When Shiva danced to Ravana's tune

Fury and passion of Shiva

The Shiva Tandava Stotram is literally what the name reveals. It is a hymn that unleashes the fury and passion of Shiva. But a fact that's not very well known is that it was composed by none other than Ravana, the Lanka king, who was an ardent Shiva devotee.

The Stotram

The Shiva Tandava Stotram is a stotra which describes Shiva's power and beauty. It is traditionally attributed to Ravana, the rakshasa (demon) king of Lanka and devotee of Shiva.

Song Of Destruction

The song, an example of Hindu devotional poetry, recreates images of waves of resounding beauty! The ninth and tenth quatrains of this hymn pay ode to Shiva's epithet as The Destroyer, perhaps, even the destroyer of death itself!

A Heartfelt Wish!

When Ravana got tired of rampaging across the earth, he returned to Lord Shiva to request moksha, or release from the bondage of endless rebirth.

Shiva's Mantra

The final quatrain of the poem depicts Ravana asking, "When will I be happy?" Ravana's poignant cry finds an echo in the modern man’s quest for earthly fulfillment and ultimate liberation from bondage.

Shiva’s Boon

Because of the intensity of his prayers and ascetic meditation, Ravana received from Shiva supernatural powers as well as a celestial sword. The sword is known as the chandrahas, or moon sword, considered one of the most powerful weapons in Hindu mythology.

A Complex Character

A compelling and complex personality, Ravana is not merely the king who usurped Sita, the wife of Rama, the Prince of Ayodhya, but also a scholar of immense intelligence and the devoted husband of Mandodari.

Ravana And Mandodari

Ravana married Maya's daughter, Mandodari, an extremely beautiful lady as well as a righteous wife. He had a son by her, named Meghanaada, whose name means “the sound of thunderclouds”.

How Meghanaada Became Indrajit

Meghanaada defeated Indra, the king of the Gods, and earned the title of 'Indrajit'.

How Ravana Became Egoistic

Ravana's great-grandfather was Brahma, the god of Ultimate Knowledge, and thus, Ravana had the advantage of d advanced knowledge of mathematics, science and Ayurveda. He soon became obsessed with his powers.

Display of Prowess

To make a display of his powers, Ravana attempted to move Mount Kailash, the abode of Shiva, Ravana’s ancestor God. Indeed, he managed to lift the mountain, but Shiva immediately placed it back, crushing Ravana's fingers in the process.

The Tandav Stotra

That is when Ravana sings the "Tandav Stotra" in praise of Shiva and in acceptance of his defeat at Shiva’s hands…and that is how Shiva danced to Ravana’s tune!

Why Adi Shankaracharya was a brilliant scholar?

Who does not know him

Living in India, it's hard to not know about Adi Shankara or at least never hear his name. He is famous like a modern-day politician but is worshiped for his scholarly work and devotion to Lord Shiva.

Scholar and a theologian

Adi Shankara was an Indian philosopher and theologian. He is the most renowned exponent of the Advaita Vedanta school of philosophy.

Major works

His works in Sanskrit discuss the unity of the ātman and Nirguna Brahman "brahman without attributes". These assertions are hard to digest for a common man, but these have stood the deepest enquiries of countless spiritual seekers and also the test of time.

A brilliant quote

I was yesterday reading through a document when I came across a beautiful verse. It translated like this: I am without attributes and actions, eternal, without any desire and thought, without any taint, without any change, without any form, every liberated and ever without impurity.

Isn't this beautiful and absolute truth?

I sometimes wonder how can somebody come so close to the absolute truth. It is often hard to put the nature of truth in words but Adi Shankara seems to have done exactly same.

Knowledge of Brahma

Adi Shankara systematized the works of preceding philosophers. His system marks a turn from realism to idealism. His Advaita ("non-dualism") interpretation of the sruti postulates the identity of the Self. Without doubt, he was a God-sent to guide the mankind on the path of non-dualism.

What is real?

According to Adi Shankara, the one unchanging entity (Brahman) alone is real, while changing entities do not have absolute existence. The key source texts for this interpretation, as for all schools of Vedānta, are the Prasthanatrayi–the canonical texts consisting of the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita and the Brahma Sutras.

His major works

Adi Shankara is most known for his systematic reviews and commentaries (Bhasyas) on ancient Indian texts. Among his commentaries, Shankara's masterpiece work is Brahmasutrabhasya (literally, commentary on Brahma Sutra).

10 Primary Upanishads

His commentaries on ten early Primary Upanishads are also considered authentic by scholars. These are: The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, the Chandogya Upanishad, the Aitareya Upanishad, the Taittiriya Upanishad, the Kena Upanishad, the Isha Upanishad, the Katha Upanishad, the Mundaka Upanishad, the Prashna Upanishad, and the Mandukya Upanishad.

Commentaries on other texts

Other authentic works of Shankara include commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita (part of his Prasthana Trayi Bhasya). His Vivarana (tertiary notes) on the commentary by Vedavyasa on Yogasutras as well as those on Apastamba Dharma-sũtras (Adhyatama-patala-bhasya) are accepted by scholars as authentic works of Adi Shankara.

Composing poetry

He composed many verses of poetic calibre including the Daksinamurti Stotra, the Bhajagovinda Stotra, the Sivanandalahari, the Carpata-panjarika, the Visnu-satpadi, the Harimide, the Dasa-shloki, and the Krishnastaka.

Oldest surviving commentary on Brahma Sutras

He composed the commentary on the Brahma Sutras, which happens to be the oldest surviving text of this category. However, in that commentary, he mentions older commentaries like those of Dravida, Bhartrprapancha and others which are either lost or yet to be found.

Isn't phenomenonal

It's hard to imagine that somebody did so much of work apart from traveling and educating various disciples. He was the Polymath of Indian thought.

He was criticized too

A lot of people criticized him for leading the masses astray due to his belief in Advait philosophy. However, once you begin to understand the beauty of this philosophy, you can't but admire him.

How Anger Hurts You

By Sri sri ravi shankar

You may remind yourself a hundred times that you shouldn't get angry, but when the emotion comes, you are unable to control it. It comes like a thunderstorm. Emotions are much more powerful than your thoughts. What can you do when anger rises in you?

Anger is a distortion of your true nature and it doesn't allow the self to shine forth fully. The structure of human consciousness or the mind is very similar to that of an atom. The positively charged protons and neutrons are in the center of the atom while the negatively charged particles are only on the circumference. Similarly, even in human consciousness, mind and life, all the negativities and vices are only in the periphery. Your true nature is peace and love. 

Showing anger itself is not wrong, but being unaware of your anger only hurts you. Sometimes you can show anger purposefully. For example, a mother gets angry at her children and can act tough or shout at them if they put themselves in danger. There are situations that warrant showing anger, but when you get angry, have you observed what happens to you? You are shaken completely. Look at the consequences of getting angry. Are you happy with the decisions you have made or the words you have spoken in a state of anger? No, because you lose your total awareness. But if you are completely aware and are acting angry, that is fine.

Being in the Present Moment 

All anger is about something which has already happened. Is it of any use getting angry about something which you cannot alter? The mind always vacillates between the past and the future. When the mind is in the past, it's angry about something that has already happened; but anger is meaningless as we can't alter the past. And when the mind is in the future, it's anxious about something that may or may not happen. When the mind is in the present moment, anxiousness and anger appear so meaningless. 

Spiritual practices help you maintain your centeredness and not be shaken by small events. This is where a little knowledge about yourself, your mind, your consciousness and the root of distortion in our nature helps. It is when you are exhausted and stressed that you lose your nature and get angry. Every individual is bestowed with all the virtues in the world. They simply get covered-up by lack of understanding and stress. What is needed is just to uncover the virtues that are already there.

The Secret of the Breath 

Breathing techniques and meditation are very effective in calming the mind. Learning something about our breath is very important. Our breath has a great lesson to teach us, which we have forgotten. For every rhythm in the mind, there is a corresponding rhythm in the breath and for every rhythm in the breath there is a corresponding emotion. So, when you cannot handle your mind directly, you can handle it through breath. Meditation is letting go of anger from the past and the events of the past. Meditation is accepting this moment and living every moment totally with depth. Often anger comes because you do not accept the present moment. Anger comes when one seeks too much of perfection. When you are joyful, you don't look for perfection. If you are always looking for perfection then you are not at the source of joy. 

The world appears imperfect on the surface but, underneath, all is perfect. Perfection hides; imperfection shows off. The wise will not remain merely on the surface but will probe into the depth. Things are not blurred; your vision is blurred. Infinite actions prevail in the wholeness of consciousness, and yet the consciousness remains perfect, untouched. Realise this now and be natural.

Learn how your 7 chakras are influencing your life!

The Chakra Anatomy

There is more to us than just the physical body. Our body is an energetic system through which the universal life force flows. Our seven chakras are a part of this energetic system - they connect us with the larger part of ourselves, the universe, and at the same time they hold the secrets to a healthy, prosperous and gratifying life. Read on to know more.

Tapping the energy of our chakras

Imagine having the ability, at any given moment, to instantly uplift any aspect of your life by tapping into one of your 7 Chakras, and empowering it. Your thoughts and attitudes, whether positive or negative, influence the energy in your chakras. When you understand the chakras and learn to heal them you will be able to create instant change within your state of consciousness and your body.

Physical and intellectual connection

The seven main chakra centers are aligned along the spinal column. If there are disturbances on any level, this shows in the chakra’s vitality level. Also each of the seven main chakras is their own intelligence center. This means that each chakra is not only associated with our physical health but also controls aspects connected to our emotional, mental and belief system.

1st Chakra: The Root Chakra

This first chakra is located around the tailbone at the bottom of the spine. It is represented by a red color. Its primary functions are to give vitality to the body and to perform basic survival processes. People with an open root chakra find it easy to plan their finances and work towards success. They feel stable and secure both personally and professionally. Those with closed root chakras often find they struggle with financial matters, or feel disconnected from the world around them.

2nd Chakra: The Sacral Chakra

The glowing orange sacral chakra is just below the naval, and is responsible for the flowing of energy between yourself and your loved ones. Having an open sacral chakra usually results in a comfort with one’s own sexuality, and a longing for pleasure — which is free from guilt or shame. However, should the sacral chakra be closed, a wide range of problems may manifest including: sexual frustration, addiction to narcotics or other substances, a joyless over-indulgence in many things.

3rd Chakra: The Solar Plexus Chakra

Between the naval and the sternum is the third chakra, represented by a golden yellow color that gives us the energy to make the choices and decisions that lead us to our goals. The symptoms of a closed solar plexus chakra are feelings of insignificance and voicelessness, or having little faith in one’s own opinions, goals or dreams. Conversely, blockages in the third chakra can also create a sense of false confidence.

4th Chakra: The Heart Chakra

In the center of our chests is the heart chakra, which has vital importance to our inner health and happiness. It gives us the power and energy to love not only each other, but also ourselves. Those with closed heart chakras find it difficult to forgive and move on from emotionally difficult situations, leading to misery and suffering.

5th Chakra: The Throat Chakra

Located inside the neck, the bright blue energy of the throat chakra is the center for our expression and creativity. Those who have an open throat chakra generally find it easy to express their opinions without causing offence, are thoughtful listeners, and do not shy away from opposing what they see as unfairness. A closed throat chakra can result in something of an identity crisis

6th Chakra: The Third Eye Chakra

We are all born with the gift of intuition, foresight and belief in the power of our senses. This comes from our sixth chakra, located in the forehead and represented by a powerful yet soothing indigo color. People with an open third eye chakra are comfortable with the existence of their unconscious minds. They recognize and know how to listen to their dreams, visions, premonitions and gut feelings.

7th Chakra: The Crown Chakra

The seventh and final chakra is located on the top of the head. Represented by a vivid and regal purple color, this chakra gives us the energy that drives us towards a sense of enlightenment and spiritual accomplishment. An open crown chakra will produce elevated thoughts and feelings, and more divinely orientated aspirations. A closed crown chakra can lead to feelings of a lack of direction, jealousy and bitterness.

Importance of our Chakra System

The benefit of learning about your own chakra system is for you to understand on a whole (whole = body, mind and spirit in harmony) that when all parts of you (all of your seven chakra centers) are communicating equally and working in alliance with each other, you will have little or no energy disorders. For example, if the mental part of you is powerful and so are the physical, emotional and spiritual parts of you equally as strong, it is then that you feel at your optimum level.

How the chakras affect your everyday life

The chakras affect the decisions you make in your life. The conscious portion of you comprises only about ten percent of your decision-making process. The subconscious is connected to the chakras and draws from the perceptions of every experience you have ever had. Many times before you have consciously looked at a situation, the perceptions within the chakras, working with the subconscious mind, has already filtered through information the conscious mind no longer remembers and strongly influences the decisions you make.

7 types of relationships & the influence of the chakras

According to the Vedas there are 7 types of relationships that we can experience in our lives. These 7 categories of relationships achieve a certain type of harmony between two people that correspond to our 7 chakra centers: your root center, sacral chakra, solar plexus, heart center, throat chakra, brow chakra (third eye center), and crown chakra.

The Root Chakra Couple

The root chakra is connected to our primal instincts. It is greatly influenced by our sexual energy. Its sexual energy motivates us to have children and continue our lineage and because it motivates us to stay alive, and can keep us away from physical danger. The root chakra is also connected with selfishness and ego – two factors that are of utmost important to those who are motivated to survive. We use our selfishness to protect our needs, and we use our ego to protect our emotions.

Relationship of Root Chakra Couples

Root chakra couples are ruled by the planet mars, and tend to have an intense honeymoon period, and aspects of this can feel a lot like love to them. Of course with time, the honey moon period gradually fades, and then they are usually left with bitterness and disappointment. Aspects of the honeymoon period can feel a lot like love to them. The relationship tends to be very up and down, never quite finding the right balance. They experience dizzying highs and deep lows.

The Sacral Chakra Couple

The Sacral chakra is the spiritual energy center connected to happiness, confidence and resourcefulness. It is also linked to the negative shades of greed, fear and self preservation. A couple that makes a connection through their sacral chakra, create a love that is based on a mutual desire for comfort and wealth. This chakra is influenced by the planet Venus. When this couple come together they first harmonize on the sacral level, and over time the root chakra may open up as well.

The Solar Pelxus Couple

The solar plexus is the power center of our energy chakras located in our light body. The solar plexus is connected to our ambitions and goals. Material pleasures in life can be further divided into two forms: the heavy and the subtle. The heavy worldly material pleasures are things like beautiful things – houses, cars, objects. This is what the Sacral Chakra Couple aspires too. One step higher than this is the subtle form of wordily material pleasures – which is the search for fame, prestige, and power. They want to get married for power and prestige.

The Heart Centered Couple

The Heart Centered Couple is the first chakra under the higher level energy centers – and therefore, is the first chakra to yield a “favorable relationship”. Thus, this couple will have more opportunities for happiness than opportunities for unhappiness. They usually have lasting marriages. These favourable relationships give both people the chance to cleanse their consciousness, to work through their karma, and to fulfill their dharma.

The Throat Chakra couple

Those motivated by the throat chakra (the ruling planet – mercury) are inclined to perfect their senses. They want to tune in their senses into the ethereal world. They practice meditation to have a higher level of senses. So that they can hear, feel, see, know and understand their messages from the universe. hey wish happiness to everyone they think about. It is also important for throat centered couples to cultivate self control and honesty.

The third-eye chakra couple

Those under the influence of their third-eye chakra, are ruled by the planet Saturn. These are people who have been practicing self realization for many lives. The couple come together to practice self perfection together. They have a very deep psychic harmony that allows them to completely give their lives to each other. They are committed to studying the highest truth of the universe. They want to experience God. This relationship is very rare. These people are usually spiritual teachers. They live simply for other people and not for themselves.

The crown chakra couple

Those activated at the crown chakra, ruled by the planet Jupiter, create an unearthly and mystical love. The woman thinks of her husband as her teacher, her guru, and she trusts him completely. She is always loyal to him. Her husband behaves as a saint would. After they die, they go into the spiritual world, where they can be together forever. They have completed their work. This is a very high level type of love.

3 easy ways to vitalize your chakras

Take a look at three very simple things you can do to vitalize and energize your chakras to achieve the level of holistic energy health you’ve always wanted.

Patch your base chakra energy leaks

When there is a leak, you have to patch it. Many people are energy-depleted because they are not able to hold enough life force energy. Here’s one way you can do it in 4 easy steps: Close your eyes and imagine you can see the energy leaking out of your tailbone. Imagine a patch large enough to cover the leak. Place the patch over the leak. Imagine you can go beneath the energy and reverse the flow to spiral it up into your body through your tailbone.

Open up your crown chakra

We maintain a higher life force energy when our crown chakra is open and active. Place the finger tips of each of your hands on the top of your forehead where your hairline starts. Your fingertips should be touching. Now pull your fingertips away from each other as though you were opening up your crown. Move your fingers 2 inches above the starting point and repeat the same movement. Do this over the entire crown of your head.

Activate your third chakra

The third chakra represents your will, power, confidence and sense of self. These simple steps will help you activate your third chakra effectively: Rub your palms together swiftly creating static electricity. Place the palm of your right hand on your solar plexus, rotating your palm in a clockwise direction while repeating: “I am the will of creating what I want.” Repeat these steps 2 or 3 more times.

Do you know about the healing power of your birthstone

What’s your birthstone?

It is widely believed that wearing your birthstone can bring you good fortune; maybe it’s because it aligns with you so well. So whether you’re just curious about what your stone’s significance is or whether you have already made-up your mind to wear it, check out this month-by-month explanation of birthstones and their various benefits.

If you are born in January

The red garnet, January's birthstone, is considered the oldest and most-worn gemstone. Garnets come in myriad colors, including clear, green, black, and many shades of orange and red. It is traditionally a symbol of faith, love and constancy are its attributes. Because of this, it’s held that it might prevent nightmares and can provide directional guidance in darkness. Its qualities are devotional love, passion and radiant beauty, helping you express these qualities openly with those around you.

Healing powers and uses of the Garnet

Garnet is a stone of regeneration and energizing, and can boost the energy of an entire system and revitalize it. This blood-red gemstone has long been associated with the healing of various blood diseases, as well as breaking fevers, reducing inflammation, and preventing depression. It is said to be stabilizing, whether you wish for it to be internal or external. All garnets are also thought to speed up the healing process because they cleanse and reenergize the chakras.

If you are born in February

The amethyst, February's birthstone, has been traveling the world for more than 8,000 years as a trade commodity between many cultures. It is a symbol of strong relationships and courage. Purple amethyst speaks of peace, temperance, serenity and royalty. It encourages self control and strengthens the bond in a love relationship. Buddhists believe that the amethyst enhances tranquility and peace during meditation, and Leonardo da Vinci thought it had the power to increase intelligence and protect against evil.

Healing powers and uses of the Amethyst

Amethyst is a gemstone often worn by healers, as it has the power to focus energy. Amethyst is also believed to help to steady a restless mind and bring mental and emotional well-being. Amethyst crystal clusters are used to keep the air and life force in the home clean and positive. There is nothing like the beautiful violet amethyst to awaken the third-eye center. Enhancing intuition and clairvoyant abilities, the amethyst is the awakener to the psychic dimensions.

If you are born in March

True to its water zodiac sign of Pisces, the aquamarine, the birthstone for March, has a long seafaring history. Pale blue aquamarine gemstones are associated with good health, youth, love and hope. Wearing this gem is thought to reawaken married love, build your courage and increase your happiness. Aquamarine is a sturdy stone from the beryl family and exists in a variety of shades, from pale blue to blue-green to teal. The deep aqua blue stones are the most valuable and sought after.

Healing powers and uses of the Aquamarine

Just as the sea can lull the watcher into calm state of mind, so the aquamarine gemstone can calm the soul of the wearer. Aquamarine's soothing blue color is believed to bring mental clarity and releases negative energy from the wearer. It regulates hormones and growth, boosts the immune system and alleviates overreactions. This serene stone is believed to ease anxiety, calm the nervous system, and improve mood. Associated with the throat chakra and communication, it will bring soothing healing energy to the area of the throat removing any constriction.

If you are born in April

The diamond, April's birthstone, is in perfect harmony with its strong-willed, stubborn, yet energetic counterpart, the zodiac sign Aries. The beauty and brilliance of a diamond is unparalleled and birthstones meaning for diamonds is eternal and true love, strength and romance. The diamond is the symbol of purity, innocence, eternity and courage. In ancient times, diamonds were believed to be tears of the Gods. It brings the clarity of light to all that you do, shining a radiant beam at the third eye to awaken intuition, stimulating the higher mind.

Healing powers and uses of the Diamond

The diamond is an energy amplifier. It brings the clarity of light to all that you do, shining a radiant beam at the third eye to awaken intuition, stimulating the higher mind and raising your awareness to the light that shines within you. A diamond will help uncloud a cluttered mind, energize a depressed heart and brings the spring back in your step as your walk the path of your life. However, beware, as this means it will increase negative energy as well as positive! Diamond effectively treats dizziness and vertigo, and benefits the brain.

If you were born in May

The glorious green emerald, May's birthstone, has been treasured by many cultures for thousands of years. It was one of Cleopatra's favorite gems and has long been associated with fertility, rebirth, and love. A true emerald is rarer than a diamond and costs much more per carat. Because of its rarity, this elegant stone has adorned the crowns and jewelry of royalty throughout the ages. Its magical properties include peace, harmony, love, fidelity, honesty, and good fortune.

Healing powers and uses of Emerald

Associated with the heart chakra, the elegant emerald with its deep dark green tones is one of the most powerful healing gemstones. They are thought to aid in recovery after infectious illness, help sinuses and soothe the eyes, and improve vision. It heals the physical body by opening the heart to the healing power of love and the potentials for self-healing that reside within us all. Those attracted to emeralds are true healers to those around them.

If you were born in June

June's birthstone, the pearl, has long been associated with love, innocence, purity, and femininity. Pearl is worn to calm a restless mind and to control anger. It is believed that people who wear pearl can succeed in creative work and it is also linked with a successful married life. Because pearls grow organically, they are believed to help the wearer get in touch with the simple, honest things in life. Pearls also bring out the personality traits of dignity, wisdom, calmness, integrity, and charity.

Healing powers and uses of Pearl

Pearls are held to treat digestive disorders and the soft organs of the body, as well as improve the skin. They relieve conditions of bloating and biliousness. Pearls also increase fertility and ease childbirth. Authentic pearls exist in two forms—natural pearls, found in the sea, and freshwater pearls, found in rivers. It's believed these precious water-born gems can cure stomach disorders and prevent ulcers. Other healing properties of the pearl include calming stress, alleviating headaches, hypertension, and exhaustion, and preventing heart attacks.

If you were born in July

Ancient Hindus believed that July's birthstone, the deep-red ruby, had an internal flame that could never be extinguished. Red rubies are tokens of harmony and peace. Their beauty speaks of strength and nobility of character. The fire within the ruby is thought to bring fire into the wearer's life through love, passion, imagination, and motivation. This vital red gemstone brings clarity and wisdom to the wearer, as well as the strength to resist self-destructive behavior.

Healing powers and uses of Ruby

It was believed to protect its wearer from evil. Rubies are believed to grow deeper in color when the owner is in danger. The ruby encourages removal of negative energies from your path. It overcomes exhaustion and lethargy and imparts potency and vigor. Also, the ruby detoxifies the body, blood and lymphatic system. Wearing a ruby while sleeping is believed to bring lucid dreams, and dreaming about rubies is said to be a sign of impending wealth. Wearing a ruby is supposed to bring the owner a secure and peaceful life.

If you were born in August

August’s birthstone, peridot, is formed deep within the earth where it absorbs mystical and healing powers. It symbolizes strength. Peridot exists in shades from lemon-green to olive, but bright lime is the most treasured. The calming color of this gemstone contains a joyful energy that helps build strong friendships, achieve marital fidelity, ward off anger and jealousy, and bring about a sense of peace. Wearing peridot can also increase confidence, patience, and assertiveness.

Healing powers and uses of Peridot

Peridot is considered a visionary stone, bringing wearers an understanding of their existence and destiny. It is thought to strengthen the immune system, metabolism and benefit the skin. Tradition says you will be able to successfully ward off evil, enchantments and depression if you wear or carry peridot. The yellow and green colors of peridot can be combined to help even the most sensitive person. This stone sooths your worries and tames your fears and is the perfect gemstone to wear during stressful times.

If you were born in September

Sapphire, the deep blue birthstone of September, features prominently in many traditions and legends. It symbolizes dignity, loyalty, serenity, faith, purity and wisdom. The blue sapphire is known as the “wisdom stone” and restores balance to a person’s life physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It also brings joy, lightheartedness, and serenity to the wearer. The gemstone associated with an enlightened mind, the blue sapphire raises your consciousness to accept your divinity, brilliance and other exceptional qualities.

Healing powers and uses of Sapphire

Traditionally a favorite stone of priests and kings, the sapphire symbolizes purity and wisdom. It treats blood disorders, combat excessive bleeding and strengthen the walls of the veins. They are used for cellular disorders, regulate the glands and calm overactive body systems. While the medium-dark blue is the most treasured shade of sapphire, the stone exists in a rainbow of colors, including purple, pink, yellow, green, and orange. Each individual color of sapphire contains its own magical and healing powers. Wearing a sapphire may help give a better understanding of the future.

If you were born in October

The many-hued opal, October’s birthstone, is believed to reflect the mood of the owner. Wearing an opal can bring out imagination, inspiration, originality, and creativity. This gemstone is said to release inhibitions and make the wearer “invisible,” if he or she does not wish to be noticed. The opal symbolizes faithfulness and confidence. Depending on the grade and type of opal, the qualities of opal are expressive and creatively stimulating.

Healing powers and uses of Opal

Necklaces with opals set in them were worn to ward off evil and to protect eyesight. Opals also represent hope, creativity and innocence. Opals strengthen memory, and also increase the will to live. They treat infections and fevers, cleanse the blood and kidneys, and regulate insulin. Because opals have a strong feminine link, they are thought to relax a woman during childbirth and calm women’s health issues. Wearing an opal is energizing and enlivening. It acts as a blood cleanser and stimulates appetite.

If you were born in November

November’s birthstone, yellow topaz, has been warming hearts since the days of ancient Egypt and has been revered by many cultures. The heat of this fiery gemstone imbues a strong sense of true love and passion, as well as compassion, kindness, and empathy. The name topaz comes from the Sanskrit word tapas, meaning “fire.” Topaz is also linked with wisdom, strength, courage and serenity. It soothes physical pain, promotes peace and calms emotions. Topaz also promotes forgiveness and discourages negative emotions.

Healing powers and uses of Topaz

The yellow topaz is considered a stone of strength, power, and protection. Because it's ruled by the sun, it bestows abundance and practicality. It also aids in stimulating intelligence and creativity. As a healing stone, the yellow topaz is believed to bring a sense of balance to the wearer by relieving tension, calming stress, and harmonizing emotions. The stone is associated with the navel chakra and therefore helps you feel more empowered, strengthening your will power.

If you were born in December

The soft sky-blue color of turquoise, December’s birthstone, has made it the “stone of heaven” for thousands of years. It is a symbol of good fortune and success, and it is believed to relax the mind and to protect its wearer from harm. One of the philosopher's stones, turquoise denotes wisdom and higher truth. Associated with the throat chakra, turquoise helps you give voice to your wisdom and accept greater authority amongst those in your inner circle.

Healing powers and uses of Turquoise

Turquoise has long been considered a great healing stone by many cultures. Ancient practitioners believed that turquoise would actually change color when the wearer was ill or in danger. The turquoise stone aids in the absorption of nutrients, enhances the immune system, stimulates the regeneration of tissue, and heals the whole body. When worn near a body part that's in pain, this energetic stone is said to absorb negative energies. A bracelet of turquoise is believed to detoxify the blood as it flows under it.

Ownership of Papa and Punya

Another name for Atman is Vibhu - that which is all pervading. Atman exists everywhere and is the Lord of this entire creation. 

Vibhu, our own Self, is akarta and abhokta – neither the doer of actions nor the enjoyer of the results of actions. The Self does not do any good or bad actions nor does it become a sinner or a meritorious individual. It is the witness, the Consciousness in the presence of whom all actions - good, bad or ugly –take place. 

So, in reality, I am actually the non-doer Atman, but due to my present state of ignorance, strongly identifying with this individual entity of the body-mind-intellect and their activities, I feel, ‘I am doing’ and ‘I am enjoying’.   

Sense of Doership

Let us take the simple example of the moon and the clouds. Sometimes, when you see clouds moving, it appears that the stationary moon is moving with them. The movement of the clouds is superimposed on the motionless moon. 

Similarly, the body, mind and senses are functioning, but I have the notion that I am functioning. Firstly, the sense of doership is superimposed on myself when I see the body functioning. Secondly, the sense of knowership is superimposed on myself when knowledge happens through the buddhi. And finally, I superimpose the sense of enjoyership on myself when positive stimuli happen in the antahkaran. 

The Self is not a doer. But because of ignorance this superimposition is done.

What is papa and punya?

When there is a sense of doership, some actions are considered papa and others as punya. 

Sri Krishna clearly states that He does not take anybody’s punya nor does He take anybody’s papa. Punya or papa can never enter the pure Self. They are in the antahkaran only. There is no antahkaran in the pure Self. 

This experience is available to all of us in the deep sleep state. In deep sleep, you disassociate yourself with the body, senses or antahkaran. The senses and mind cannot enter deep sleep. Though we experience the deep sleep state, we are unable to talk about it as the intellect and mind cannot enter that state. 

The Atman is beyond the senses and mind. Papa and punya are in the antahkaran only. The Antahkaran cannot enter the Atman. 

Atman is Ever-Pure

We pray: 

कायेन व& #2366;चा मनसें ;द्रियैर्[1] 357;ा बुद्ध्& #2351;ात्मनावì 6;  प्रकृत 67;रस्वभावा& #2340; करोमि य द्यद् सकë 4;ं परस्मै नारायणाय 75;ति समर्प&# 2351;ामि|

When we do puja, we offer everything to Ishvara. It is a wonderful spiritual practice. But, we do all this from a state of ignorance. We consider ourselves as the ‘doer’ only in the state of ignorance. Knowledge of all the beings is covered by ajnana. Therefore we get deluded with the notion: ‘I am doing this. I am eating, I am walking...’ These are the notions due to our ignorance of our true nature. They are all delusions of the jiva. 

The Atman neither does anything, nor propels anyone to do anything. The Atman neither takes anybody’s papa nor punya. It is untouched by all objects and actions. It is niranjana – ever pure.

That is the nature of our own pure Self. 

But, we do not know this. How can realize the Self? The Self can be realized only when we eliminate our ignorance through proper knowledge. 

The author Swami Nikhilananda is the head of Chinmaya Mission Delhi NCR.

Purpose Of Religion

Religion is the means of realizing dharma, artha, kama and moksa. These four are called purusarthas. In Tamil, dharma is called “aram”; artha is known as “porul’; and kama and moksa are called “inbam, “and vidu respectively. “Artha” occurs in the term “purusarthas”, but it is itself one of the purusarthas? What a man wants for himself in his life- the aims of a man’s life- are the purusarthas. What does a man want to have? He wants to live happily without lacking for anything. There are two types of happiness: the first is ephemeral; and the second is everlasting and not subject to diminution.

Kama or in barn is ephemeral happiness and denotes worldly pleasure, orldly desires. Moksa or vidu is everlasting happiness, not transient pleasure. It is because people are ignorant about such happiness, how elevated and enduring it is, that they hanker after the trivial and momentary joys of kama. Our true quest must be for the fourth artha that is vidu or moksa. The majority of people today yearn for the third artha that is kama. When you eat you are happy. When you are appointed a judge of the high court you feel elated. You are delighted when presented with a welcome address by some institution, aren’t you? Such types of happiness are not enduring. The means by which such happiness is earned is porul. Porul may be corn, money, and house. It is this porul that is the way to happiness. But the pleasure gained from material possessions is momentary and you keep constantly hungering for more. Moksa is the state of supreme bliss and there is no quest beyond it. We keep going from place to place and suffer hardships of all kinds. Our destination is our home. A prisoner goes to his vidu or his home after he is released. But the word vidu also means release or liberation. Since we are now imprisoned in our body, we commit the grave mistake of believing that we are the body. The body is in fact our goal. Our real home is the bliss called moksa. We must find release from the goal that is our body and dwell in our true home. God has sentenced us to goal (that is he has imprisoned us in our body) for our sins. If we practice virtue he will condone our sins and release us from the prison of our body before the expiry of the sentence. We must desist from committing sinful acts so that our term of imprisonment is not extended and endeavor to free ourselves and arrive in our true home, our true home that is the Lord. This home is bliss that passeth understanding, bliss that is not bound by the limitations of time, space and matter. Lastly, I speak of the first purusartha, dharma. Dharma denotes beneficent action, good or virtuous deeds. The word has come to mean giving, charity. “Give me dharmam. Do dharmam, mother, “cries the beggar. We speak of “dana-dharma” [as a portmanteau word]. The commandments relating to charity are called “ara-kattalai”in Tamil. Looked at in this way, giving away our artha or porul will be seen to be dharma. But how do we, in the first place, acquire the goods to be given away in charity? The charity practiced in our former birth- by giving away our artha- it is that brings us rewards in this birth. The very purpose of owning material goods is the practice of dharma. Just as material possessions are a means of pleasure, so is dharma a means of material possessions. It is not charity alone that yields rewards in the form of material goods; all dharma will bring their own material rewards. If we practice dharma without expecting any reward in the belief that Isvara gives us what he wills- and in a spirit of dedication, the impurities tainting our being will be removed and we will obtain the bliss that is exalted. The pursuit of dharma that brings in its wake material rewards will itself become the means of attaining the Paramporul. Thus we see that dharma, while being an instrument for making material gain and through it of pleasure, becomes the means of liberation also if it is practiced unselfishly. Through it we acquire material goods and are helped to keep up the practice of dharma. This means that artha itself becomes a basis of dharma. It is kama or desire alone that neither fulfils itself nor becomes an instrument of fulfilling some other purpose. It is like the water poured on burning sands.

Worse, it is an instrument that destroys everything dharmic thoughts, material possessions, liberation itself. All the same it is difficult, to start with, to be without any desire altogether. Religion serves to rein in desire little by little and take a man, step by step, from petty ephemeral pleasure to the ultimate bliss. First we are taught the meaning and implications of dharma and how to practice it, then we are instructed in the right manner in which material goods are to be acquired so as to practice this dharma; and, thirdly, we are taught the proper manner in which desires may be satisfied. It is a process of gaining maturity and wisdom to forsake petty pleasure for the ultimate bliss of moksa. Moksa is release from all attachments. It is a state in which the Self remains ever in untrammeled freedom and blessedness. The chief purpose of religion is to teach us how this supreme state may be attained. We know for certain that ordinary people do not achieve eternal happiness. The purpose of any religion is to lead them towards such happiness. Everlasting blessedness is obtained only by forsaking the quest for petty pleasures. The dictates of dharma help us to abandon the pursuit of sensual enjoyments and endeavor for eternal bliss. They are also essential to create a social order that has the same high purpose, the liberation of all. Religion, with its goal of liberation, lays down the tenets of dharma. That is why the great understand the word dharma itself to mean religion.