Why do we apply the holy ash?

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA
JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR
JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Dear Readers,

Radhekrishna! We started with a new question in the previous post which was, “Why do we apply the holy ash?” In that post, we discussed the meaning of the word ‘bhasma’.

Let us know more about the same in this post.

Bhasma is the result of performing Homa. Homa is a sacrifical fire which is lighted and bhasma is obtained after the Homa is completed.

Homa (offering of oblations into the fire with sacred chants) signifies the offering or surrender of the ego and egocentric desires into the flame of knowledge for a noble and selfless cause. The consequent ash signifies the purity of the mind, which results from such actions.

Also the fire of knowledge burns the oblation and wood signifying ignorance and inertia respectively. The ash we apply indicates that we should burn false identification with the body and become free of the limitations of birth and death. This is not to be misconstrued as a morose reminder of death but as a powerful pointer towards the fact that time and tide wait for none.

We will discuss more about the holy ash or bhasma in the next post.

…to be continued

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post, let us know about the herb called as ‘Banjh Kakora’, called as Indian Lilac in English and Melia Azedarach in Latin.

1. It is a tree resembling the Neem tree
2. It has round fruits growing in clusters
3. The leaves of the tree have blood-purifying properties
4. It is recommended for curing scabies, ringworm, leprosy and leucoderma
5. It helps to reduce inflammation
6. The extract of its leaves is useful in dealing with cataract

That concludes our topic for this fortnight. Till the next post, keep chanting
Radhekrishna Krishnaradhe Radhekrishna Krishnaradhe Radhekrishna Krishnaradhe Radhekrishna Krishnarade

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam