What do you call "a person or agency considered to be a source of wise counsel or prophetic predictions or precognition of the future, inspired by the gods"
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Confidence
Confidence is the by-product of discovering answers to thes questions:
1. Who am I?
2. What are my gifts?
3. Why am I here?
4. Where am going?
5. What gives my life purpose and significance?
6. What are my values?
7. What values and behaviours do I intensionally express in the world I live in?
1. Who am I?
2. What are my gifts?
3. Why am I here?
4. Where am going?
5. What gives my life purpose and significance?
6. What are my values?
7. What values and behaviours do I intensionally express in the world I live in?
Friday, August 24, 2012
Mangalsutra
Mangalsutra
Why is this post?
Last year when we were buying Mangalsutra, a question popped up in mind, what is the significance of 2 cups in Mangalsutra, are these cups important or black beads? What is the significance? Although I asked this question to many of elders, friends, but, didn't get any concrete answers. In an attempt to find answers, starting this blog by collecting as much info as possible.Note that, whatever is written below is info I have collected and not necessarily that, I believe this. I hope to find concrete answer and post it as conclusion. :)
Significance
The significance to the Mangalsutra was first given by Adi Shankara in his famous book Soundarya LahariImportance of Mangalsutra
- Due to the mangalsūtra the woman remains conscious of Dharma, duty and rules. Wearing mangalsūtra is an important conduct for a married woman. This is called code of Righteousness for women. Due to this the woman does not indulge in wanton behaviour and her conduct remains ideal.
- Due to the mangalsūtra the woman and others are conscious of her marital status. Mangalsūtra is a marital bondage. Its main objective is that the woman should remember this sacred bondage and there should not be any immoral behaviour on her part. That others should also be conscious that the woman wearing a mangalsūtra is a married woman and she should be respected properly is also the objective behind it.
- Due to the mangalsūtra the consciousness of the husband in the form of Shiva remains constantly awakened in the woman.
- Mangalsūtra is symbolic of Shiva and Shakti. In this, gold is in the form of Shakti and the structure of stringed black beads is in the form of Shiva.
- Mangalsūtra is an ornament that attracts Divine Principle in highest proportion. In a mangalsūtra both the cups are hollow from one side and are raised from the other. The mangalsūtra is worn facing the hollow side towards the body. The Divine Principle is attracted in the voids of the cups in higher proportion than in any other ornaments.
- Through the mangalsūtra the woman gains Energy of Desire, Action and Knowledge. The mangalsūtra is a link that provides Shakti in the form of the Absolute Fire Element (Tēj) to the woman to actually perform a task.
Structure of mangalsūtra with a kanṭhamaṇi and the gold cups
- The length of the mangalsūtra should be such that it reaches the Anahat-chakra or the centre of the chest. As the length of the mangalsūtra is up to the Anāhat-chakra, due to the sāttviktā of the mangalsūtra the increased Raja-guna in the woman is reduced. As a result, the attitude of detachment is generated in her. With this it becomes possible for the woman to dwell in the present constantly.
Why is the hollow part of the central cups of the Mangalsutra placed towards the Anahat-chakra?
In the centre of the mangalsūtra there are two cups. The cups should be round and there should be no design on its front.
•Round shape is associated with zero, that is, with the Brahman consisting of void. The ability to absorb and emit the waves of specific level as per the need of the person is more in the round shape compared to the other shapes.
•Round shape is symbolic of Energy of Knowledge.
•Round shape is associated with the Sattva-guna in the form of Shiva-Shakti.
•The central point of the round shape provides waves in the form of striking Shakti (Energy) whereas the raised part is associated with Brahman in the form of Shiva.
On both sides of each cup there are two round gold beads. This structure is associated with the Energy of Knowledge.
The subtle effect of the structure is:
•The waves of emotions are activated in the Anāhat-chakra of the woman.
•The waves of Energy of Knowledge are attracted towards the circular figure of the voids of the cups of the mangalsūtra.
•The waves of Knowledge assimilate the waves of the woman’s emotions.
By this process the woman’s actions (karmas) become non-actions (akarmas), that is, the law of action-and-fruit is not applicable to the karmas done by the woman because of which the awareness of doership of the woman reduces.
