Why do we offer food to the Lord before eating it ?

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

Radhekrishna to one and all!

We are discussing the ninth question of our question-answer series which is “Why do we offer food to the Lord before eating it?” We concluded the previous post with an unanswered question. While partaking our food, we place five morsels of food at the side of our plate. What is the reason for doing so?

Five morsels of food are placed on the side of the plate acknowledging the debt owed by us to the

1. Divine forces (devta runa) for their benign grace and protection,

2. Our ancestors (pitru runa) for giving us their lineage and a family culture,

3. The sages (rishi runa) as our religion and culture have been "realised", aintained and handed down to us by them,

4. Our fellow beings (manushya runa) who constitute society without the support of which we could not live as we do and

5. Other living beings (bhuta runa) for serving us selflessly.

Thereafter the Lord, the life force, who is also within us as the five life-giving physiological functions, is offered the food. This is done with the chant

praanaaya swaahaa,
apaanaaya swaahaa,
vyaanaaya swaahaa,
udaanaaya swaahaa,
samaanaaya swaahaa,
brahmane swaahaa

After offering the food thus, it is eaten as prasaada - blessed food.

…concluded

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post let us know about a commonly used Indian spice. The name is Kaali Miri more commonly known as Pepper in English

1. It is a green sun-dried pepper corn

2. It is an appetizer

3. It is a good remedy for digestive disorders and throat problems; especially cold and catarrh

4. A pinch of finely ground pepper powder mixed with honey, if taken in the morning and evening, is useful in case of amnesia or dullness of intellect

That concludes our post for the fortnight. Till the next post on the 6th of June,

Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Why do we offer food to the Lord before eating it?

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

Radhekrishna Dear Readers,

We began with a new question of the question-answer series which was “Why do we offer food to the Lord before eating it?”

How does the offering of Naivedyam help us? The Naivedyam being graced by the Lords divine touch, it is akin to the Lord’s gift to us. By knowing this our entire attitude to food and the act of eating changes.

When we prepare food bearing in mind that the same is a Naivedyam to the Lord, the food that is prepared and offered is naturally pure and the best. We share what we get with others before consuming it. We do not demand, complain or criticise the quality of the food we get. We eat it with cheerful acceptance (prasaada buddhi).

Before we partake of our daily meals we first sprinkle water around the plate as an act of purification.

Then five morsels of food are placed on the side of the plate acknowledging the debt owed by us to various persons. Who are they? Wait till the next post to know the answer!

…..to be continued

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post let us know about the herb called as Kandoori, also known as Coccinia Indica in Latin.

1. It is a creeper which grows in the rainy season.
2. The unripe fruit resembling snake gourd is eaten as vegetable.
3. Leaves of the creeper have the excellent quality of reducing the amount of blood sugar.
4. As a vegetable, it is highly recommended for diabetes.

That concludes the topic for this fortnight. Till the next posting, Radhekrishna to all. Keep chanting the Radhekrishna namam and obtain divine bliss.
Radhekrishna Krishnaradhe Radhekrishna Krishnaradhe
Radhekrishna Krishnaradhe Radhekrishna Krishnaradhe.

Do visit our website www.radhekrishnasatsangam.com to know more about our activities and the other links of our website. Keep posting your valuable comments to help us improve our content. Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Why do we offer food to the Lord before eating it?

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

Dear Readers,

Radhekrishna to all! We concluded the question “Why do we apply the holy ash?” in the previous post. In this post, let us begin with a new question. It is a commonly observed practice in Indian households that before consuming food, the same is offered before the Lord as “Naivedyam”. In some homes, it is done everyday whereas in some others it is done on certain days such as festivals or special occasions. Our topic for this post is the question based on the above context i.e. “Why do we offer food to the Lord before eating it?”

Indians make an offering of food to the Lord and later partake of it as prasaada - a holy gift from the Lord. In our daily ritualistic worship (pooja) too we offer naivedyam (food) to the Lord.

What is the reason for this practice? The Lord is omnipotent and omniscient. Man is a part, while the Lord is the totality. All that we do is by His strength and knowledge alone. Without his wish, nothing can be achieved by anyone. Hence what we receive in life as a result of our actions is really His alone. We acknowledge this through the act of offering food to Him. This is exemplified by the Hindi words "tera tujko arpan"– I offer what is Yours to You. Thereafter it is akin to His gift to us, graced by His divine touch.

But what is the result of doing this practice? What difference would it make if we ate food without offering the same as Naivedyam? And what difference does it make if we eat the food after offering the same to the Lord? Eager to know the answers? Wait till the next post!

Radhekrishna!

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post let us know about the herb called as Bhophali, also called as Trifolium Indicum in Latin.

1. It is a spreading herb with small leaves and pods which resemble Nakhoona plant.
2. It is a good cure for cases of nocturnal emissions, premature ejaculation and leucorrhoea.
3. It relieves pain of blow etc. in the form of contusions

That concludes our post for the fortnight. Till the next post, Radhekrishna to our readers!

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Why do we apply the holy ash?

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

Dear Readers,

Radhekrishna to one and all,

We have been discussing the question “Why do we apply the holy ash?” in the last two postings. Let us continue with the same in this post.

The bhasma is often seen in Shiva temples across India. Bhasma is specially associated with Lord Shiva who applies it all over His body. Shiva devotees apply bhasma as a tripundra. When applied with a red spot at the center, the mark symbolizes Shiva-Shakti (the unity of energy and matter that creates the entire seen and unseen universe).

Tryambakam yajaamahe
Sugandhim pushtivardhanam
Urvaa rukamiva bhandhanaan
Mrytyor muksheeyamaa amrutaat

"We worship the three-eyed Lord Shiva who nourishes and spreads fragrance in our lives. May He free us from the shackles of sorrow, change and death – effortlessly, like the fall of a ripe brinjal from its stem."

That concludes the first section of our post. We will see yet another question in the next posting. So after reading this post dear readers, do not wonder why people apply the holy ash i.e. bhasma on their forehead/ body. Also, if you come across anyone who is thus wondering, go ahead and throw some light about the same on that person by telling the reason.

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this section, let us know more about an Indian plant about which every Indian would already know. The name is Nimbu also known as Lemon in English and Citrus Bergamia in Latin.

1. It’s a well known fruit of the citrus family
2. It has a sour taste
3. It is extremely rich in Vitamin C
4. Its juice is added to salads
5. Its an excellent appetizer
6. It has a beneficial effect to the stomach as it helps in digestion
7. Its medicinal uses include cure for disorders like enlargement of spleen, jaundice and atony of the intestines
8. It is widely used for beauty treatment
9. Cut lemon rubbed on the skin removes blemishes
10. Its juice instilled into the nostrils stops bleeding

That concludes our topic for the fortnight. Till the next posting on 22nd April, Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

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

Why do we apply the holy ash?

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

Dear Readers,

Radhekrishna once again! Wishing all our readers a very happy Holi!

In this post, we will take up the eighth question which is:

Why do we apply the holy ash?

The ash of any burnt object is not regarded as holy ash. Bhasma (the holy ash) is the ash from the homa (sacrificial fire) where special wood along with ghee and other herbs is offered as worship of the Lord. Or the deity is worshipped by pouring ash as abhisheka and is then distributed as bhasma.

Bhasma is generally applied on the forehead. Some apply it on certain parts of the body like the upper arms, chest etc. Some ascetics rub it all over the body. Many consume a pinch of it each time they receive it.

The word bhasma means, "that by which our sins are destroyed and the Lord is
remembered.” Bha implied bhartsanam ("to destroy") and sma implies smaranam ("to remember"). The application of bhasma therefore signifies destruction of the evil and remembrance of the divine. Bhasma is called vibhuti (which means "glory") as it gives glory to one who applies it and raksha (which means a source of protection) as it protects the wearer from ill health and evil, by purifying him or her.

…to be continued

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post, let us know about the plant named Bhang in Hindi, also called as Indian Hemp in English and Cannabis Sativa in Latin.

1. It is a narcotic plant from which a strong narcotic is prepared
2. Green leaves of the plant are ground in water and drunk as an intoxicant
3. It enhances appetite
4. Its prolonged use however is harmful just like in the case of other intoxicants
5. Paste of its green leaves helps to reduce inflammation of the testicles (orchitis)
6. It is also administered as a medicine in certain malarial fevers.

This particular plant has a lot of significance as far as the festival of Holi is concerned. The drink is prepared from the leaves of this plant and drunk by the people on the day following the day of Holi festival, also known as “Rangapanchami”.

Please note that our blog in no manner whatsoever propagates or encourages the drinking of intoxicants like “Bhang” mentioned above. The section aims at purely disseminating information about various Indian herbs and plants. The content is to be read in the right context.

That concludes our topic for the fortnight. Till the next post on 22nd March, Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Why do we not touch papers, books and people with the feet

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

Dear Readers,

Radhekrishna!

We started discussion on a new question in the previous post i.e. “Why do we not touch papers, books and people with the feet?” Let us know more about the same.

We Hindus have a lot of respect for books and knowledge. We address the same as Saraswati Devi or Goddess of Knowledge. This is also the reason why we worship books, vehicles and instruments once a year on Saraswathi Pooja or Ayudha Pooja day, dedicated to the Goddess of Knowledge. In fact, each day before starting our studies, there is a prayer which can be sung for giving respect to the Goddess of Knowledge:

Saraswati namasthubhyam
Varade kaama roopini
Vidyaarambham karishyaami
Sidhirbhavatu me sadaa

Meaning:

O Goddess Saraswati, the giver of
Boons and fulfiller of wishes,
I prostrate to You before
starting my studies.
May you always fulfill me

Moving to the next aspect of the same question, To touch another with feet is considered as an act of misdemeanor. Why is this so?

Man is regarded as the most beautiful, living breathing temple of the Lord! Therefore touching another with the feet is akin to disrespecting the divinity within him or her. This calls for an immediate apology, which is offered with reverence and humility.

….concluded

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post, let us again look at a very commonly used vegetable in our day to day life. The name is Muli in Hindi, also called as Radish in English and Raphanus Sativus in Latin.

1. It is a tuber with sharp and acrid taste eaten as salad
2. If it is eaten raw with salad, it helps in digestion of food because of its carminative effect
3. It is an excellent diuretic
4. It helps in cases of stones in the gall bladder and the kidneys and the enlargement of the spleen

That concludes our post for the fortnight. Till the next post on 6th March,
Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Why do we not touch papers, books and people with the feet?

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

Radhekrishna to one and all!

Let us discuss yet another question related to our Hindu customs and traditions in this post. The question is, “Why do we not touch papers, books and people
with the feet?”

If you have observed among Hindus, whenever one touches a book or any document, that person will immediately apologize in one’s mind. It is again something which one learns naturally through observing others doing it.

To Indians, knowledge is sacred and divine. So it must be given respect at all times. Nowadays we separate subjects as sacred and secular. But in ancient India every subject - academic or spiritual - was considered divine and taught by the guru in the gurukula (Gurukula was the then called school where the children were sent to obtain knowledge. The system was thus that they had to stay at the hermitage of the Guru for several years till they completed the process of obtaining education. They were not allowed to visit their home till that time).

The custom of not stepping on educational tools is a frequent reminder of the high position accorded to knowledge in Indian culture. From an early age, this wisdom fosters in us a deep reverence for books and education.

…to be continued

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post, the herb about which we will tell you is called as Karer in Hindi, also known as Caper Berry in English and Capparis Decidua in Latin.

1. It is a bushy plant growing to a height of 3 metres, having beautiful red flowers and fruit in size ranging from a Bengal gram to a plum
2. It’s unripe fruit is used for making pickles which relieves flatulence
3. It is a useful remedy for enlarged spleen
4. It kills intestinal parasites
5. Powder of the burnt wood of the plant made into a linctus with honey deals effectively with cough

That concludes the second section of our post. Till the next post on 22nd Feb, do keep chanting the Radhekrishna namam. Please give us your priceless feedback regarding our blog articles. We will be happy to receive your feedback.

Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Why do we wear marks on the forehead?

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

Radhekrishna to our Readers,

We took up the fifth question of our question-answer series in the previous post which was “Why do we wear marks (tilak, pottu and the like) on the forehead?”

Let us know more about the same in this post.

The marks are put on the foreheads depending on the caste as we have already mentioned. But the marks are also worn depending upon which deity is worshipped by the person.

For example, Vishnu worshippers apply a chandan tilak of the shape of "U,” Shiva worshippers a tripundra of bhasma, Devi worshippers a red dot of kumkum and so on).

However you all must be wondering as to what is the reason in the first place for wearing a mark today? The caste system is no longer prevalent now? So what exactly is the hidden science behind this act? What is the scientific reason behind wearing any mark? If it is worn just to show which God one worships then it can be said that there is no science in it but only an emotional reason.

However dear readers, it is not so. As we have already told in the past articles, there is Science in each and every ritual of Hinduism. This act is no exception.

The tilak/ mark covers the spot between the eyebrows, which is the seat of memory and thinking. It is known as the Aajna Chakra in the language of Yoga. The tilak is applied with the prayer - "May I remember the Lord. May this pious feeling pervade all my activities. May I be righteous in my deeds.” Even when we temporarily forget this prayerful attitude the mark on another reminds us of our resolve. The tilak is thus a blessing of the Lord and a protection against wrong tendencies and forces.

The entire body emanates energy in the form of electromagnetic waves - the forehead and the subtle spot between the eyebrows especially so. That is why worry generates heat and causes a headache. The tilak and pottu cools the forehead, protects us and prevents energy loss. Sometimes the entire forehead is covered with chandan or bhasma.

It is observed nowadays that this ritual has lost its meaning and importance. We say this because people nowadays use plastic reusable "stick bindis". They are not very beneficial, even though they serve the purpose of decoration. Hopefully after reading this post, we can expect at least a few handful readers to put the old ritual back in practice.

Radhekrishna!

…concluded

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post we will tell you about a very commonly used vegetable in day to day life by all of us. It is called as Gajar, Carrot in English and Daucus Carota in Latin.

1. The tuber is eaten either raw or cooked
2. It is also made into a halwa/pudding
3. It contains sugar, starch, iron, calcium and phosphorous
4. It also contains appreciable amounts of Vitamins A, B and C
5. It is a diuretic and aphrodisiac
6. Carrot has many other medicinal uses particularly for deficiency diseases

Radhekrishna

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Why do we wear marks on the forehead?

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

Dear Readers,

Radhekrishna to one and all! On this first issue of the year 2010 of our blog on Science and Hinduism, we wish all our readers a very happy new year. On every New Year we decide to buy something new, learn something new and do something new. We, the members of RKSS, through this blog wish to teach something new to our readers; the hidden meaning behind performing each ritual and routine among the Hindus.

In this post, we will see yet another question which is “Why do we wear marks (tilak, pottu and the like) on the forehead?”

In case you have observed quite a lot of Hindus wear a mark on their forehead. It could be a U-shaped mark, a slim, straight red coloured vertical line, three white horizontal lines and so on. Have you ever asked yourself or any third person the reason? In case you have not got the chance or the guts to do so, we will tell you why.

The tilak or pottu invokes a feeling of sanctity in the wearer and others. It is recognized as a religious mark. Its form and colour vary according to one’s caste, religious sect or the form of the Lord worshipped.

In earlier ages, the caste system prevailed in India. There were four castes namely Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Sudra. The castes were based on the profession of the person. The Brahmins were engaged in carrying out the yagnas, studying the Vedas etc. The Kshatriyas were protectors of the town/city. It was their responsibility to protect their subjects from outside infiltrators and ensure that their subjects are always content. The Vaishyas were the merchant class or the business class. Their responsibility was to make available whatever was needed by the people of the town/ city. They were accumulators of wealth. The last caste i.e. Sudras were responsible to provide all kinds of service to the first three classes.

The four castes (based on varna) - Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Sudra - applied marks differently. The brahmin applied a white chandan mark signifying purity, as his profession was of a priestly or academic nature. The kshatriya applied a red kumkum mark signifying valour as he belonged to warrior races. The vaishya wore a yellow kesar or turmeric mark signifying prosperity as he was a businessman or trader devoted to creation of wealth. The sudra applied a black bhasma, kasturi or charcoal mark signifying service as he supported the work of the other three divisions.

… to be continued

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post we will tell you about a fruit called as “Anjir”. It is known as Fig in English and Ficus Carica in Latin

1. It is a sweet delicious fruit with many medicinal properties
2. It is a nutritious and blood forming fruit
3. A few figs eaten after meals act as a laxative
4. It is good for cough and as an expectorant
5. It is a specific cure for inflammation of the spleen
6. It hastens the appearance of rash in cases of chicken-pox and small-pox

That concludes the topic for the fortnight. Till the next post, Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Why do we prostrate before parents and elders ?

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

Radhekrishna to everyone,

We started the explanation to the fourth question “Why do we prostrate before parents and elders" in our post of 6th December. In this post let us continue with the same.

The good wishes (Sankalpa) and blessings (aashirvaada) of elders are highly valued in India. We prostrate to seek them. Good thoughts create positive vibrations. Good wishes springing from a heart full of love, divinity and nobility have a tremendous strength. When we prostrate with humility and respect, we invoke the good wishes and blessings of elders, which flow in the form of positive energy to envelop us. This is why the posture assumed whether it is in the standing or prone position, enables the entire body to receive the energy thus received.

In our tradition there are various forms of showing respect to the elders. They are as mentioned below:

1. Pratuthana: Rising to welcome a person.
2. Namaskaara: Paying homage in the form of namaste (refer our posts of Nov 2009)
3. Upasangrahan: Touching the feet of elders or teachers.
4. Shaashtaanga: Prostrating fully with the feet, knees, stomach, chest, forehead and
arms touching the ground in front of the elder.
5. Pratyabivaadana: Returning a greeting.

Rules are prescribed in our scriptures as to who should prostrate to whom. Wealth, family name, age, moral strength and spiritual knowledge in ascending order of importance qualified men to receive respect. This is why a king though the ruler of the land, would prostrate before a spiritual master. Epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata have many stories highlighting this aspect.

That concludes the first section for this forthnight.

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post we will tell you about the herb named as Kaner also called Oleander in English and Nerium Odorum in Latin.

1. It is a plant with a medium height with white, yellow, and red flowers.
2. Bark of the root of the plant cures many skin disorders and purifies the blood
3. Oil prepared from this herb is useful in curing diseases like scabies and ringworm
4. Headache caused due to congestion of the sinuses is relieved by the snuff prepared from the dried flowers of this plant

That brings us to the conclusion of the second section and also to the last post for the year 2009. We will meet next year with the next post on 6th of January. Till then Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Why do we prostrate before parents and elders ?

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

Radhekrishna to our readers,

We concluded the third question of our series in the previous post. The question was “Why do we do Namaste”. Henceforth do keep in mind the significance and meaning of saying Namaste when you say it to anyone. It feels great to know a thing and do it rather than doing it for the sake of doing or doing it because everyone does it. Isn’t it?

Well coming to this week’s post, the question which we will discuss is “Why do we prostrate before our parents and elders?”

So let us know the reason behind it in this post.

4. Why do we prostrate before parents and elders?

Indians prostrate before their parents, elders, teachers and noble souls by touching their feet. The elder in turn blesses us by placing his or her hand on or over our heads. Prostration is done daily, when we meet elders and particularly on important occasions like the beginning of a new task, birthdays, festivals etc. In certain traditional circles, prostration is accompanied by abhivaadana, which serves to introduce one-self, announce one’s family and social stature.

This practice was prevalent in all Indian houses in those “Good old days” but nowadays the same has reduced to a great extent. The children of today need logical reasons for doing anything and everything. And the irony is that nowadays even some parents do not have the answers to some questions asked by their children! How can one then expect the child to learn the customs and traditions prevalent in our rich Hindu culture?

So for such children, here is the logical answer to the reason behind why we prostrate before the elders:

Man stands on his feet. Touching the feet in prostration is a sign of respect for the age, maturity, nobility and divinity that our elders personify. It symbolizes our recognition of their selfless love for us and the sacrifices they have done for our welfare. It is a way of humbly acknowledging the greatness of another. This tradition reflects the strong family ties, which has been one of India’s enduring strengths.

… to be continued

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this section, let us know about a herb called as Giloy (tinospora cardifolia) in Latin.

1. It is a creeper with large leaves which resemble betel leaves
2. All parts of the plant are bitter
3. If creeping up a neem tree, it is found to be more bitter than usual
4. It is a very good remedy for chronic fevers
5. It also cures many disorders of the liver and stomach
6. It is a good blood purifier and is also recommender in diabetes

That is all we have for you in this post. Till the next posting keep doing Namajapam. Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Why do we do Namaste?

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

Dear Readers,

Radhekrishna!

We took up the third question in our previous post on 6th which was “Why do we do Namaste?” Lets continue the discussion in this post.

Namaste can have various forms. Namaste could be just a casual or formal greeting, a cultural convention or an act of worship. However there is much more to it than meets the eye.

In Sanskrit namah + te = namaste. It means - I bow to you - my greetings, salutations or prostration to you. Namaha can also be literally interpreted as "na ma" (not mine). It has a spiritual significance of negating or reducing one’s ego in the presence of another.

The real meeting between people is the meeting of their minds. When we greet another, we do so with namaste, which means, "may our minds meet," indicated by the folded palms placed before the chest. The bowing down of the head is a gracious form of extending friendship in love and humility.

The spiritual meaning is even deeper. The life force, the divinity, the Self or the Lord in me is the same in all. Recognizing this oneness with the meeting of the palms, we salute with head bowed the Divinity in the person we meet. That is why sometimes, we close our eyes as we do namaste to a revered person or the Lord – as if to look within. The gesture is often accompanied by words like "Ram Ram,” "Jai Shri Krishna", "Namo Narayana", "Jai Siya Ram", "Om Shanti" etc - indicating the recognition of this divinity.

When we know this significance, our greeting does not remain just a superficial gesture or word but paves the way for a deeper communion with another in an atmosphere of love and respect.

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post let us look at the herb named Gurmar Booti, Gymnema Sylvesire in Latin.

1. As the Hindi name signifies, it is a killer of sweet taste
2. A few leaves of the herb chewed would leave a bitter taste in the mouth and then even sweet things wont taste sweet
3. It is very effective in dealing with diabetes as it reduces the amount of urine passed
4. It is also an antidote for snake poison
5. Some physicians recommend it for cholera

That concludes our article for the fortnight. Till the next posting, Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Why do we do Namaste?

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

Radhekrishna to one and all!

Whenever we meet someone we greet them. In western countries it is in the form of a handshake followed by saying ‘Hi!’ or ‘Hello, how are you?’ generally. However in India it is a little different. That method of greeting needs no special mention. We greet people by saying Namaste. This is a part of our day to day life. We meet so many people everyday and greet them. But still how many of us have the time and energy to ponder as to why do we exactly greet in this manner and what does Namaste mean?

We will address this question in this posting because that is the third question of our series.

3. Why do we do Namaste?

Indians greet each other with namaste. The two palms are placed together in front of the chest and the head bows whilst saying the word namaste. This greeting is for all – people younger than us, of our own age, those older than friends, even strangers and us. Thus it is a type of greeting that can be applied across all age classes.

There are five forms of formal traditional greeting enjoined in the shaastras of which namaskaram is one. This is understood as prostration but it actually refers to paying homage as we do today when we greet each other with a namaste.

… to be continued

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post the herb which we will discuss is called as ‘Dhak’, Butea Frondosa in Latin and also known as Palas.

1. It bears flowers called as Tesu
2. The leafshoots, gum and the bark of the tree are used in cases of spermatorrhoea, premature ejaculation and leucorrhoea.
3. Its flowers reduce inflammation and pain of injuries.
4. The paste of its tesu flowers is a highly recommended and a specific cure for orchitis (swelling of the testicles).
5. Its seeds are administered in cases of malaria and other fevers.

That concludes the post for this fortnight. Till the next post on 22nd , Radhekrishna to all the readers. Do more and more chanting; Radhekrishna Krishnaradhe Radhekrishna Krishnaradhe and enjoy a trouble free and peaceful life full of divine bliss.

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Why do we have a prayer room?

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

Radhekrishna to all the Readers!

We looked at the second question yesterday; why do we have a prayer room. Let us look at the answer in detail in this post.

Lord Krishna is all pervading. To remind us that He resides in our homes with us, we have prayer rooms. Without the grace of the Lord, no task can be successfully or easily accomplished. We invoke His grace by communing with Him in the prayer room each day and on special occasions.

Each room in a house is dedicated to a specific function like the bedroom for resting, the drawing room to receive guests, the kitchen for cooking etc. The furniture, decor and the atmosphere of each room are made conducive to the purpose it serves. So too for the purpose of meditation, worship and prayer, we should have a conducive atmosphere – hence the need for a prayer room.

Sacred thoughts and sound vibrations pervade the place and influence the minds of those who spend time there. Spiritual thoughts and vibrations accumulated through regular meditation, worship and chanting done there pervade the prayer room. Even when we are tired or agitated, by just sitting in the prayer room for a while, we feel calm, rejuvenated and spiritually uplifted.

Here a question may arise in the mind that not everybody can afford to dedicate a separate room as a prayer room; then what do such people do? Do they refrain from having a prayer room? The answer to it is that no, even such people have a place where they stand/sit to pray to God. It may be a part of any room but it is a separate small space where the Lord is worshipped. This can be observed in majority of the Hindu households. No matter how poor/rich a person is, he will always have a small part of his house reserved for the Lord. India is not called as a Spiritual Paradise just like that! Its because spirituality is in the blood of each and every human being in our country. It is a part and parcel of the day to day life of each individual. That’s the greatness of Hinduism!

We will look at the third question in the next post.

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

The herb that we will describe in this post is called as Quinine.

1. Alkaloid of the bark of the Cinchona tree has been used as a specific cure for malarial fevers for centuries
2. It acts as a prophylactic against malaria
3. It is also a tonic for the stomach
4. If taken in minute doses after breakfast it helps to counteract general debility

That brings us to the conclusion of this post. Till the next post on 6th November, Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Why do we have a prayer room?

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

Dear Readers,

Radhekrishna!

In this post, as promised, we will look at the second question

2. Why do we have a prayer room?

Most Indian homes have a prayer room or altar. A lamp is lit and the Lord worshipped each day. Other spiritual practices like japa - repetition of the Lord’s name, meditation, paaraayana - reading of the scriptures, prayers, and devotional singing etc are also done here. Special worship is done on auspicious occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, festivals and the like. Each member of the family - young or old - communes with and worships the Divine here.

Now why do we have a separate prayer room? Why cant we pray in the drawing room or the bed room? Let us know the answer for the same.

The Lord is the entire creation. He is therefore the true owner of the house we live in too. The prayer room is the Master room of the house. We are the earthly occupants of His property. This notion rids us of false pride and possessiveness.

The ideal attitude to take is to regard the Lord as the true owner of our homes and us as caretakers of His home. But if that is rather difficult, we could at least think of Him as a very welcome guest. Just as we would house an important guest in the best comfort, so too we felicitate the Lord’s presence in our homes by having a prayer room or altar, which is, at all times, kept clean and well-decorated.

We will continue with this same question with more details in the next post.

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this forthnight, the herb about which we will tell you is named Mirch i.e. Chili (Capsicum Annum in Latin).

1. It is a necessary ingredient of all Indian curries
2. It has a sharp pungent taste
3. Powdered chili applied to bite of dogs neutralizes the poison
4. The numbness of the body and hypothermia of cholera are relieved by it

That’s all we have for you in this post. Do lots and lots of chanting of the Radhekrishna namam and fill your lives with spiritual bliss.

Till the next post Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Why do we light a lamp?

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

Radhekrishna to our Readers!

We started a new topic in the last post which deals with a series of questions related to the customs and traditions that form a part and parcel of Hinduism and which are followed by the Hindus in their day to day life.

The first question was that what is the reason behind lighting a lamp. Let us look at the hidden meaning behind this act.

A bulb or tube light too would remove darkness. But the traditional oil lamp has a further spiritual significance. The oil or ghee in the lamp symbolizes our vaasanas or negative tendencies and the wick, the ego. When lit by spiritual knowledge, the vaasanas get slowly exhausted and the ego too finally perishes. The flame of a lamp always burns upwards. Similarly we should acquire such knowledge as to take us towards higher ideals.

Whilst lighting the lamp we thus pray:

Deepajyothi parabrahma
Deepa sarva tamopahaha
Deepena saadhyate saram
Sandhyaa deepo namostute

I prostrate to the dawn/dusk lamp; whose light is the Knowledge Principle (the Supreme Lord), which removes the darkness of ignorance and by which all can be achieved in life.

Wow! Isn’t that amazing!! In a seemingly unmeaningful act lies such a deep meaning! But that’s the beauty of Hinduism. The customs are so simple yet so complicated and logical.

We will deal with the next question in the next post.

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

Let us look at the herb named Brahmi Booti (Herpestis Monniera) in this post.

1. It is a low spreading herb with small leaves
2. It resembles a horse’s hoof
3. It is generally found on the river banks
4. It is a specific medicine to deal with the problem of memory lapses
5. It tends to strengthen the faculties of the brain

We will describe another herb in our next post. Till then Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Why do we light a lamp?

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

Radhekrishna Dear Readers,

We begin a fresh topic on Hinduism in this post. The topic is in a question & answer format and the questions are based on certain customs and traditions that are followed everyday in every house amongst Hindus.

We hope this series will:

1. Clarify doubts in the minds of those who repeatedly question the customs and traditions in Hinduism &
2. Quench the thirst of those eager to know more about Hinduism

Let us look at the first question:

1. Why do we light a lamp?

In almost every Indian home a lamp is lit daily before the altar of the Lord. In some houses it is lit at dawn, in some, twice a day – at dawn and dusk – and in a few it is maintained continuously - Akhanda Deepa. All auspicious functions commence with the lighting of the lamp, which is often maintained right through the occasion. Such occasions include starting of a new business or venture, first day of job, buying a new house, buying a new vehicle etc. But what exactly is the reason behind it? Let us see…

Light symbolizes knowledge, and darkness - ignorance. The Lord is the "Knowledge Principle" (Chaitanya) who is the source, the enlivener and the illuminator of all knowledge. Hence light is worshiped as the Lord himself.

Knowledge removes ignorance just as light removes darkness. Also knowledge is a lasting inner wealth by which all outer achievement can be accomplished. Hence we light the lamp to bow down to knowledge as the greatest of all forms of wealth.

Now, even a small child may have a very logical question in his/her mind. Why not light a tube light or a neon light? Why only a lamp?

To know the answer and the hidden deep meaning behind this wait for our next post.

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post the herb we will tell you about is known as Chhuimui also known as Lajjalu and Lajwanti (Mimosa Pudica in Latin).

