dhanam indro brahaspathir varuno dhanamasnuthe. 22

    It is by your grace Sridevi,
    That Fire is wealthy,
    Air is wealthy,
    Sun is wealthy,
    Ashta Vasus are wealthy,
    Indra is wealthy,
    Brahaspathi is wealthy,
    And Varuna is wealthy.

    Vainatheya somam, pibha somam, pibhathu vruthraha,
    Somam dhanasya somino mahyam dadathu somini. 23

    Hey Garuda, drink Soma,
    Hey Indra drink Soma,
    Hey devas who have drunk Soma,
    Please grant me wealth,
    For I am performing Soma Yaga**.

    Na krodho na cha matsarya na lobho naa shubha mathi,
    Bhavanthi krutha punyanam bakthaanam sri suktham japeth sada. 24

    The devotees who do holy deeds,
    Never get angry,
    Are never jealous,
    And never do bad deeds,
    And for the devotion to grow,
    They should chant often,
    The Sri Suktha.

    Varshanth the vibhavari dhivo abhrasya vidhuyutha,
    Rohanthu sarva bheejanyava brahmodweepo jahi. 25

    Hey Goddess Sridevi,
    By your grace let it rain,
    From the black clouds with streaks of lightning,
    By your grace let all seeds germinate and grow,
    And kill all those who are against the path of gods,

    Padmapriye, padmini, padmahasthe, padmalaye, padmadalaayathakshi.
    Viswapriye Vishnu manonukoole twat pada padmam mayi sannidasthwa. 26

    Hey Goddess Padmini,
    Who likes lotus flowers,
    Who holds lotus flower in her hand,
    Who lives in lotus flower,
    Who has broad eyes like the petal of lotus flower,
    Who is the darling of the entire world,
    Who is dearest to Lord Vishnu,
    Please keep your holy feet on me.

    Maha devyai cha vidmahe, Vishnu patnai cha dheemahi,
    Thanno Lakshmi prachodayath. 27

    Try we will to understand Mahadevi,
    We would meditate on consort of Vishnu,
    And let Goddess Lakshmi help us in this.

    Ya sa padmasanastha Vipuls katithati padma pathrayathakshi,
    Dambheera varthanabhi sthanabhara namitha shubravasreouttareeya,
    Lakshmeer divyai gajendrai mani gana kkachithai sthaptha hema kumbhai,
    Nithyam sa padmahastha mama vasathu gruhe sarva mangalya yuktha. 28

    Let that Goddess Lakshmi.
    Who is seated on a lotus,
    Who has large seat below the hips,
    Who has wide eyes like the petal of lotus flower,
    Who has a royal looking spherical belly button,
    Who is slightly bent because of her heavy busts,
    Who wears a white cloth and an upper cloth,
    Who takes bath in the pure waters of heaven,
    Poured over her by majestic elephants,
    Who holds a lotus flower in her hand,
    And who is the storehouse of all that is good,
    Live in my house forever.

    Lakshmeem ksheera samudra raja thanayam,
    Sri rangadhaameswareem ,
    Dasi bhootha samastha deva vanithaam ,
    Lokaika deepthanguraam,
    Sriman manda kataksha labdha,
    Vibhava brahmendra gangadaraam,
    Twaam trilokya kutumbinim sarasijaam,
    Vande mukunda priyaam. 29

    Salutations to Goddess Lakshmi,
    Who is the daughter of king of ocean of milk,
    Who is the consort of Lord of Sri Ranga*,
    Whose maids are the deva maidens,
    Who is the lighthouse for the entire world,
    Whose side long glances add fame,
    To Brahma, Shiva and Indra,
    Whose family is all those in three worlds,
    Who appears in lotus ponds,
    And who is the darling of Lord Mukunda.

    Siddha Lakshmi moksha Lakshmir jayalakshmi saraswathi,
    Sri lakshmir vara Lakshmi cha prasanna bhava sarvada. 30

    You who are Siddha Lakshmi[1],
    You who are Moksha Lakshm[2]i,
    You who are Jayalakshmi[3],
    You who are Saraswathi[4],
    You who are Srilakshmi[5],
    And you, who are Varalakshmi[6],
    Should always be pleased with me.

    Varankusou pasamabheethi mudraam ,
    Karai vahantheem , Kamalasanasthaam,
    Kalaka koti prathibhaam trinethraam,
    Bajehamadyam jagadeeswareem thaam. 31

    I salute the Goddess of this universe,
    Who is having three eyes,
    Who shines like billions of rising suns,
    Who is seated on a lotus flower,
    And who holds in her hand,
    Boons, rope, weapon to tame and seal to protect.

    Sarva mangala Mangalye,
    Shive, Saravartha sadhake,
    Saranye Trayambake,
    Gowri narayani namosthuthe 32

    Salutations to that Goddess,
    Who is the greatest good among all the good,
    Who is forever peaceful,
    Who grants all boons,
    Who is the ultimate protection,
    Who has three eyes,
    Who is white in colour
    And who is Narayani.

    ===

    * Elder sister of Sridevi, the harbinger of bad luck and poverty.
    ** When Goddess Sridevi was born from the ocean of milk, she was brought up by sage Kardhama
    *** Some books mention him as the security guard of Sridevi and some others equate him with God of love-manmatha.who is son of Sridevi.
    * Fire sacrifice
    ** Fire sacrifice in which juice of Soma plant is used.
    * Holy temple of Vishnu and also means divine stage.
    [1]Lakshmi who grants divine powers
    [2] Lakshmi who grants salvation
    [3] Lakshmi who gives victory,
    [4] Goddess of learning
    [5] Goddess of wealth
    [6] Lakshmi who gives boons.

    ====

    Translation is not mine. I might have done in differently.

    Reply
    • Aishwarya Says:
      November 5, 2010 at 2:02 am

      Reader,

      I listened to the Sri Sukta and noticed that there are variations in the first translit and the second translit. The variations begin at:

      “Sarsij-nilaye saroj-haste dhaval-taraam-shuk gandh-maalya-shobhe
      Bhagavati-Hari-vallabhe-mano-gne tri-bhuvan-bhuti-kari prasid mahyam” in the first translit

      and correspondingly,

      “Ananda, Kardamashaiva Chikleedha ithi vishrutha,
      Rishayasthe thraya proktha swayam sreereva devatha” in the second translit

      I only know Sarva Mangala Mangalye… I am listening to the Sri Sukta for the very first time, so if my doubt about the variations sounds foolish, please dont mind.

      I would still have liked to read your translation, although you already provided us with a short and sweet one in the earlier post.

      🙂

      Good Night…

      Reply
      • Reader Says:
        November 5, 2010 at 2:09 am

        No good night. It’s Friday tomorrow and I am awake.

        🙂

        PS Okay Good Night… its almost midnight in India

      • Reader Says:
        November 5, 2010 at 2:21 am

        Aishwarya,

        I wish there was some way of putting up an audio that I could record myself. This translation problem would be solved.

        Actually when pronounced correctly 90% of Indian language speakers can understand Sanskrit.

        BTW, my esoteric interpretation stands good. Laxmi, as in wealth, in whatever form, must be protected as we protect our mother, sister, wife and daughter.

        Girl-friends and bossy women are not in my list.

        🙂

      • Aishwarya Says:
        November 5, 2010 at 12:06 pm

        Reader,

        I wish you could put up an audio…

        =

        I suppose its up to bossy women to protect their men. I wonder what Rajesh will say to that. I am a double-edged Gemini. Does that ring a bell?!

        🙂

      • Reader Says:
        November 5, 2010 at 12:17 pm

        Bell? It rings a siren on a fire tender!!!

        🙂

    • Reader Says:
      November 5, 2010 at 2:44 am

      Aishwarya,

      Both are South Indian versions including the video. The aryan original is shorter and does not contain other incarnations/synonyms like Chandiak, durga etc. Those are late additions down South.

      It’s like doing a re-mix of A.R. Rahman’s music which is already upto date! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Aishwarya Says:
    November 4, 2010 at 11:44 pm

    Sharmila,

    Wishing you, Reader, Shubha, Anand, MonaLisa and all dear friends a happy, safe and joyous Diwali. May Goddess Lakshmi shower you all with wealth, success and prosperity.

    Prayers,

    Aish.

    Reply
  3. Muraliraja Says:
    November 4, 2010 at 11:47 pm

    Sharmila,
    May the Goddess of wealth and peace find a permanent dwelling in your hearts and homes.
    May you dare to love, live and chase the dreams.
    Happy Diwali 🙂

    Reply
    • Sharmila Says:
      November 6, 2010 at 11:55 pm

      Thanks a ton Murali! And thank you fir the update on your background. I always knew I was interacting with a smart one! any movie tips this Diwali from Chennai? I think Arya’s new movie is out? He has been having a great run.

      Reply
      • Muraliraja Says:
        November 7, 2010 at 1:47 am

        Thanks Sharmila. Yes, Arya is having a dream run. Boss still rules the box office. But Chikku Bukku got delayed. Only 3 movies got released this Diwali. Haven’t seen any of them. Spending quality time with my parents in Coimbatore. I hear “VA – Quarter Cutting ” is total bore. Haven’t got any feedback on Myna & Uthamaputhiran. Will let you know in a day or two. Not expecting anything exciting from the above two. Now all my attention is towards “movie of the season” The Social Network! And coming Friday is the day!!

  4. saurabh Says:
    November 5, 2010 at 12:23 am

    thanks a lot sharmila

    Reply
  5. Reader Says:
    November 5, 2010 at 12:47 am

    Dear All,

    The following video shows the creation of the Sri Yantra. It is a 3 dimensional model of the universe that looks like a a set of polygons placed on the leaves of a lotus.

    Reply
  6. Reader Says:
    November 5, 2010 at 12:53 am

    This is the 3D image of the same Lakshmi Yantra… this is the shape of the known universe

    Please note: You have to let it load fully and then click on the play switch again after it has loaded first time.

    Reply
    • Reader Says:
      November 5, 2010 at 2:15 am

      Aishwarya,

      There is a reason for posting this one. The circles on paper are spheres in the 3 dimensions that represent various galaxies.

      The spheres are not exactly 60 degrees (1-12) as on a clock. They are 51 deg and 55 mimutes.

      So in reality these are not spheres. They are elliptical. The points at which they intersect each other generates the shape of the Laxmi yantra. This looks like intersecting cones in 3 D. Hence the pyramid shape is considered life giving. Osho’s steel and glass ashram in Pune is shaped to geometrical perfection as per the shape.

      Incidently, the elliptical shape of the galaxies is like our infamous humpty dumpty on the wall!!!! 🙂

      Reply
      • Aishwarya Says:
        November 5, 2010 at 12:16 pm

        The 3-D model in the clip above is fascinating. Like a lotus or a complex floral arrangement.

        The ashram must be quite an engineering marvel!

        =

        And Humpty Dumpty strikes again!!!

        🙂

      • Reader Says:
        November 5, 2010 at 12:28 pm

        If you go to Madurai or Kanyakumari or Dharmsthala etc.. you get copper models of the Sri yantra drawn on plates. or you can make it at home and build a 3D model in a cone. There are some avaialble in Pune near the Osho commne center.

        Keep it at the entrance after the Tulsi vrindavan.

        Or if none of that is possible, draw the SRi yantra every day with a rangoli…

        Practice makes perfect

      • Reader Says:
        November 5, 2010 at 12:30 pm

        The rangoli is easier if you can practice plotting the dots instead of drawing circles.

      • Aishwarya Says:
        November 5, 2010 at 12:43 pm

        I have seen copper models of the Sri Yantra. But I never knew its the model of our Universe!

        My mom-in-law is an expert at rangoli (kolam). I’ll try this with her help…

      • Reader Says:
        November 5, 2010 at 12:55 pm

        Saas, Bahu aur Rangoli.. Dhan ta dan…

      • MonaLisa Says:
        November 5, 2010 at 1:03 pm

        Hmmm..seems .the entire universe belongs to humpty Dumpty…

        BTW Reader….how do you make an omelet if you break an egg on the wall or on the ground..?

        In my opinion when you break an egg you make a Baby… 🙂

      • Reader Says:
        November 5, 2010 at 1:13 pm

        MonaLisa,

        Okay, make a baby.. but why fight?

        Look at Pakistan. Lord Mountbatten put that egg called Pakistan on a wall and it fell off and broke and the army and militants took over, fighting 3 wars with India just to keep their lot together.

        Instead they could have joined hands with India like Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and grew into a stable country.

  9. Reader Says:
    November 5, 2010 at 1:21 am

    Aishwarya, Sharmila, Saurabh, MonaLisa and EF,

    The graphics above are the real depiction of Laxmi. This is the shape described in the Veda. Laxmi as th wealth that is this universe, not Vishnu’s wife.

    The Laxmi sukta was added by brahmins in the appendix called Khila to simplify the meaning.

    Reply
    • Reader Says:
      November 5, 2010 at 2:31 am

      Aishwarya, Sharmila,

      Notice that the word is ‘Sri’ in the Vedas. The name Laxmi is used synonymously in the later discourses afterwards.

      However, there is no difference between the two. Both are Vishnu’s consorts. Both are one for philosophical interpretation.

      My statement that Sri is not Vishnu’s wife in the Vedic terms is because it does not describe a specific woman. The gender of the term Sri, the universe, is feminine. Vishnu is the name for Preservation. Sri is the preserved.

      I’d say they were very environment friendly worshippers even 5000 years ago!

      ===

      In contrast, consider those who talk of ‘Slave technology’, people who do not worship knowledge!

      Reply
      • Reader Says:
        November 5, 2010 at 2:37 am

        Aishwarya,

        This was the reason I asked you what you meant by devotion. I didn’t find any word or event where Sri or Laxmi are given human characteristics.

        Devotion is human nature. Sri or Laxmi is a divine concept.

      • Aishwarya Says:
        November 5, 2010 at 12:26 pm

        Reader,

        When we give human forms to the forces of Nature, perhaps we give them human qualities too…Or is it, virtues are given human forms… I am not sure.

        ” Lakshmi is the embodiment of Love, from which devotion to God or Bhakti flows from. It is through Love/Bhakti or Lakshmi that the atma or soul is able to reach God or Vishnu.”

        I read this in several sites. One of them:

        http://mantraaonline.com/sri-suktham/

        So, if there was victory of wealth over devotion, what would that mean? Lakshmi symbolizes wealth and devotion…

      • Reader Says:
        November 5, 2010 at 12:51 pm

        Agree, if both wealth and devotion are of the same person for the same purpose.

        Let me try to explain the conflict (if there is any) between Bhakti and Wealth.

        In The Narada Bhakti Sutra Ch 1 Sutra 5, Narada says:

        yat prapya na kinchit vanchati na sochati na dvesti na ramate na utsahi bhavati

        Yat – which; prapya – attained; na kinchit – not even a little; vanchati – desires for; na sochati – no regrets, laments; na dvesti – no hatred; na ramate – no rejoice; na uysahi – not excited; bhavati – Becomes

        Meaning: Bhakti makes a person desireless and free of sadness or joy…

        Contrast this with Shraddha (Faith)

        Faith does not remove desires and feelings of sadness and joy.

        That’s why I felt Wealth does not co-exist with Bhakti.

        Who knows… 🙂

      • Aishwarya Says:
        November 5, 2010 at 1:54 pm

        Thank you, Reader. I understand now.

        Bhakti. Shraddha. How deep and profound the meanings of these words are in our language. When translated in English, it doesnt feel the same…

        I see we have reached Who knows… from the Rig Veda.

        🙂

      • Reader Says:
        November 5, 2010 at 1:59 pm

        Aishwarya,

        And you know what that means… I am unable to think further!!!

        🙂

      • Aishwarya Says:
        November 5, 2010 at 2:04 pm

        I know… 🙂

      • Reader Says:
        November 5, 2010 at 2:18 pm

        Aishwarya,

        At the risk of sounding blasphemous let me say one more thing.

        This is the reason why a fan dumps a celebrity when the celebrity flaunts his/her wealth.

        The celebrity status is not a sign of integrity.

      • Reader Says:
        November 5, 2010 at 2:22 pm

        A fan following is a reflection of Bhakti, not Shraddha – devotion, not faith.

        I have Shraddha about the work that Arya Samaj chaps are doing.

        I have Bhakti about the handful of brilliant people in the Samaj.

        The two are not the same.

      • Aishwarya Says:
        November 5, 2010 at 3:03 pm

        The celebrity has wealth because he has a devoted fan following (bhakti). Wealth and devotion co-existing here? I didnt quite understand the celebrity example…

        I understood the example of the Arya Samaj. I interpreted it as, devotion is what we feel for God. Faith is in the religion.

      • Reader Says:
        November 5, 2010 at 3:17 pm

        Your example is of one person’s wealth co-existing with another person’s bhakti – not in the same person at the same time.

        Wealth must co-exist with Shraddha, because one cannot achieve wealth without Shraddha.

        Bhakti gives up wealth voluntarily.

        On a lighter note, I think most NGO and charities encash that gap in a celebrities personality.

      • Aishwarya Says:
        November 5, 2010 at 3:45 pm

        Celebrating the victory of wealth over devotion doesnt seem right…and they cannot co-exist… So, what we see around is wealth and little devotion…

        🙂

      • Aishwarya Says:
        November 5, 2010 at 3:48 pm

        And a lot of faith…for the wealth…

        🙂

      • Reader Says:
        November 5, 2010 at 4:04 pm

        Aishwarya,

        Let me put it this way.

        I am still not clear why Bali was killed.

        Bali, as I have heard, is an icon of Bhakti, perhaps similar to Narada except that Narada was a Rishi and had completely renounced any form of ownership.

        What is Laxmi’s interest in Bali’s defeat?

        Who really killed Bali?

      • Aishwarya Says:
        November 5, 2010 at 4:16 pm

        Vaman…(if its Mahabali)

        Whether an Asura is good or bad or an icon of devotion, he must die, so the Gods may rule. Is it so? I dont know…

    • MonaLisa Says:
      November 5, 2010 at 1:27 pm

      Lol ….Reader,
      some ppl like it that way….what you gonna do..?
      Its very hard for Destructive minds to be constructive..
      Depends on individual mentality and likings if to have an omelet or a scrambled egg.
      Probably its a genetic deffest or something.
      How many times they-their ancestors invaded India in past..? Is it something new or obvious they are doing now..!? I don’t think so…
      To expect otherwise is something unusual …in my opinion.. 🙂

      Reply
      • Reader Says:
        November 5, 2010 at 1:33 pm

        True. Mountabatten broke the egg and created this baby called pakistan.

        no one India feels that it was an accident. That is also the root cause of the fight.

      • MonaLisa Says:
        November 5, 2010 at 1:53 pm

        Reader,
        The entire world knows that it was a premeditated crime and not an accident. Its was a well thought, well planned outrageous destruction of a nation they were forced to leave. Ppl have different ways to take revenge. 🙂

  10. MonaLisa Says:
    November 5, 2010 at 2:41 am

    Sharmila, Reader, Aishwarya, Shubha, Lakshmi ,Ninad, Saurabh, Murali Raja and all (hopefully all names are covered)
    Wish you all A very Happy Diwali. May God shower Wealth ( The most imp. aspect of today’s material world) upon you all which shall bring Joy and related Happiness in everyone’s lives.
    Have a good time and happy celebration to All.

    Reply
  11. MonaLisa Says:
    November 5, 2010 at 3:04 am

    🙂 Lets Dance and Dine(& wine) together… 🙂

    Reply
    • Reader Says:
      November 5, 2010 at 10:50 am

      MonaLisa, Sharmila,

      This is the first Diwali on Sharmia’s blog. Worth a party.

      How do people have parties on the net?

      Reply
      • MonaLisa Says:
        November 5, 2010 at 11:40 am

        Reader,
        Good question. Never had such opportunity or time to do so before so no idea exactly how…..
        But we can pour champagne or wine at a same time, then take a sip together….lol
        we can twist and twirl in our space and Hug and Kiss….what do we have smileys for..!? 🙂

        PS.. my version may not be suitable to others…. Take it or leave it….no complaints this festive season… 🙂

      • Reader Says:
        November 5, 2010 at 11:48 am

        MonaLisa,

        Can you find any smileys that show-up as Diwali lights?

        On a black background if you fill the box with those lights the page will look bright…

        Like this: (I am trying an Angel art… stop me if you can)

        🙂 🙂 🙂
        🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
        🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
        🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
        🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
        🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

      • MonaLisa Says:
        November 5, 2010 at 11:53 am

        Aha…! It sounds like ‘Catch me if you can’…hehehe…Reader
        🙂

  12. Reader Says:
    November 5, 2010 at 11:08 am

    Day 3 and 4 of Diwali.

    Reply
  13. Reader Says:
    November 5, 2010 at 11:57 am

    …………………. 🙂
    ……… ……… 🙂 🙂
    ….:) 🙂 :):) 🙂 :):)
    …. 🙂 :):) 🙂 :):)
    …….:) 🙂 :):) 🙂
    ……….:) 🙂 🙂

    HAPPY DIWALI

    Reply
  14. Reader Says:
    November 5, 2010 at 1:52 pm

    A party on the blog is not the same thing as the real thing…

    Reply
  15. Aishwarya Says:
    November 5, 2010 at 2:14 pm

    Party! AB style!

    Reply
  16. Reader Says:
    November 5, 2010 at 3:27 pm

    For me a party involves just two persons… and a lonely place among the hills.. inhabited by free birds who don’t stare back…. 🙂

    Hmm.. let me see if I can find something on those lines…

    Reply
  17. Reader Says:
    November 5, 2010 at 4:23 pm

    Happy Diwali.. wake up early and take a bath…

    Reply
  19. Reader Says:
    November 5, 2010 at 4:35 pm

    Here it is full song:

    Sahir spins magic in the words: Life is an accident / coincidence / a chance happening

    Reply
  20. Reader Says:
    November 5, 2010 at 5:07 pm

    Yeh itna sannata kyon hai bhai?… where is the music.. and party..?

    Reply
  21. Reader Says:
    November 5, 2010 at 5:33 pm

    Words.. words.. words… words… words… and all the pages are still blank…

    Reply
  22. Reader Says:
    November 5, 2010 at 7:56 pm

    I am getting old, I keep forgetting things

    Reply
  23. Reader Says:
    November 5, 2010 at 8:18 pm

    Aishwarya, Sharmila,

    I am already preparing for Ooty. Vacations begin next Thursday. Hope my vodafone net and phone are still working. The phone was pre-paid and I had used up all the balance in the waiting lounge at B’lore last time.

    But the net connect is paid for a whole year I think. I should be able to log on.

    I plan to stay at Hosur if I can. Need to find an architect and a lawyer to develop a plot in the TVS colony. If not I will stay at BLR and drive down.

    Reply
    • Reader Says:
      November 5, 2010 at 8:40 pm

      Sharmila, Aishwarya,

      Just spoke to my planners. They have booked the most ridiculous flight plan.

      Landing at BLR at 1500 and connecting Kingfisher at 2115 to Coimbatore.

      I am going to rust at the BLR airport for 6 hrs!

      Aaaaaaaarrrrrrrgggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!

      Reply
  25. Reader Says:
    November 5, 2010 at 9:04 pm

    Another retro… this was my constant refrain when I was sitting on the hills of Amby Valley in Lonavala, deciding where I wanted to settle for the last time… that was when I decided to move South instead of North…

    Reply
  26. Reader Says:
    November 5, 2010 at 9:31 pm

    And when I reached Ooty I just fell in love with the place:

    Reply
  27. Reader Says:
    November 5, 2010 at 9:42 pm

    And today, this is the result of the transition:

    Reply
  28. Aishwarya Says:
    November 5, 2010 at 11:51 pm

    Thats a lovely song. Vinod Mehra and Moushumi Chatterjee…

    I was thinking of a suitable reply too…either more upbeat like this:

    Reply
  29. Aishwarya Says:
    November 5, 2010 at 11:52 pm

    Or become strangers again…

    Reply
  30. Reader Says:
    November 6, 2010 at 10:56 am

    On the occassion of Bhai Dooj, here is a quote from the famous dialogue between Yama and Nachiketa. Bhai dooj is the day Yama comes to meet his sister (Earth).

    In Hinduism, Yama (the spirit of Death) teaches Dharma (Righteousness).

    The conversation between Yama and Nachiketa is described in the Katha Upanishad.

    Here is an extract:

    Naiva vaacha na manasaa praaptum sakyo na chakshusha |
    Astiti bruvato anyatra katham tad upalabhyate ||

    … … … Not in speech, nor in mind nor in sight is Life acquired |
    … … … How can you find Life if you claim it any where else ||

    Astiti eva upalabhavyas tattva-bhavena chobhayoh |
    Astiti eva upalabdhasya tattva-bhavah prasidati ||

    … … … Life is the Existent and in Principles manifest |
    … … … Life is experienced and in Principles resident ||

    Yada sarve pramuchyante kama ye’sya hrdi sritah |
    Atha mrtya amrtya abhavati atra samasnute ||

    … … … Sever all desires and the associations of the heart |
    … … … All mortal and immortal elements merge in Brahma ||

    Yada sarve prabhidyante hrayasyeha granthayah |
    Atha mrtya amartya abhavati etavad anusasanam ||

    … … … When all the bondages of the heart are broken |
    … … … A mortal appears immortal; this is the discipline ||

    Shatam Chaika cha hrdayasya naadyas taasam muurdhanam abhinih shritaika |
    Tay urdhvam dyann amrtatvam eti, visvann anya utkramane bhavanti ||

    … … … 101 arteries in the heart, of which one ends in the crown of the head |
    … … … Life that passes through this is immortal; rest are other functions ||

    Angusthamatrah purusho antaraatma sadaa jananam sannivistha |
    Tam svach shariraat pravrhen munjad ivesikam dhairyena:
    Tam vidyacha shukram amrtam tam vidyacha shukram amrtam iti ||

    The purusha (inner self) is but the size of a thumb, abides always in the heart |
    This self is to be drawn from the body, as one blows wind in a reed:
    This self is pure and immortal; yes this purusha (self) is pure and immortal ||

    Mrtya-proktam nachiketa atha tabhdva vidyam etam yoga vidhim cha krtsnam |
    Brahma prapto virajo abhud vimrtyur anyopy evam ya vid adhyaatmaam eva ||

    Then Nachiketa gained the knowledge of the yoga and the ritual of death |
    The way to unite with Brahma and the true path of spirituality and freedom ||

    Katha Upanishad I:12 to 18

    Translation mine.

    Happy Diwali to all.

    Reply
    • Reader Says:
      November 6, 2010 at 11:32 am

      Aishwarya,

      I have tried my best to type the Sanskrit words as they are spoken. Now you see it is easier to understand.

      Again, let me clear that my translation is mainly conceptual.

      For example, the location of the thumb- sized purusha is not clearly stated. It may well be the hypothalamus in the brain…

      Who knows…

      Reply
      • Aishwarya Says:
        November 6, 2010 at 9:22 pm

        Reader,

        Thank you for the wonderful translit and translation. Only ‘the Spirit of Death’ felt a little strange because I associate ‘spirit’ with Life…

        The first Diwali at Sharmila’s has truly been a rewarding experience…Goddess Lakshmi’s picture at the start, the Sri Sukta, the Lakshmi Yantra, the significance of Bhai Dooj and the many discussions…

        Diwali in my place is a low-key affair compared to other States and there are several things that I have only now had the opportunity to know and understand…

        Thank you.

      • Reader Says:
        November 6, 2010 at 11:29 pm

        Aishwarya,

        It’s all true but so intricately camouflaged in stories and history that readers tend to either blow it out of proportion or dismiss it completely.

        Most of the literature is what teachers used in gurukul in those days to teach young students.

        The scientific research etc was recorded in complex treatise and taught in Universities which was restricted. Many of these were stolen by dumb Englishmen and many were destroyed during the invasions.

      • Aishwarya Says:
        November 7, 2010 at 12:09 am

        I find certain aspects difficult to comprehend…but as you say there is a strong scientific basis for these teachings.

        It is indeed a great loss that the research has been lost or destroyed, never to be retrieved.

    • MonaLisa Says:
      November 6, 2010 at 11:54 am

      Reader,
      If that thumb size Purusha (inner self) abides in Heart..then .how could that be Hypothalamus..!?

      Reply
  31. MonaLisa Says:
    November 6, 2010 at 12:03 pm

    Does that Purusha has something to do with seven Chakras..?

    Reply
  32. Reader Says:
    November 6, 2010 at 1:46 pm

    MonaLisa, Aishwarya, Sharmila, Shubha,

    My interpretation that Purusha resides in the heart is based on the sukta on Purusha in the Rig Veda 10:90

    It says:

    Sahasra shirsha Purusha: | Sahasraksha: sahasrapaad |
    Sa bhumim vishvato vrtva | Atyatishtad dashangulam ||

    Purusha of the thousand ends | Of thousand sights and lodgings ||
    Ecapsulates the earth and universe | Yet resides ten fingers here ||

    (Literal – Shirsha: head; Aksha: Eyes; Paad: Legs;)

    I interpret this as ten fingers below the Adam’s apple which is the heart. Could be above which is the hypothalamus!!! A surgeon who works on the Pituitory glands has to drill through the roof of the mouth – the distance is about 10 fingers.

    Titbits:

    Purusha is translated as generic male, but that is a very bad interpretation! I don’t think that was meant in the veda.

    In another male chaunivinistic line, the first egg is created from the stem cell of the male!

    Reply
  33. Reader Says:
    November 6, 2010 at 1:49 pm

    MonaLisa,

    The seven chakras are energy cycles from the tail bone to the two vacuums in the skull. One vacuum is in the crown and the other is between the eyes. The energy (more like a DC current of electrons) rise in circles from the battery (tail-bone or Kundalini) and move upward.

    Purusha is not material in that sense.

    Reply
    • MonaLisa Says:
      November 6, 2010 at 2:23 pm

      Do they mean “Soul ” by “Purusha”….??? if purusha is not material…

      Reply
      • Reader Says:
        November 6, 2010 at 4:57 pm

        MonaLisa,

        I don’t think so. The soul is categorically called Atma. There is no other word.

        And the singularity from which an atma dissociates at birth and merges after death is called Parmaatma.

        Purusha, I feel, is simply an intangible form of energy that carries a code, if one believes in re-birth.

  34. Reader Says:
    November 6, 2010 at 1:54 pm

    Sharmila, MonaLisa, Aishwarya

    I’ll be online every two hours. My baby in the office is in the ICU. Her anti-virus program crashed and the surgeon is burning her disks.

    Am logging in from my personal laptop. Shall be back again at 1200 my time and then in the evening at 1700.

    Reply
  35. MonaLisa Says:
    November 6, 2010 at 2:17 pm

    Reade r,
    is there any resemblance with Crown Chakra which is known as Sahasrara Chakra…which is shown in pics many times like Lotus Flower….with thousand petals.
    Chakras are the energy sources- power stations in other words.

    That poor egg-being the first one all alone felt so miserable, had a fall and broke so badly until found abode in you know where….poor male….ch..ch…chauvinist. 🙂

    Reply
    • Reader Says:
      November 6, 2010 at 4:53 pm

      Yes. The crown Chakra is like a lotus as yous say.

      I don’t think they are sources of power though. They are more like transformer switch yards that step-up or step-down the voltage.

      Never mind the egg and it’s fate.

      BTW:

      I have found the right word for the Smriti books. Legends.

      I call Purana’s mythology because lot of them stories are about talking birds and appearing and disappearing gods.

      Reply
      • MonaLisa Says:
        November 6, 2010 at 11:11 pm

        Reader,
        Those stories sound like Fairy Tales.
        Does anyone know if such things happen…!!!?
        Do you know the method-How to awaken Kundalini..? What purpose does it serve..? If Chakras are Transformer switch yards then by awakening Kundalini they are charged or recharged….is that you mean..!?
        1. How does that help..in day today life..?
        2. Do they function if Kundalini is not awaken..? How..?
        3. If it works as is they what is the need to awaken Kundalini..?

      • Reader Says:
        November 6, 2010 at 11:45 pm

        MonaLisa,

        There is no such thing as activation of a chakra. All the chakra’s are always active in a living person including the Kundalini.

        Some minor ones are inactive in paralytic cases.

        Whatever bodily functions are happening without conscious pain or any feeling like beating of the organs, transactions between different systems are caused by chakras.

        However, it is different from anatomy in medicine.

        These chakras are more about the presence of Prana, Life.

        Those who talk of activation are actually indulging in controlling the chakra. That is Tantrik skills.

      • MonaLisa Says:
        November 7, 2010 at 12:00 am

        Reader,
        Tantra is also a part of Vedas…if I am not wrong.
        Why that has not been in practice if its useful to the individual. As far as I heard it has been limited to a particular group of ppl called Tantrik. It’s very hard to find a Real Tantrik these days who can authentically teach the tactics to awaken Kundalini.
        Why is not very known to all ? Is it a very difficult thing to practise or because some sect just had to have hold of it solely..?

      • Reader Says:
        November 7, 2010 at 12:25 am

        MonaLisa,

        This pranic energy business is very risky.

        Even those who try them often get paraplegic or lose some organs or body parts.

        There are simple yogic practices for a normal life. Like Patanjali’s Hatha yoga. Those are enough to live a healthy life.

        Tantrism can lead to deformities.

        Buddha was a master of the techniques and used it for good reasons. His practice is called Buddha Tantra.

        Also, there were many saints like Dnyaneshwar who parcticed tantra for social awakening.

        Dnyaneshwar’s sister mukta used to fry chapatis on his back!!!

      • MonaLisa Says:
        November 7, 2010 at 2:38 am

        Reader,
        To turn the body heat so high without damaging, burning a single organ, any part of the body is amazing.

      • Reader Says:
        November 7, 2010 at 10:24 am

        Dnyaneshwar was a natural yet even he was assisted by his elder brother in the learning.

        But why do that now when we have electric stoves and french cooks?

      • MonaLisa Says:
        November 7, 2010 at 11:24 am

        Reader,
        Wouldn’t that be helpful when you have power outage..?!!! 🙂

  36. Reader Says:
    November 6, 2010 at 5:20 pm

    Sharmila, Aishwarya et al,

    Where are you? Seems like I am talking to a black wall. With the festivities in progress, I guess you have better things to do.

    I’ll log off with one more song… let me know when you are back…

    Reply
  37. Sumit Goyal Says:
    November 6, 2010 at 7:50 pm

    happy deepawali dear

    Reply
  38. Reader Says:
    November 6, 2010 at 11:58 pm

    Miss Aaja Mahiye,

    Where were you? And where is Sharmila?

    I came online.. kept staring at a lifeless screen for a long time… and fell asleep in the sofa as I usually do… and recalled some old romantic days…

    This happened a long time ago during my dreamy younger romantic days… Ashwini often made me wait for 3-4 hours outside her place… you know in real life you cannot log off…. you just wait on the Hero Honda, legs folded up in the air and a cap on the head!

    Hmm.. but those were fine days… weren’t they?…

    Reply
  39. Reader Says:
    November 7, 2010 at 1:17 am

    Aishwarya,

    That was a long long long long time ago.. back in the stone age… when I was of the right age and quite a stone-head!!!

    These days I respond only to disembodied enchanting souls… like a haunting melody on a rainy day!!! Something like this:

    Reply
  40. Reader Says:
    November 7, 2010 at 1:44 am

    Aishwarya,

    Good Night 🙂

    Reply
  41. Reader Says:
    November 7, 2010 at 11:26 am

    Good Morning,

    Wait… I am just getting ready… wait for 5 minutes, I’ll be back in an hour…

    Reply
  42. Reader Says:
    November 7, 2010 at 11:48 am

    Sharmila, Aishwarya, MonaLisa and EF,

    This space is like a home away from home… Thinking the Indian Way … what better theme can there be for a blog?

    Reply
  44. Reader Says:
    November 7, 2010 at 3:34 pm

    Sharmila, Aishwarya, MonaLisa,

    I was just informed by a friend in Pune that my elder brother R, died on 15th June this year due to a brain haemorrhage. He was 51.

    The eldest one is 56, he mentioned it to one of my friends this morning.

    Damn!

    What I was thinking about?

    3 out of the 6 are gone. Mother, Father, One Brother.

    3 to go. Who’s next?

    Hope it’s me. I am sick of this life.

    Reply
    • Aishwarya Says:
      November 7, 2010 at 4:10 pm

      Reader,

      I am so sorry… Please dont lose heart. Your brother is in a safer happier place. May his soul rest in peace.

      I am totally at a loss for words now. But I want you to know that I am right here if you need me. We all are.

      Tc,

      Aish.

      Reply
    • MonaLisa Says:
      November 7, 2010 at 9:57 pm

      Reader,
      Sorry for your loss…
      So sad you lost contact with your brother since long and found out about his demise by an outsider after 5-6 months….
      Good thing is…you have childhood memories to dwell upon….some ppl don’t even have that…
      How precious Life is…is we know only after Death catches up..
      How precious the relations are…all we know after we lose it….
      All I can say is to grieve properly and don’t lose your heart….
      Why so averse of everything and loathe life..?
      Hope you feel better soon…
      May God Bless..
      Take care…

      Reply
    • saurabh Says:
      November 7, 2010 at 10:05 pm

      to reader,
      my sincere condolonces to you and your brother’s family.damn this life is tough ,only 51,and please dont be disheartened .There are still many hings which you can give to your life ,country,society.in fact we are like your family on this blog.we will lokk forward to your guidance ,on this blog for years to come and learn something from you…

      Reply
    • Sharmila Says:
      November 8, 2010 at 2:32 pm

      Dont say this Reader. Stay strong. God tests us all the time and we need to keep battling the vagaries of life. Such is fate as being born as a human.

      Reply
  45. Reader Says:
    November 7, 2010 at 3:46 pm

    It’s unfair. Death is. So damn unfair.

    His daughters are 16 and 13. His wife doesn’t earn enough to feed the kids forget education and marriage.

    He was the archtypical aquarian. All bottled up and full of emotional intelligence.

    He was the only one who knew when I needed a hug even when I was quiet.

    I still talk to him in my dreams as I talk to my mom and dad. But I didn’t know he was dead.

    Now thats all there is left – the conversation in the dreams. There is never going to be another reality.

    What was I thinking about? I never expected to talk to hiim again after April 28, 2003. Nor the eldest one who is alive, nor the sister.

    I will die too. Just like everyone does. And there won’t be any sons and daughters to lament my death.

    I don’t want to be seen. I don’t want to be known.

    I will remain what I am today. Just another Reader.

    Reply
    • Shubha Says:
      November 7, 2010 at 5:39 pm

      Reader,

      I am so sorry to know about the sad demise of your brother. I was off the computer for the past few days attending to innumerable chores. Please don’t lose heart. Take care!

      Reply
    • Shubha Says:
      November 7, 2010 at 6:30 pm

      Reader,

      Just heard the Shri Suktam and read the Navagraha Stotram which you have taken such great pains to type for me. Thanks a lot. Come out of this mood and listen to the Suktam. I am listening to it as I am typing this. I shall now read the translation. I am amazed at your patience and perseverance. Typing the transliteration and the translation is definitely not an easy task. Thanks again.

      Shubha

      Reply
    • Sharmila Says:
      November 8, 2010 at 2:31 pm

      Reader – I am so terribly sorry. I just logged back in in and read this. Please accept my condolences and I pray for your family.

      Reply
  46. Shubha Says:
    November 7, 2010 at 5:33 pm

    Sharmila, Aishwarya, Reader, Monalisa, Anand and everyone here I hope you had a joyous and Happy Deepavali. The past few days have been very hectic and finally I have found some respite to get back to connect with all of you!

    Belated wishes to all of you for a Happy Deepavali!

    Reply
  47. Reader Says:
    November 7, 2010 at 9:30 pm

    Aishwarya, Shubha,

    I have an elephant’s memory for some things and their details. My parents and siblings are part of them.

    Sorry for the sudden depressed note.

    I am okay. Thank you.

    Shubha, ‘Dil ki girah khol do’ is not Sahir.. That is Shailendra… BTW Shailendra was Raj Kapoor’s favorite lyricist… known for his simple folk songs and tunes… like Dil ka haal sune dilwala, jis desh mein ganga behti hai, Mera naam raju etc

    Reply
    • Shubha Says:
      November 8, 2010 at 7:26 pm

      Reader,

      Glad to have you back in your usual mood! I am trying to memorize the Navagraha Stotram amidst all the chaos and confusion around me. Believe me, it is not an easy task to play a multitude of roles efficiently! The professional demands are always there 24×7 and those cannot be ignored either. To top it all there is a wedding in the family after a week!

      Somehow the lyrics of Dil Kee Giraha Khol do chup…..do not seem to be as simple and straight as the lyrics of Shilendra’s other songs.

      Reply
  48. Reader Says:
    November 7, 2010 at 9:42 pm

    Aishwarya, Shubha, Sharmila,

    I am sorry. Lets get it off the blog.

    Life is a song… sad and sadder at times… that’s all there is… and perhaps more to come…

    Let’s leave this one with one: This song is for him. I wish he had lived a happier life. At 51 he was just beginning to know how to be happy.

    Reply
    • Aishwarya Says:
      November 7, 2010 at 10:23 pm

      Reader,

      Please dont be sorry…

      Thank you for allowing us to share your grief. Wherever your brother is, he will want you to be happy…just as we do…

      Glad you are feeling better now. Tc.

      Reply
    • Shubha Says:
      November 8, 2010 at 7:32 pm

      Reader,

      This song has a very depressing tune… 😦

      Reply
  49. Reader Says:
    November 8, 2010 at 11:10 am

    Good Morning to those who are waking up, Good Night to me.. I am just going to bed…

    दर दर घूम रहा था जब मैं
    चिल्लाता – हाला ! हाला !

    मुझे न मिलता था मदिरालय,
    मुझे न मिलता था प्याला;

    … … मिलन हुआ, पर नहीं मिलन-सुख
    … … लिखा हुआ था किस्मत में,

    … … … … मैं अब जमकर बैंठ गया हूँ,
    … … … … घूम रही है मधुशाला |

    Translit

    Dar dar ghuum raha tha jab mayn
    Chillaata – haala ! haala !

    Mujhe na milta tha madiraalay
    Mujhe na milta tha pyaala,

    … … Milan hua, par nahin milan-sukh
    … … Likha hua tha kismat mein,

    … … … Mayn abb jamkar bainth gaya hun,
    … … … Ghuum rahi hai Madhushaala |

    Harivanshrai Bachchan in Madhushaala Verse 118

    Reply
    • MonaLisa Says:
      November 8, 2010 at 11:45 am

      Reader,
      Good night..!!? Did you change your location or did you work graveyard shift…?!
      Seems like you are not in mood to translate the verse….! never mind…! Thanks for putting it up.
      Good night to me and Good morning to those occupying and residing in the eastern part of the glob.

      Reply
  50. Reader Says:
    November 8, 2010 at 12:02 pm

    MonaLisa,

    Graveyard duty? Hmmm… you mean something like this?

    Reply
  51. Reader Says:
    November 8, 2010 at 1:15 pm

    Unable to call it a day and go to sleep. Maybe I’ll call it a night and stay awake.

    Still better I’ll go to the office. It’s the best place to sleep peacefully.

    Reply
  52. Reader Says:
    November 8, 2010 at 1:40 pm

    MonaLisa,

    Why would I miss a soul? In fact I found I had one of my own after I left everyone alone…

    Reply
    • MonaLisa Says:
      November 8, 2010 at 11:01 pm

      Reader,
      True….when you are happy within and with yourself….you need no one or miss anything or anybody in life.
      But then there should be no darkness….

      Reply
      • Reader Says:
        November 8, 2010 at 11:08 pm

        MonaLisa,

        Thank you. It’s not like you to agree with anything I say first time.

        You are right. I am more of a moonlight guy. Not complete darkness.

      • MonaLisa Says:
        November 8, 2010 at 11:59 pm

        Reader,
        Lol…..Is that your perception about me..!? Well..! then I proved you wrong about me now..! 🙂

      • Reader Says:
        November 9, 2010 at 12:37 am

        MonaLisa,

        Sorry if that sounded rude… I am not well.. down with fever… not very focussed…

      • MonaLisa Says:
        November 9, 2010 at 2:15 am

        Reader,
        Take good care of your health. Hope you feel better soon.

  53. Reader Says:
    November 8, 2010 at 9:29 pm

    Shubha,

    Memorizing the Vyaas Navagrah Stotra is easy.

    Remember it in the order of the day to the night. Since you know basics of Sanskrit it is easier.

    Following is my translation of the main text:

    Japakusum sankasham kaashapeyam mahaadyutim |
    Tamorhim sarva paapaghnam pranatosmi divalaram ||

    … … … Chant the name of the flower-like, the brilliant child of Kashyap |
    … … … The eradicator of darkness and sin, origin of my life, The Sun ||

    Dadhi shankha tushaarabham kshirodaarrnav-sambhavam |
    Namaami shashinam somam shambhor mukuta bhushanam ||

    … … … Bright like the milk, like a conch shell, like the snow peaks |
    … … … I acqueice to The Moon, Ocean-born, life of Soma, jewel on Shiva’s crown ||

    Dharani garbha sambhutam vidyut kaanti samaprabham |
    Kumaram shakti hastam cha mangalam pranamamyaham ||

    … … … Borne of the efflugence, energy from the womb of the earth |
    … … … With power of young hands, Mangal (Mars), You are in my life ||

    Priyangu kalika shyaamam ruupenaa pratimam budham |
    Saumyam saumya guno peytam tam budha, pranaamyaham ||

    … … … Of affable cimmerian calm demeanor and disposition |
    … … … Gentlest of gentle characteristics, Budha (Mercury), You are in my life ||

    Devaananch hrishi naancha guru kaanchan sannibham |
    Buddhi bhuutam trilokesham tam namaami brihaspatim ||

    … … … Radiant like Gold, and abode of deities and sages |
    … … … Preserve of Intelligence, Ruler of three worlds, Guru (Jupitor) You are in my life ||

    Himakund mrunalaabham daiytyaanam paramam gurum |
    Sarva shastra pravaktaram bhargavam pranamamyaham ||

    … … … Brilliant like the white snow, spiritual master of the asuras |
    … … … Apostle and preacher of the scriptures, Shukra (Venus), You are in my life ||

    Nilaanjan samaabhaasam ravi putram yamaagrajam |
    Chhaya maartand sambhuutam tam namaami shanaiyshcharam ||

    … … … Of dark blue complexion, Sun’s progeny, forebearer of the spirit of Death |
    … … … Borne by a shadow, Shani (Saturn), I acquiece to you ||

    Ardha kaayam mahaaviryam chandra aditya vimardanam |
    Simhika garbha sambhuutam tam raahu pranamamyaham ||

    … … … Of half a body, yet the strength to cover the Sun and the moon |
    … … … Borne of a lioness’ womb, Raahu (Solar eclipse), You are in my life ||

    Palaash pushpa sankasham taraka grah mastakam |
    Raudram raudraatmakam ghoram tam ketu pranamyaham ||

    … … … Of the color of the palace flower (Krishna kamal), head of the constellations |
    … … … Fiercest of the fierce to life, Ketu (Lunar eclipse), You are in my life ||

    Translation mine.

    Reply
    • Shubha Says:
      November 9, 2010 at 2:49 am

      Reader,

      Excellent translation. I understood it perfectly. I have liked the stotram even more after reading the translation. Thanks a lot 🙂

      Reply
  54. Reader Says:
    November 8, 2010 at 10:04 pm

    Shubha,

    The Vyas navagrah stotra is a simple perceptual composition – like making a light melody out of a deeply involved classical raga.

    Here is the original Vedic Navagrah Suktam (Note: Suktam not stotra. Sukta is an anlytic discourse written in a hymn metre. Stotra is an appreciation as in stuti.)

    ===

    Beginning:

    Aum Shuklaam Bharadharam vishnum shashni varnam chaturbhujam |
    Prasanna vadanam dhyaayet sarva vighnopa shaantayam ||

    Aum bhuh Aum bhuvah Oagam suvah Aum maha Aum janah AUm tapah Aogam Satyam | Aum Tat savitu varenyam bhargo devasya dhi mahi | Dhi yo yonah pracho dayaat ||

    Mamah upaatt samasta durit kshaya dvaara, shri parameshwar prityartha aaditya aadi navagrah devata prasad sidhyartha aaditya aadi navagrah namaskaraan karishye ||

    ===

    Text:

    1.

    Aum aasatyen rajasa vartamaaon niveshayan amrutam martyam cha |
    Hiranya yen savita rathena adevo yaati bhuvana vipashyanam |

    Agni duutam vruni mahe hotaaram vishwa vedasam | Asya yadnya asya sukrutam |

    Yesha aamishe pashu patih pashunam chatushpadamut cha dwipadaam |

    Niskriitto ayam yadniyam bhagam etu raaya posha yajamaan asya santu ||

    Aum adhi devata pratya adhi devata sahitaaay aadityaay namah ||1||

    2.

    Aum Aapyaayasva sametu te vishwa tas som vrushniyam | Bhava vaajasya sangathe |

    Apsu mey somo abravidant vishwaani bheshaja |

    Agni cha vishwam bhuvam aapa cha vishwa bheshajaih |

    Gauri mimaay salilaani takshat eka padi dwi padi sa chatushpadi | Astha padi nav padi babhu vushi sahsra akshara parame vyoman ||

    Aum adhi devata pratya adhi devata sahitaaay somaay namah ||2||

    ===

    To be continued…

    Reply
  55. Reader Says:
    November 8, 2010 at 10:14 pm

    Shubha,

    Continued…

    3.

    Aum agni murdhwa divah kuk patih pruthivya ayam |

    Apaagam etaangam asi jeevanti | Syona pruthivi bhav anrukshara niveshani |

    Yachh anashharma saprathah | Kshetra asya patina vayam hitey eva jayam asi |

    Gaam ashwam poshayit anva sa no mrudaati drushe ||

    Aum adhi devata pratya adhi devata sahitaaay angaar kaayah namah ||3||

    (Mangal, Mars is called angaar kaaya, fire bodied)

    To be continued…

    Reply
  56. Reader Says:
    November 8, 2010 at 10:27 pm

    Shubha,

    Continued..

    4.

    Aum udbudhya swa agney prati jagrah ena amishtha purtey sagam sruja etha amayan cha |

    Punah krunvak gastva pitaram yuvan manvaat agamsit tvayi tantum etam |

    Idam vishnu vi chakra aye tredha nit adhe padam | samuudham asya paagam surey |

    Vishnoh aatam asi, vishnoh prushtam asi, vishnoh ushhna atrestho, vishno ussyuh asi, vishno dhruvam asi, vaiyshnam asi, vishnave tva ||

    Aum adhi devata pratya adhi devata sahitaaay budhaay namah ||4||

    Reply
  57. Reader Says:
    November 8, 2010 at 10:37 pm

    Shubha,

    Continued…

    5.

    Aum bruhaspate atiyadaryo arha adi uttam advibhaati krutumat janeshu |

    Yat dida yat cha vasart prajaat tat asmaasu dravin andhehi chitram |

    Indra marut va iha paahi somam yatha shaaryaate api bassut asya |

    Tab praniti tab shuur sharma anavi vaasanti kavay asya suyadnya |

    Brahma dnyaanam prathamam purastad visiimat asya surucho ena aavah |

    Sabudhnya upama asya vishtha asya satash cha yonim satash cha vivaha ||

    Aum adhi devata pratya adhi devata sahitaaay bruhaspataye namah ||5||

    To be continued…

    Reply
  58. Reader Says:
    November 8, 2010 at 10:44 pm

    Shubha,

    Continued…

    6.

    Aum pravah Shukraay bhaanave bharadhvam |Havyam matim cha agney suputam |

    Yo daivyaaani maanusha jana ungamshim | Antar vishwaaani vidma na jigaati |

    Indraanimaasu naarishu supatnim aham shravam |

    Na hi asya aparachan jarasa marate patih |

    Indram vo vishwa taspari hava mahe janebhyah |

    Asmaakam astu kevalah ||

    Aum adhi devata pratya adhi devata sahitaaay shukraay namah ||6||

    To be continued…

    Reply
  59. Reader Says:
    November 8, 2010 at 10:51 pm

    Shubha,

    Continued..

    7.

    Aum Shanno devir bhisthaya aapo bhavantu piitaye |

    Shanyor bhisra vantu naha |

    Prajaapatey na tva detaan anyo vishwa jataani parita babhuva |

    yat kama aste juhum ast anno astu vayak gasyam patayo rayinam |

    Imam yam prastaram aahi siida angiro abhi pitra bhis samvidaanah |

    Aatva mantroh kavish asta bahan tvena raajan, havisha maadayasva ||

    Aum adhi devata pratya adhi devata sahitaaay shaniysh charaay namah ||7||

    To be continued…

    Reply
  60. Reader Says:
    November 8, 2010 at 10:58 pm

    Shubha,

    Continued…

    8.

    Aum kaya nas chitra aabhuvaduuti sada vrudha sakha |

    Kaya shachisthaya vrita |

    Aa ayangou prushni akramit asanna maatram punah |

    Pitaran cha prayant suvah | Yat te devi nih rutih aab bandh daam greev asva vichartyam |

    Ida ante tat vishyaam aayusho na madhy at tatha aajivah pitumat adhi pramuktah |

    Aum adhi devata pratya adhi devata sahitaaay raahave namah ||8||

    To be continued…

    Reply
  61. Reader Says:
    November 8, 2010 at 11:05 pm

    Shubha,

    Last verse.

    9.

    Aum ketu krunvannya ketave pesho marya apesha ase | samush at bhirajaay athah |

    Brahma devaanam padavih kavinaam hrishi vipranaam mahisho mrugaanaam |

    Shyeno grudhaana aagasva adhiti vanaanaagam samam pavitram ityeti rebhan |

    Sa chitra chitram chitayan atam asme chitra kshatra chitra tamam vayodhaam |

    Chandram rayim puru veeram bruhantam chandra abhi grunatey yuvasva ||

    Aum adhi devata pratya adhi devata sahitaaay ketubhyo namah ||9||

    || Aum Aaditya aadi Navagrah Devataabhyo namo namah ||

    ===

    || Aum Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih ||

    Reply
  62. Reader Says:
    November 8, 2010 at 11:18 pm

    Shubha,

    One last entry on this. To do a japa simply say the last line of each verse:

    Aum adhi devata pratya adhi devata sahitaaay aadityaay namah ||1||

    Aum adhi devata pratya adhi devata sahitaaay somaay namah ||2||

    Aum adhi devata pratya adhi devata sahitaaay angaarakaay namah ||3||

    Aum adhi devata pratya adhi devata sahitaaay budhyaay namah ||4||

    Aum adhi devata pratya adhi devata sahitaaay bruhaspataay namah ||5||

    Aum adhi devata pratya adhi devata sahitaaay shukraay namah ||6||

    Aum adhi devata pratya adhi devata sahitaaay shaniyshcharaay namah ||7||

    Aum adhi devata pratya adhi devata sahitaaay raahave namah ||8||

    Aum adhi devata pratya adhi devata sahitaaay Ketave namah ||9||

    || Aum shaanti shaanti shaantih ||

    Reply
  63. Shubha Says:
    November 9, 2010 at 2:55 am

    Reader,

    How can you even attempt writing the entire sukta in English?? I was gaping at all that you have written in amazement and awe! The sukta is long and difficult to memorize but the japam that you have written in the end will be good to chant on a daily basis. I will write it down and then try and chant it regularly. Thanks again…:-)

    Reply
    • Reader Says:
      November 9, 2010 at 11:22 am

      Shubha,

      I said earlier. You take one step, I will take a hundred.

      There are very few people who have the time or inclination for this sort of thing.

      Everyone wants to know “Why?” and ‘What for?”

      I am content even if someone says, “Let me learn this. I will think of ‘why’ and ‘what for’ later.”

      Reply
    • Reader Says:
      November 9, 2010 at 11:28 am

      Shubha,

      Spelling mistake in Line 4 of the Japam… ‘Budhaaya’.. not budhyaay…

      Budha is the seat of Intelligence..

      Reply
    • Reader Says:
      November 9, 2010 at 1:10 pm

      My problem is when I learnt things that I enjoy I don’t ask myself ‘Why’ ‘What for?’ etc. Mainly because I don’t learn to live longer, be happier or make more money. Those things just happen.

      For example, I don’t use 5% pf the subjects that I am interested in for making money from my job. My job is just about operational risks in the Oil & Gas industry.

      I would deprive myself of all the fun if I decided I didn’t want to know anythiing else.

      Reply
  64. Reader Says:
    November 9, 2010 at 11:19 am

    MonaLisa,

    Mantra, Tantra, Yantra…

    Chanting is a method, a technique – the tantra.

    But the Mantra has to be understood before you chant in order to derive the correct benefits.

    Chanting is not a ‘medical’ cure for any illness if that is what you meant by ‘results’.

    Remember the days in school when we learnt some of the texts in history or geography books by rote? I don’t know if you did, but I did, specially subjects that I didn’t like to go into detail.

    We got through the exams but if anyone asked us the answers today we’d have to search for the books again.

    Chanting has the same effect actually. Like simply programming something in the conscious memory or the RAM in IT lingo.

    In order to convert a Mantra into a perceptual result, chanting is not enough, one needs the yantra as well – the tools, instruments, machinary so to speak.

    ===

    For example,

    My mother suffered from partial Alzheimers in the last few years of her life.

    She could recognize everything but could not remember words to speak her mind. And the words that came out were so garbled in Kannada, English, Telugu, Tulu, Marathi that no one except my father and myself understood what she was trying to say.

    One day, we had gone to some saint’s village in western maharashtra. The pujari saw her state and said, “teach her to chant this:

    “Shri Raam Jai Raam Jai Jai Raam”

    There was no need to teach her. She began the moment the pujari said it, right there in the temple.

    There was no stopping her after that. Every waking moment she kept breathing that chant like a audio clip set on auto replay.

    From absolute speechless-ness she began to recollect the words slowly – at least those words that she called me in fun – like donkey (kwaana), dumbo etc.

    By the time she died she was very close to normal – though without the energy to talk rapidly as she did in her younger days.

    ===

    Chanting is not a external invasive ‘medical’ cure but just a mental discipline that is induced through repetition.

    The vedic chants have effects that appear miraculous because of the gap in the consciousness of the observer and the doer.

    Like, there is one called the “Mrutyunjay Japa”… if chanted continuously it is known to kill parasites in the body. I don’t know how that happens. It must be causing the hormonal systems to generate enough anti-bodies to fight the infections.

    Reply
    • Reader Says:
      November 9, 2010 at 11:37 am

      MonaLisa,

      Caution: Mrutyunjay Japam is forbidden for pregnant women.

      Reply
    • MonaLisa Says:
      November 9, 2010 at 1:13 pm

      Reader,
      By ‘result’ and ‘fruitfulness’ I meant all the aspects (like astrological,spiritual,medical and any other known areas).
      The mantras for 9 planets-Do they really gratify the planets if chanted repeatedly…?
      While meditating one is told to focus on, chanting one mantra repeatedly. ‘Aum’ being the symbol of cosmic energy creates wonders i heard. So there must be some cleansing properties possessed by those mantras. Or may be its a process to recharge one’s batteries…!? who knows..!?

      Reply
      • Reader Says:
        November 9, 2010 at 1:25 pm

        Who knows…? Cheeky one… 🙂

        You are completely mistaken about gratifying the planets though. There is no such thing.

        Stars, planets and celestial objects are part of astronomy.

        Do what I do about this. Rely on what it makes you feel.

        In my esoteric world, everything begins and ends within my Self.

        The characteristics described in the Navagrah suktam exist in me. (Prana mam aham – In my life)

        I am the Soul of the Sun, I am the love of the moon, I am the energy of Mars, I am the intellect of Jupiter, I am the Apostle of the Scriptures, I am the forebearer of the spirit of death, I am Raahu who can over shadow the strengths of the Sun and Moon, I am the evil Ketu that can cause misery to living creatures.

        I can. I choose to do good. I choose not to be evil.

        ===

        Aum is the vibration that passes through empty space. It is the sound of that occupies everything in this universe. It is the Ninad.

        ===

        Chanting is a sort-of discipline.

        ===

        Am I right?

        Who knows… ? 🙂

      • Reader Says:
        November 9, 2010 at 1:33 pm

        MonaLisa,

        Did you notice I forgot to say i am gentle and peaceful like Mercury!

        Just shows…

        🙂

      • MonaLisa Says:
        November 9, 2010 at 1:58 pm

        Reader,
        Just shows what..!? That you are…….????
        Not mistaken about propiciating and appeasing 9 planets by chanting those mantras as it wasn’t a statement. Just asked out of curiosity that they are really the techniques to enhance one’s abilities and inner strength or not..?!

      • Reader Says:
        November 9, 2010 at 2:02 pm

        MonaLisa,

        The Tantra or Japa only keeps our faculties alive. The actual yantra or practice depends on the opportunities we create for ourselves.

        I missed out gentleness and peacefulnee, means it’s not in active mode! 😦

  65. Reader Says:
    November 9, 2010 at 12:09 pm

    MonaLisa, Shubha,

    This is good to know. But chant only if you feel like.

    This is the Mrutyunjay Mantra . The Japa is “Aum Haum Juum Sah” which is chanted continuously in illness.

    Reply
    • Reader Says:
      November 9, 2010 at 12:24 pm

      Note: The Aum in the beginning of the Japa is customary, not a must.

      The japa is like an incantation, which is what all chants are designed for:

      Haum juum sah juum haum juum sah juum haum juum sah juum haum juum sah and so on forever…

      Reply
  66. Reader Says:
    November 9, 2010 at 1:47 pm

    Shubha, MonaLisa, Aishwarya, Sharmila,

    In the gurukul methods there is one called Ghan Paathah. It plays with the words in a mantra till every meaning and combination make sense. At the end the student doesn’t need a dictionary to know what the word means. Simply grasps the meaning by using it several times.

    Shall I give an example?

    Hmm.. may be not… I seem to be scaring you guys away… sorry…

    Aishwarya has disappeared already… Lakshmi Jag and similar co haven’t been seen for a long time… Even Sharmila drops in once in a day… wonder whats going on.. or am I the affected one?…

    May be we should go back to movies, politics and patriotism…

    I’ll shut up for a while…

    (eerrrhmmm caution: “a while” can mean anything from a few seconds to a re-incarnation!)… 🙂

    Reply
    • MonaLisa Says:
      November 9, 2010 at 2:18 pm

      Reader,
      You reincarnate every now and then …so that wouldn’t be a problem….hehehe
      Don’t put words in my mouth and make me say the things I really don’t want to… 🙂
      I got no problem with this topic either. It’s all very interesting. Pick any topic…..I am in the learning process so it won’t hurt.
      Or if you suggest….we can take a break for a while…at least I can…!

      Reply
    • Aishwarya Says:
      November 9, 2010 at 3:11 pm

      Reader,

      Sorry. I am here now. Avidly reading, following and listening…but not really having much to say…

      Or if you insist, I’ll correct a spelling error…

      “Aum Shuklaam Bharadharam vishnum shashi varnam chaturbhujam”

      Not ‘shashni’.

      All prayers begin with invoking Lord Ganesha…

      Haved saved them all on my desktop. My daughter will say it by rote in no time. And listening to her, so will I…

      You make every topic interesting, so please dont stop…even for a while…

      🙂

      Reply
      • Reader Says:
        November 9, 2010 at 3:24 pm

        Aishwarya,

        I was not looking at the screen. Lot of spelling mistakes. It’s difficult to spot them on a tablet PC.

        Learning by rote is one way. A ghana paatha also helps in catching the meaning.

        Let me see if I can give you a simple example.

  67. Reader Says:
    November 9, 2010 at 3:41 pm

    Aishwarya,

    Example of the Mryunjay Maha Mantra

    The Vedic Mantra is:

    Triyambakam yajaamahe sugandhim pushti vardhanam | Urvaa rukam iva bandhanaan | Mrutyor mukshiya ma mritaat ||

    The ghana paatha is as follows:

    Triyambakam yajaamahe yajaamahe triyambakam sugandhigam sugandhim yajaamahe triyambakam triyambakam yajaamahe sugandhim | triyambakam iti tri ambakam ||

    Yajaamahe sugandhim sugandhim yajaamahe yajaamahe sugandhim pushti vardhanam pusthi vardhanagam sugandhim yajaamahe yajaamahe sugandhim pushti vardhanam |

    Sugandhim pusthi vardhanam pushti vardhanagam sugandhigam sugandhim pushti vardhanam | Sugandhim iti sugandhim pushti vardhanam iti pushti vardhanam ||

    Urvaa rukam ive urvaarukam urvaarukam iva bandhanaat bandhanaadi urvaarukam urvaarukam ive bandhanaat |

    Iva bandhanaat bandhanaat ive iva bandhanaan mrutyor mrutyor bandhanaat ive iva bandhanaan mrutyoh |

    Bandhanaan mrutyor mrutyor bandhanaat bandhanaan mrutyor mukshiya mukshiya mrutyor bandhanaat bandhanaan mrutyor mukshiya |

    Mrutyor mukshiya mukshiya mrutyor mrutyor mukshiya ma ma mulshiya mrutyor mrutyor mukshiya ma |

    Mukshiya ma ma mukshiya mukshiya ma amritaat amritaan ma mukshiya mukshiya ma amritaat | Ma amritaat amritaan ma ma amritaat |

    Amritaat iti amritaat ||

    ===

    Reply
  68. Reader Says:
    November 9, 2010 at 3:48 pm

    Aishwarya,

    Sorry forgot all the commas…

    Triyambakam yajaamahe, yajaamahe triyambakam sugandhigam, sugandhim yajaamahe triyambakam, triyambakam yajaamahe sugandhim | triyambakam iti tri ambakam ||

    Yajaamahe sugandhim, sugandhim yajaamahe, yajaamahe sugandhim pushti vardhanam, pusthi vardhanagam sugandhim yajaamahe, yajaamahe sugandhim pushti vardhanam |

    Sugandhim pusthi vardhanam, pushti vardhanagam sugandhigam, sugandhim pushti vardhanam | Sugandhim iti sugandhim, pushti vardhanam iti pushti vardhanam ||

    Urvaa rukam ive urvaarukam, urvaarukam iva bandhanaat, bandhanaadi urvaarukam, urvaarukam ive bandhanaat |

    Iva bandhanaat, bandhanaat ive, iva bandhanaan mrutyor, mrutyor bandhanaat ive, iva bandhanaan mrutyoh |

    Bandhanaan mrutyor, mrutyor bandhanaat, bandhanaan mrutyor mukshiya, mukshiya mrutyor bandhanaat, bandhanaan mrutyor mukshiya |

    Mrutyor mukshiya, mukshiya mrutyor, mrutyor mukshiya ma, ma mukshiya mrutyor, mrutyor mukshiya ma |

    Mukshiya ma, ma mukshiya, mukshiya ma amritaat, amritaan ma mukshiya, mukshiya ma amritaat | Ma amritaat, amritaan ma, ma amritaat |

    Amritaat iti amritaat ||

    ====

    Reply
  69. Reader Says:
    November 9, 2010 at 5:42 pm

    Aishwarya,

    Are you able to open the page? It is taking ages to open. Probably reaching the memory limit.

    Reply
  70. Aishwarya Says:
    November 9, 2010 at 6:06 pm

    Nope…taking ages…hope this one makes it through…

    Reply
  71. robenszelte Says:
    October 11, 2011 at 10:02 am

    Considerably well executed blog

    Reply

Leave a reply to Reader Cancel reply