The four petal flowers above the cups of the Mangalsūtra:
•Above each cup of the mangalsūtra, there is a figure of a four petal flower. This is associated with the Action energy.
•The vibrations of the woman’s Energy of Action solidify in the round beads and are in the forefront in functioning as per the need.
•It helps generate a protective sheath near the Anāhat-chakra of the woman.
Why should there be no design on the raised front part of the cups?
If there is no design on the front part of the cups, there is no restriction on the ability of the structure to absorb and emit the Absolute Fire Element (Tēj-tattva) in gold. Similarly the gold cups and the bead of the mangalsūtra being design-free, its ability to absorb and emit the Chaitanya in the Universe increases. Hence, the woman is protected from the attacks of negative energies.
Why are two strings of black beads present in the Mangalsūtra?
The two strands of black beads of mangalsūtra symbolise Shiva and Shakti. From the task performed by the union of Shiva and Shakti, one gains benefit in the form of Chaitanya. This gain is depicted in the form of the central gold cups that join the strands. The two strands of mangalsūtra symbolise duality. Duality means continuity of task. The two strands of the beads are used from this perspective also. The rectangular shaped void created in one part of the two strands of black beads attracts the waves of Energy of Desire. The nine black beads stringed in each part of the strand symbol-ise the nine forms of the Primal Energy (Ādishakti). The black beads strung in the gold cord collect the negative vibrations of the attack of negative energies, on the body of the woman from time to time and destroy them.
There are seven parts of nine black beads each in both the strands mangalsūtra of the mangalsūtra. In order to demonstrate these parts, four gold round-shaped beads are arranged in a square shape as a central link. With this the Shakti Principle in the woman remains in a constantly activated state and it is protected from the attacks by negative energies.
Importance of structure of Mangalsūtra
In the mangalsūtra there are two gold cups in the centre, one gold bead on each side and then black beads are strung. In each of the two strands of the mangalsūtra nine beads followed by two gold beads are strung. Due to the black beads strung in the mangalsūtra the woman is harmed to some extent.
•Waves of black energy associated with the Absolute Earth and Water element are attracted to the black beads of the mangalsūtra.
•A cover of these waves is generated around the body of the woman.
•Through the black beads waves of black energy are emitted in the atmosphere.
Due to the covering of black energy waves there is distress like pain, giddiness, restlessness etc. Considering the harm, one may wonder why the black beads should be used. Though there is 30 percent harm due to the black beads strung in the mangalsūtra, there is 70 percent benefit also. The reason for this is that mangalsūtra is beaded with a thin wire of gold. The gold wire destroys the distressing vibrations present in the Universe through its Energy of the Absolute Fire element (Tēj-Shakti).
The reason for the destruction of distressing vibrations by the Tēj-Shakti of gold: The use of black beads and gold in mangalsūtra is akin to amulet, that is, talisman. For alleviation of distress by negative energies, an amulet or a talisman is worn around the neck. The black thread of the amulet attracts the black energy and the Holy ash in the amulet destroys it. In a mangalsūtra black beads are used in place of black thread and gold in the place of Holy ash. When a woman with more than 50 percent spiritual level wears a mangalsūtra the ability of the gold in it to emit the Absolute Fire Element (Tēj-tattva) remains activated.
•The structure of the cups and the beads strung on both sides of the mangalsūtra are associated with the woman’s Energy of procreation. One cup and the beads at its sides make a figure of a triangle. This figure keeps the woman’s Energy of procreation continuously awakened. Energy of procreation is the Energy spreading enthusiasm continuously in the entire Universe through the medium of Creation. Thereby, she constantly remains in a loving mode.
•The round shape of the mangalsūtra awakens the woman’s Central channel (Sushumnā-nāḍī). The elliptical shape of the mangalsūtra is associated with the unmanifest Energy of Action of Srīvishṇu. This shape awakens the Central channel (Sushumnā-nāḍī) of the woman. Hence, it helps the prākruti in the form of woman to merge with Shiv in the form of man. As per the design of the mangalsūtra, its effect is expressed either at the saguṇ or Nirguṇ level.
Why do men don't have to wear a Mangalsutra?
Every Conduct for men and women has been propounded with a specific objective. If wearing a mangalsūtra is Dharma for women, wearing a janēu(sacred thread) is Dharma for men. On this, some people may question why is there no custom for men to wear a mangalsūtra?Since in Karmakānḍa, man is recognized as a father-figure, the possibility of adultery by him is less. The nature of men is basically strong, determined and conducive for leadership. Hence, in the performance of Karmakānḍa, man is recognised as a father-figure. Due to the authority as a father, the possibility of adultery is less. In society however, men are more adulterous than women. If this be so, why is it said that the possibility of adultery by man is less ?
Compared to a woman, a man is less emotional, more introverted and rational. So there is less possibility of his being adulterous / wilful. Yet various Conducts have been prescribed for him in Hindu Dharma. In Kaliyuga, men and women are equally adulterous. In this situation, what should men do to acquire the same benefits as that of wearing a mangalsūtra? The answer is that when the man carries out his father-figure duties and inculcates an attitude of listening to others, it will foster unity in the family. Holy thread (janēu) worn by him will remind him of his father-figure duties.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Chat with GOD
God: Hello... Did you call me?
Me: Called you? No.. who is this?
God: This is GOD. I heard your prayers. So I thought I will chat.
Me: I do pray. Just makes me feel good. I am actually busy now. I am in
the midst of something..
God: What are you busy at? Ants are busy too.
Me: Don't know. But I cant find free time. Life has become hectic. It's rush hour all the time.
God: Sure. Activity gets you busy. But productivity gets you results.
Activity consumes time. Productivity frees it.
Me: I understand. But I still cant figure it out. By the way, I was not expecting YOU to buzz me on instant messaging chat.
God: Well I wanted to resolve your fight for time, by giving you some clarity. In this net era, I wanted to reach you through the medium you are comfortable with.
Me: Tell me, why has life become complicated now?
God: Stop analyzing life. Just live it. Analysis is what makes it complicated.
Me: why are we then constantly unhappy?
God: Your today is the tomorrow that you worried about yesterday. You are worrying because you are analyzing. Worrying has become your habit. That's why you are not happy.
Me: But how can we not worry when there is so much uncertainty?
God: Uncertainty is inevitable, but worrying is optional.
Me: But then, there is so much pain due to uncertainty..
God: Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.
Me: If suffering is optional, why do good people always suffer?
God: Diamond cannot be polished without friction. Gold cannot be purified without fire. Good people go through trials, but don't suffer. With that experience their life becomes better not bitter.
Me: You mean to say such experience is useful?
God: Yes. In every terms, Experience is a hard teacher. She gives the test first and the lessons afterwards.
Me: But still, why should we go through such tests? Why can't we be free from problems?
God: Problems are Purposeful Roadblocks Offering Beneficial Lessons (to) Enhance Mental Strength. Inner strength comes from struggle and endurance, not when you are free from problems.
Me: Frankly in the midst of so many problems, we don't know where we are heading..
God: If you look outside you will not know where you are heading. Look inside. Looking outside, you dream. Looking inside, you awaken. Eyes provide sight. Heart provides insight.
Me: Sometimes not succeeding fast seems to hurt more than moving in the right direction. What should I do?
God: Success is a measure as decided by others. Satisfaction is a measure as decided by you.Knowing the road ahead is more satisfying than knowing you rode ahead. You work with the compass. Let others work with the clock.
Me: In tough times, how do you stay motivated?
God: Always look at how far you have come rather than how far you have to go. Always count your blessing, not what you are missing.
Me: What surprises you about people?
God: when they suffer they ask, "why me?" When they prosper, they never ask "Why me". Everyone wishes to have truth on their side, but few want
to be on the side of the truth.
Me: Sometimes I ask, who am I, why am I here. I can't get the answer.
God: Seek not to find who you are, but to determine who you want to be. Stop looking for a purpose as to why you are here. Create it. Life is not a process of discovery but a process of creation.
Me: How can I get the best out of life?
God: Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear.
Me: One last question. Sometimes I feel my prayers are not answered.
God: There are no unanswered prayers. At times the answer is NO.
Me: Thank you for this wonderful chat. I am so happy to start the New Day with a new sense of inspiration.
God: Well. Keep the faith and drop the fear. Don't believe your doubts and doubt your beliefs. Life is a mystery to solve, not a problem to resolve.
"All we are is a result of what we have thought."
Me: Called you? No.. who is this?
God: This is GOD. I heard your prayers. So I thought I will chat.
Me: I do pray. Just makes me feel good. I am actually busy now. I am in
the midst of something..
God: What are you busy at? Ants are busy too.
Me: Don't know. But I cant find free time. Life has become hectic. It's rush hour all the time.
God: Sure. Activity gets you busy. But productivity gets you results.
Activity consumes time. Productivity frees it.
Me: I understand. But I still cant figure it out. By the way, I was not expecting YOU to buzz me on instant messaging chat.
God: Well I wanted to resolve your fight for time, by giving you some clarity. In this net era, I wanted to reach you through the medium you are comfortable with.
Me: Tell me, why has life become complicated now?
God: Stop analyzing life. Just live it. Analysis is what makes it complicated.
Me: why are we then constantly unhappy?
God: Your today is the tomorrow that you worried about yesterday. You are worrying because you are analyzing. Worrying has become your habit. That's why you are not happy.
Me: But how can we not worry when there is so much uncertainty?
God: Uncertainty is inevitable, but worrying is optional.
Me: But then, there is so much pain due to uncertainty..
God: Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.
Me: If suffering is optional, why do good people always suffer?
God: Diamond cannot be polished without friction. Gold cannot be purified without fire. Good people go through trials, but don't suffer. With that experience their life becomes better not bitter.
Me: You mean to say such experience is useful?
God: Yes. In every terms, Experience is a hard teacher. She gives the test first and the lessons afterwards.
Me: But still, why should we go through such tests? Why can't we be free from problems?
God: Problems are Purposeful Roadblocks Offering Beneficial Lessons (to) Enhance Mental Strength. Inner strength comes from struggle and endurance, not when you are free from problems.
Me: Frankly in the midst of so many problems, we don't know where we are heading..
God: If you look outside you will not know where you are heading. Look inside. Looking outside, you dream. Looking inside, you awaken. Eyes provide sight. Heart provides insight.
Me: Sometimes not succeeding fast seems to hurt more than moving in the right direction. What should I do?
God: Success is a measure as decided by others. Satisfaction is a measure as decided by you.Knowing the road ahead is more satisfying than knowing you rode ahead. You work with the compass. Let others work with the clock.
Me: In tough times, how do you stay motivated?
God: Always look at how far you have come rather than how far you have to go. Always count your blessing, not what you are missing.
Me: What surprises you about people?
God: when they suffer they ask, "why me?" When they prosper, they never ask "Why me". Everyone wishes to have truth on their side, but few want
to be on the side of the truth.
Me: Sometimes I ask, who am I, why am I here. I can't get the answer.
God: Seek not to find who you are, but to determine who you want to be. Stop looking for a purpose as to why you are here. Create it. Life is not a process of discovery but a process of creation.
Me: How can I get the best out of life?
God: Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear.
Me: One last question. Sometimes I feel my prayers are not answered.
God: There are no unanswered prayers. At times the answer is NO.
Me: Thank you for this wonderful chat. I am so happy to start the New Day with a new sense of inspiration.
God: Well. Keep the faith and drop the fear. Don't believe your doubts and doubt your beliefs. Life is a mystery to solve, not a problem to resolve.
"All we are is a result of what we have thought."
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Making Dreams Come True
If you desire to move forward in life towards fulfillment,
you shouldn't, at any time complain about the obstacles.
To complain of difficulties is to betray weakness and lack of faith.
Every obstacle is a golden opportunity for further progress.
Those who transfer obstacles into opportunities are true leaders.
They make the dreams come true.
If you desire to move forward in life towards fulfillment,
you shouldn't, at any time complain about the obstacles.
To complain of difficulties is to betray weakness and lack of faith.
Every obstacle is a golden opportunity for further progress.
Those who transfer obstacles into opportunities are true leaders.
They make the dreams come true.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Rs 1 = USD 100
Year : 2050
Place : IBM , USA
(Two Americans Talking)
Currency Conversion Rate : INR 1 Rs = USD $ 100
Alex: Hi John, you didn't come yesterday to office?
John: Yeah, I was in Indian Embassy for stamping.
Alex: Oh really, what happened, I heard that nowadays it has become
very strict.
John: Yeah, but I managed to get it.
Alex: How long it took to get it stamped?
John: Oh, it was nasty man, long queue. Bill Gates was standing in
front of me and they played with him like anything. That's why it got
delayed. I went there at 2 AM itself and waited and returned by 4 PM .
Alex: Really? In India , it is a matter of an hour to get stamped for USA
John: Yeah, but that is because who in India will be interested in
coming to USA man, their economy has been booming.
Alex: So, when are you leaving?
John: Anytime, after receiving my tickets from the client in India and
you know, I will be getting a chance to fly Air-India. Sort of dream
come true.
Alex: How long are you going to stay in India .
John: What do you mean by how long? I will be settled in India , my
company has promised me that they will process my Hara Patta ..(green
card)
Alex: Really, lucky person man, it is very difficult to get a Hara
Patta in India .
John: Yeah, that's why, I am planning to marry an Indian girl there.
Alex: But you can find lots of US girls in Hyderabad , Bangalore and Mumbai.
John: But, I prefer Indian girls because they are beautiful and cultured.
Alex: Where did you get the offer, Hyderabad?
John: Yeah, salary is good there, but cost of living is quite high, it
is Rs. 2000/- for a single room accommodation.
Alex: I see, that's too much for US people, Rs.1/- =$100/-. Oh God!
What about in Bangalore, Mumbai?
John: No idea, but it is less than what we have in Hyderabad. It is
like the world headquarters of software
Alex: I heard, almost all the Indians are having one personal Robot for help.
John: You can get a BMW car for Rs. 5000/-, and a personal Robot for
less than Rs.7500/-. But my dream is to purchase Ambassador, which
costs Rs.2 ,00,000/- but has got a lovely design.
Alex: By the way, who is your client?
John: Subbarao and Apparao Associates, a pure Indian company,
specialising in Embedded Software.
Alex: Oh, really, lucky to work in a pure Indian company. They are
really intelligent and unlike American Bodyshoppers who have opened
their Fly-by-night outfits in India . Indian companies pay you in full
even when you are on bench.
My friend Paul Allen, it seems, used his bench time to visit Bihar,
the most liveable place in India , probably world. There you have full
freedom and no restrictions. You can do whatever you want! I
wonder how that state has perfected that system.
John: Yeah man!, you are right. I hope our Americaalso follows their
footsteps.
Alex: How are you going to cope with their language?
John: Why not? From my school days I have been learning Hindi as my
first language here at New York . At the Consulate they tested my
proficiency in Hindi and were quite impressed by my cent per cent
score in TOHIL i.e. Test of Hindi as International Language.
Alex: So, you are going to have fun there.
John: Yeah, I will be travelling in the world's fastest train, world's
largest theme park, and the famous Bollywood where you can see actors
like, Hrithik, Shah Rukh Khan and all. Esselworld is also near
Bollywood.
Alex: You know, the PM is scheduled to visit US next year, he may then
relax the number of visas.
John: That's true. Last month, Narayana Murthy visited White House and
donated Rs. 2000/- for infrastructure development at aSiliconValleyand
has promised more if we follow the model of High-
Tech City of Bangalore . Bill Gates also got a chance of meeting him.
Very lucky person.
Alex: But, Indian government is planning to split Narayanamurthy's Infosys.
John: He is a hard worker man, he can build any number of Infosys like
this. Every minute he is getting Rs. 1000/-. It seems, if you keep all
his money converted as Rs. 100/- notes you can reach Pluto.
Alex: OK, Good Luck John.
John: Same to you Alex. And don't go to Consulate in a "Kurta Pyjama"
because they will think you are too Indianised and may doubt you will
never come back and hence your Non-Immigrant Visa may get rejected.
But don't forget to say " Namaste, aap kaise hai " to the Visa officer
at Window 5. It seems he likes that and will not give you a visa if
you don't greet him that way.
Place : IBM , USA
(Two Americans Talking)
Currency Conversion Rate : INR 1 Rs = USD $ 100
Alex: Hi John, you didn't come yesterday to office?
John: Yeah, I was in Indian Embassy for stamping.
Alex: Oh really, what happened, I heard that nowadays it has become
very strict.
John: Yeah, but I managed to get it.
Alex: How long it took to get it stamped?
John: Oh, it was nasty man, long queue. Bill Gates was standing in
front of me and they played with him like anything. That's why it got
delayed. I went there at 2 AM itself and waited and returned by 4 PM .
Alex: Really? In India , it is a matter of an hour to get stamped for USA
John: Yeah, but that is because who in India will be interested in
coming to USA man, their economy has been booming.
Alex: So, when are you leaving?
John: Anytime, after receiving my tickets from the client in India and
you know, I will be getting a chance to fly Air-India. Sort of dream
come true.
Alex: How long are you going to stay in India .
John: What do you mean by how long? I will be settled in India , my
company has promised me that they will process my Hara Patta ..(green
card)
Alex: Really, lucky person man, it is very difficult to get a Hara
Patta in India .
John: Yeah, that's why, I am planning to marry an Indian girl there.
Alex: But you can find lots of US girls in Hyderabad , Bangalore and Mumbai.
John: But, I prefer Indian girls because they are beautiful and cultured.
Alex: Where did you get the offer, Hyderabad?
John: Yeah, salary is good there, but cost of living is quite high, it
is Rs. 2000/- for a single room accommodation.
Alex: I see, that's too much for US people, Rs.1/- =$100/-. Oh God!
What about in Bangalore, Mumbai?
John: No idea, but it is less than what we have in Hyderabad. It is
like the world headquarters of software
Alex: I heard, almost all the Indians are having one personal Robot for help.
John: You can get a BMW car for Rs. 5000/-, and a personal Robot for
less than Rs.7500/-. But my dream is to purchase Ambassador, which
costs Rs.2 ,00,000/- but has got a lovely design.
Alex: By the way, who is your client?
John: Subbarao and Apparao Associates, a pure Indian company,
specialising in Embedded Software.
Alex: Oh, really, lucky to work in a pure Indian company. They are
really intelligent and unlike American Bodyshoppers who have opened
their Fly-by-night outfits in India . Indian companies pay you in full
even when you are on bench.
My friend Paul Allen, it seems, used his bench time to visit Bihar,
the most liveable place in India , probably world. There you have full
freedom and no restrictions. You can do whatever you want! I
wonder how that state has perfected that system.
John: Yeah man!, you are right. I hope our Americaalso follows their
footsteps.
Alex: How are you going to cope with their language?
John: Why not? From my school days I have been learning Hindi as my
first language here at New York . At the Consulate they tested my
proficiency in Hindi and were quite impressed by my cent per cent
score in TOHIL i.e. Test of Hindi as International Language.
Alex: So, you are going to have fun there.
John: Yeah, I will be travelling in the world's fastest train, world's
largest theme park, and the famous Bollywood where you can see actors
like, Hrithik, Shah Rukh Khan and all. Esselworld is also near
Bollywood.
Alex: You know, the PM is scheduled to visit US next year, he may then
relax the number of visas.
John: That's true. Last month, Narayana Murthy visited White House and
donated Rs. 2000/- for infrastructure development at aSiliconValleyand
has promised more if we follow the model of High-
Tech City of Bangalore . Bill Gates also got a chance of meeting him.
Very lucky person.
Alex: But, Indian government is planning to split Narayanamurthy's Infosys.
John: He is a hard worker man, he can build any number of Infosys like
this. Every minute he is getting Rs. 1000/-. It seems, if you keep all
his money converted as Rs. 100/- notes you can reach Pluto.
Alex: OK, Good Luck John.
John: Same to you Alex. And don't go to Consulate in a "Kurta Pyjama"
because they will think you are too Indianised and may doubt you will
never come back and hence your Non-Immigrant Visa may get rejected.
But don't forget to say " Namaste, aap kaise hai " to the Visa officer
at Window 5. It seems he likes that and will not give you a visa if
you don't greet him that way.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)