1. It is a plant akin to Touch-Me-Not or jewel Weed
2. Its leaves collapse on human touch but regain position after some moments
3. It has excellent properties of stopping bleeding whether from piles or the womb
4. The juice of its leaves is effective in dealing with delirium of fever
5. Powdered seeds of the plant are effective in leucorrhoea spermatorrhoea

That concludes the post for the forthnight. Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Hinduism : Sanaathana Dharma

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


Radhekrishna to one and all!

We wish all our Readers a very happy Independence Day! We are celebrating the 60th year of Independence this year! Bharath Maata ki jai!!

Coming to our topic, we mentioned some features of the Hindu dharma in our previous post. We will continue the same in this post. Let us take a look at a few shlokas from our Hindu scriptures related to Aachaaraas or customs:


Achaaryaath paadam aadatthe
paadam sishya swamedhyaa
paadam sa brahmachaaribhya
sesham kaala kramena cha

Meaning:

This is an important advice given in the smruthies. It means a person can get only one quarter of knowledge from Achaarya – the teacher, another quarter by analyzing the self, one quarter by discussing with others and the last quarter during the process of living by method addition, deletion, correction and modification or already known aachaaraas or new aachaaraas.

Aachaaraath labhathe hi ayu:
Aachaaraath dhanamakshayam
Aachaaraath labhathe suprajaa:
Aachaaro abhyanthya lakshanam

Meaning:

Aachaaraas are followed for the psychological and physiological health and long life; Aachaaraas are followed for prosperity and wealth; Aachaaraas are followed for strong family and social bondage and following the Aachaaraas give a fine personality, dharmic outlook and vision, says our Dharmasaastra.

In India, everyone followed Aachaaraas for the above mentioned psychological, physiological, family relation, social benefits and national integration based benefits. It is your right and duty to understand scientifically, rationally and logically the meaning of each and every Aachaaraas and follow the same in your life systematically.

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

Let us know about the herb called as Akol, known as sage-leaved Alangium (Alangium Lamarki) in Latin.

1. It is a large tree, the fruit of which resembles a rose apple
2. Insipid in taste it is an antidote for opium
3. It is also a remedy for infantile tuberculosis

That concludes our post for the forthnight. Till the next post, keep chanting the holy name Radhekrishna Radhekrishna, Radhekrishna….

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Hinduism : Sanaathana Dharma

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

Radhekrishna!

This blog has been started by us to disseminate valuable and priceless knowledge on our Hindu culture. Hinduism is the oldest existing culture. It’s most remarkable feature is that it does not force upon any one to do anything. It merely prescribes the correct way in which one must live one’s life. Hence we repeatedly say that it is not a religion but a way of life. Unlike other religions, Hindu dharma has many specialties. Hinduism is known as Sanaathana Dharma. ‘Sanaathana’ means, according to the Bhagwad Gita, that which cannot be destroyed by fire, weapons, water and air and which is present in all living and non-living beings. Dharma means the way of life which is the ‘total of all aachaaraas or customs and rituals’.

Sanaathana Dharma has its foundation on scientific spirituality. In the entire ancient Hindu literature we can see that science and spirituality are integrated. It is mentioned in the 40th chapter of the Yajurveda known as Eesaavaasya Upanishad that use scientific knowledge for solving problems in our life and use the spiritual knowledge for attaining immortality through a philosophical outlook.

Remember that in each and every aachaaraa there will be a component of spirituality in it. Without spirituality, nothing exists in Sanaathana Dharma. Generally, everyone bear a wrong impression that this spirituality is religion. Spirituality is different in Hindu dharma. Here, the question of religion does not exist at all, because Hindu dharma was not created by an individual, prophet or an incarnation. Spirituality is a part of every Hindu custom in the normal life of a Hindu.

Aachaaraas are to be followed based on their merits available from self-experience; you need not blindly follow a person who gives advice without reasoning. All these aachaaraas are mentioned for the well being of the human beings.

… to be continued

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post, the herb about which we will tell you is called as Karvi Tori, known as Bitter Luffa in English and (Luffa Amara) in Latin.

· It is a creeper which resembles the sweet luffa
· It is very bitter in taste
· It is a very good emetic and purgative
· It is most useful in asthma as it expels all phlegm from the system
· Its seed ground in water is used for curing jaundice
· The kernel of its seed is an antidote to poison of rabies as it expels it by inducing vomiting and diarrhea

That concludes our topic for the forthnight. Till the next post on 22nd, Radhekrishna to all!!

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam