1. This Upanishad has two parts in it describing the growth of human embryo in the womb of the mother and also variety of parameters connected with human life.
2. The first part describes about pancha bhootha and gives excellent definition for the pruthvi (as solid materials) ap ( as fluid ) thejas ( which has energy /heat ) vaayu ( which flows as electrons/electricity/..) and aakaasa ( which exists as the finest particles – ions) .
3. Further descriptions goes to the six flavors (shad rasas) like, sweet /bitter/sour/saltish/ sour /pungent .
4. Then comes the composition of the body like blood, bones, muscles etc..
5. Further description about the colors and their impact on the body..
6. In the second chapter of the Garbhopanishad, the systematic growth of the embryo in the womb of the mother is narrated. In the first day the fertilization takes place as a continuation the a solid spherical shape is evolved as the embryo within 15 days.
7. The shape of the head and body evolves within 15th day and within 60 days.
8. Within 3rd month, the feet slowly separates and within 4th month the intestine, stomach and other internal organs evolve. In the 5th month eyes, nose, ears grow. And by the 8th month full growth attains and then during the 9th month the baby remains in meditation with all organs functioning steadily.
9. All the mental activities start during this period .
10 In the 10th month the baby gets its birth with all qualities of human beings. Thus ends the Garbhopanishad.
Wednesday, 8 October 2008
Sunday, 5 October 2008
Swethaaswethara Upanishad
Swethaaswethara Upanishad is said to be written by a Rushi , Swethaaswathara. I personally think that the name Swethaaswethara cannot be the name of a Rushi, it can be only swetha and swetha ithara, which means the white and other than white ( pure and impure). This Upanishads clearly gives the messages of good and bad in the world and how a great man should take the good from the bad.
1. There are six chapters for this Upanishad.
2. Detailed description of the Brahmam is given in the first chapter, like the genesis , existence, maintenance, manifestation, manipulation of the Brahmam .
3. Variety of observations and visions of scholars about the Brahmam are given in this part.
4. the cause and solutions of happiness and unhappiness in the human life are philosophically explained.
5. The knowledge of the absolute truth about the life and philosophical approach towards life is the only solution for the happiness in the life is mentioned with example in the first and second chapter of the swethaaswetharopanishad.
6. The detailed description of Brahmam as the colorless /odorless/ formless/ shape and size less unexplainable/ indefinable…beyond the level of imagination, beyond analyses, beyond estimation etc,. are the adjective used for Brahmam , in the third chapter.
7. How the Brahmam manifest itself as the Sun, moon, stars, butterflies, birds, clouds, ocean, atmosphere, colors, cosmos …etc ( i.e. all living and non living beings) are explained in chapter four..
8. The fifth chapter describes the merits of meditation for Brahma saakshaathkaaram and brahmajnaanam.
9. The last chapter describes about the qualities and qualifications of the materials and the world due to the presence of Brahma chaithanyam in it.
10. The last lines describe about the moksha and detachment in the life to attain the heaven.
1. There are six chapters for this Upanishad.
2. Detailed description of the Brahmam is given in the first chapter, like the genesis , existence, maintenance, manifestation, manipulation of the Brahmam .
3. Variety of observations and visions of scholars about the Brahmam are given in this part.
4. the cause and solutions of happiness and unhappiness in the human life are philosophically explained.
5. The knowledge of the absolute truth about the life and philosophical approach towards life is the only solution for the happiness in the life is mentioned with example in the first and second chapter of the swethaaswetharopanishad.
6. The detailed description of Brahmam as the colorless /odorless/ formless/ shape and size less unexplainable/ indefinable…beyond the level of imagination, beyond analyses, beyond estimation etc,. are the adjective used for Brahmam , in the third chapter.
7. How the Brahmam manifest itself as the Sun, moon, stars, butterflies, birds, clouds, ocean, atmosphere, colors, cosmos …etc ( i.e. all living and non living beings) are explained in chapter four..
8. The fifth chapter describes the merits of meditation for Brahma saakshaathkaaram and brahmajnaanam.
9. The last chapter describes about the qualities and qualifications of the materials and the world due to the presence of Brahma chaithanyam in it.
10. The last lines describe about the moksha and detachment in the life to attain the heaven.
Saturday, 27 September 2008
Muktika Upanishad
This is the 108th Upanishad in the series of 108 important Upanishads. There are two parts for this Upanishad. Just before Lord Rama leaving the world (DEHA TYAAGAM) by disposing the body in River Sarayu, Hanuman asked a question to Lord, in presence of Lakshmana, Bharatha, Satrughna, Vasishta and others. The question was about the Vedic and non Vedic literature. As reply, Lord Rama thus explained.
1. There are four Vedas. Rig-Veda has 21 recensions, Yajurveda has 109 recensions, Sama Veda has 1000 recensions and Atharveda has 50 recensions.
2. The Lord said there are 108 Upanishads. From Aitareya Upanishad to bahvruchopanishad there are ten Upanishads belonging to Rig-Veda and all these Upanishads have the saanthi mantra starting from vaang may manasi prathishtithaa mano may vaachi prathishtithaa
3. From eesaavaasya Upanishad to muktika Upanishad there are 19 Upanishads belonging to Sukla Yajurveda having the saanthi mantra starting from poorna matha poorna midam poornaath…….. From Katopanishad to saraswatee rahasyopanishad there are 32 Upanishads for Krishna Yajurveda having the saanthi mantra saha naavavathu saha nou bhunaktu saha veeryam
4. From kena Upanishad to jaabaala Upanishad there are 16 Upanishads for Sama Veda having the saanthi mantra aapyaayanthu mamaangaani vaak praana schakshu……………. From prasna Upanishad to garuda Upanishad there are 31 Upanishad for Atharveda which are chanted with the saanthi mantra Bhadram karnebhi srunuyaama devaa……….. thus Lord Rama gives the explanation about the Vedic literature in the first part of this Upanishad.
In the second part Lord explains about praana, yoga, wisdom and intelligence, knowledge (jnaanam), analyses, estimation, as the mental attitude and capacity to intellectual analyses. Finally Lord Rama explains why he himself is known as an Avathaara/ and the divinity in him. In short the analyses of mind and psychology were done in the second part.
1. There are four Vedas. Rig-Veda has 21 recensions, Yajurveda has 109 recensions, Sama Veda has 1000 recensions and Atharveda has 50 recensions.
2. The Lord said there are 108 Upanishads. From Aitareya Upanishad to bahvruchopanishad there are ten Upanishads belonging to Rig-Veda and all these Upanishads have the saanthi mantra starting from vaang may manasi prathishtithaa mano may vaachi prathishtithaa
3. From eesaavaasya Upanishad to muktika Upanishad there are 19 Upanishads belonging to Sukla Yajurveda having the saanthi mantra starting from poorna matha poorna midam poornaath…….. From Katopanishad to saraswatee rahasyopanishad there are 32 Upanishads for Krishna Yajurveda having the saanthi mantra saha naavavathu saha nou bhunaktu saha veeryam
4. From kena Upanishad to jaabaala Upanishad there are 16 Upanishads for Sama Veda having the saanthi mantra aapyaayanthu mamaangaani vaak praana schakshu……………. From prasna Upanishad to garuda Upanishad there are 31 Upanishad for Atharveda which are chanted with the saanthi mantra Bhadram karnebhi srunuyaama devaa……….. thus Lord Rama gives the explanation about the Vedic literature in the first part of this Upanishad.
In the second part Lord explains about praana, yoga, wisdom and intelligence, knowledge (jnaanam), analyses, estimation, as the mental attitude and capacity to intellectual analyses. Finally Lord Rama explains why he himself is known as an Avathaara/ and the divinity in him. In short the analyses of mind and psychology were done in the second part.
Krishna Yajurveda
These Upanishads are either the part of the Krishna Yajurveda, Krishna yajurvedeeya brahmana, Krishna yajurvedeeya aaranyaka or those written by the Rushies belonging to the Krishna Yajurveda saakha.
1. The first among the series of Krishna yajurvedeeya Upanishads is the Katopanishad. The subject matter is described in vallies (chapters).
2 The Upanishad starts (in the first vally) with the description of a minor incident. The son of Vajasravas, a great emperor performed a yaaga and at the end he donated (performing daana) many cows and gold coins to scholars. Many of these cows were very old. Seeing this the son of the emperor, Nachiketas asked his father why he was giving this old useless cows to scholars. He further commented to his father, that he may even donate his son to others for getting heaven, if so to whom will the emperor donate his son ? The father angrily answered that he will donate Nachiketas to Yamadharma (god of death)! Listening to these words, the son said that he shall go by himself to Yamadharma and the Upanishad starts with the discussion between Nachiketas and Yamadharma.
3. The description of the absolute truth – soul- jeevaathma – paramaathma is given in second vally . In the third vally excellent description/ comparison of human body is given as: The human body is compared with a chariot, the wisdom is the charioteer, the five sensory organs are the five horses, all the five, that are linked with the five sensory organs are the pathway of the horses to move. Says Yama to Nachiketas.
4. For deep meditation and realization of the soul, the preliminary requirements like purity, control and guidance of the mind are needed says Yama.
5. The description of pancha praana : praana-apaana – vyaana – udaana –samaana and vyaana are given.
6.The relation between Brahmam and also aathma chaitanyam are described further
7. In the last vally Yamadharma shows the path for the realization of the soul and for the attainment of the heavenly abode, to Nachiketas. 7. After listening to the detailed description from Yamadharma, Nachiketas attained moksha. Thus ends the Upanishad which is tough to understand too.
1. The first among the series of Krishna yajurvedeeya Upanishads is the Katopanishad. The subject matter is described in vallies (chapters).
2 The Upanishad starts (in the first vally) with the description of a minor incident. The son of Vajasravas, a great emperor performed a yaaga and at the end he donated (performing daana) many cows and gold coins to scholars. Many of these cows were very old. Seeing this the son of the emperor, Nachiketas asked his father why he was giving this old useless cows to scholars. He further commented to his father, that he may even donate his son to others for getting heaven, if so to whom will the emperor donate his son ? The father angrily answered that he will donate Nachiketas to Yamadharma (god of death)! Listening to these words, the son said that he shall go by himself to Yamadharma and the Upanishad starts with the discussion between Nachiketas and Yamadharma.
3. The description of the absolute truth – soul- jeevaathma – paramaathma is given in second vally . In the third vally excellent description/ comparison of human body is given as: The human body is compared with a chariot, the wisdom is the charioteer, the five sensory organs are the five horses, all the five, that are linked with the five sensory organs are the pathway of the horses to move. Says Yama to Nachiketas.
4. For deep meditation and realization of the soul, the preliminary requirements like purity, control and guidance of the mind are needed says Yama.
5. The description of pancha praana : praana-apaana – vyaana – udaana –samaana and vyaana are given.
6.The relation between Brahmam and also aathma chaitanyam are described further
7. In the last vally Yamadharma shows the path for the realization of the soul and for the attainment of the heavenly abode, to Nachiketas. 7. After listening to the detailed description from Yamadharma, Nachiketas attained moksha. Thus ends the Upanishad which is tough to understand too.
Brahma Upanishad
Now we shall go to the next Upanishad known as Brahma Upanishad ( brahmopanishad).
1. First part of this Upanishad is composed as prose and the second part in poetical style.
2. In the first part the description goes through the panchapraana: praana – apaana – vyaana- udaana and samaana, which control different parts of our body
3. The aathma is the soul about which detailed descriptions are given.
4. The relation between the aathma – paramaathma : i.e the soul and the universal energy is further narrated.
5. The three states of the mind which are jaagrath – swapna – sushupti are further described. In jaagrath state we see /listen/smell/discuss / and know all the bodily stimuli. In swapana state we dream and in the sushupti state fast eye ball movements take place in deep sleep. Thureeya state beyond all these three states
6. Detailed description of Brahma thathwam as given in other Upanishads and its (brahma) manifestation in nature, as deities (devathas) and their symbolic presentation of Brahma – Vishnu – Maheswara and so on are given for the better understanding of nature for the common man.
7. The description of the words like eeswara, devathas, prakruti, prapancha, etc is given at the end of the first part of the Upanishad.
8. In the second part, the importance of human heart where the devathas/ praana / soul / etc dell is given.
9. The importance of sacred thread (yajnopaveeetha), sikha ( tuft in the head ), the ceremony connected with the wearing of sacred thread (upanayanam) for all the castes , the meditation procedures to be adopted for the realization of divinity in self are demonstrated.
10. It is described that once a person has attained the status of a yogi, he can experience the divinity like he can see the waves in the ocean, oil in sesame seeds, through transcendental meditation. Says the Upanishads.
1. First part of this Upanishad is composed as prose and the second part in poetical style.
2. In the first part the description goes through the panchapraana: praana – apaana – vyaana- udaana and samaana, which control different parts of our body
3. The aathma is the soul about which detailed descriptions are given.
4. The relation between the aathma – paramaathma : i.e the soul and the universal energy is further narrated.
5. The three states of the mind which are jaagrath – swapna – sushupti are further described. In jaagrath state we see /listen/smell/discuss / and know all the bodily stimuli. In swapana state we dream and in the sushupti state fast eye ball movements take place in deep sleep. Thureeya state beyond all these three states
6. Detailed description of Brahma thathwam as given in other Upanishads and its (brahma) manifestation in nature, as deities (devathas) and their symbolic presentation of Brahma – Vishnu – Maheswara and so on are given for the better understanding of nature for the common man.
7. The description of the words like eeswara, devathas, prakruti, prapancha, etc is given at the end of the first part of the Upanishad.
8. In the second part, the importance of human heart where the devathas/ praana / soul / etc dell is given.
9. The importance of sacred thread (yajnopaveeetha), sikha ( tuft in the head ), the ceremony connected with the wearing of sacred thread (upanayanam) for all the castes , the meditation procedures to be adopted for the realization of divinity in self are demonstrated.
10. It is described that once a person has attained the status of a yogi, he can experience the divinity like he can see the waves in the ocean, oil in sesame seeds, through transcendental meditation. Says the Upanishads.
Thaithireeya Upanishad
The second and one of the very important Upanishads of Krishnayajurveda is the Thaithireeya Upanishad. This belongs to the Thaithireeya recension/ sakha of the Krishna Yajurveda and it comes at the end of Thaithireeya Aaranyaka
1. The word Thaithireeyam means pigeon.
2. The message of this word here is that 'one should take the absolute knowledge like the pigeon takes small grains'.. There are three chapters for this Upanishad and they are known as Siksha valli, Brahmananda valli and Bhrugu valli.
In the first chapter known as Siksha valli, the rules and the customs to be followed for learning the Vedas are given very systematically. The message and the worship of Vedas, the importance of the vedic tones and sruthies, Omkara and brahma thathwa, the customs to be followed by the brahmacharies /Vedic students, the qualities and qualifications of the Vedic guru, the greatness of the Vedic scholars etc are further described in the first chapter.
In the second chapter, detailed description of the Brahma thathwam, the message that it (Brahmam) is the universal manifestation and manipulation of the awareness and consciousness etc., are given in the first part of the second chapter. In the second part of the second chapter, the Brahmam and its relation with food (annam), soul (jeeathma), cosmic power (prapachapurusha), mind ( mana), jeevaathma (the life force), paramaathma (the universal energy0 …etc are described. The method of realization of the absolute truth is given as the brahmajnaana maargam (pathway) brahma saakshaathkaaram, brahmaanandam etc.
In the final statement it is mentioned that one who has attained this level is equal to god himself – deva.. In the third chapter, known as Bhrugu valli, Maharshi Varuna gives the guidance/ knoledge to his son Maharshi Bhrugu on the relation between the food / annam and the Brahma thathwam, the mind and soul, worship of food, the benefits of free distribution of food to poor, etc. Here the principles that annam brahmeti vyajaanaath, mano brahma, agnireva brahma, aham brahmaasmi, ayam aathma brahma, thath brahma thwam asi, prajnaanam brahma etc are described directly and indirectly. Each chapter of the Thaithireeya Upanishad is further divided into anuvaakaas.
1. The word Thaithireeyam means pigeon.
2. The message of this word here is that 'one should take the absolute knowledge like the pigeon takes small grains'.. There are three chapters for this Upanishad and they are known as Siksha valli, Brahmananda valli and Bhrugu valli.
In the first chapter known as Siksha valli, the rules and the customs to be followed for learning the Vedas are given very systematically. The message and the worship of Vedas, the importance of the vedic tones and sruthies, Omkara and brahma thathwa, the customs to be followed by the brahmacharies /Vedic students, the qualities and qualifications of the Vedic guru, the greatness of the Vedic scholars etc are further described in the first chapter.
In the second chapter, detailed description of the Brahma thathwam, the message that it (Brahmam) is the universal manifestation and manipulation of the awareness and consciousness etc., are given in the first part of the second chapter. In the second part of the second chapter, the Brahmam and its relation with food (annam), soul (jeeathma), cosmic power (prapachapurusha), mind ( mana), jeevaathma (the life force), paramaathma (the universal energy0 …etc are described. The method of realization of the absolute truth is given as the brahmajnaana maargam (pathway) brahma saakshaathkaaram, brahmaanandam etc.
In the final statement it is mentioned that one who has attained this level is equal to god himself – deva.. In the third chapter, known as Bhrugu valli, Maharshi Varuna gives the guidance/ knoledge to his son Maharshi Bhrugu on the relation between the food / annam and the Brahma thathwam, the mind and soul, worship of food, the benefits of free distribution of food to poor, etc. Here the principles that annam brahmeti vyajaanaath, mano brahma, agnireva brahma, aham brahmaasmi, ayam aathma brahma, thath brahma thwam asi, prajnaanam brahma etc are described directly and indirectly. Each chapter of the Thaithireeya Upanishad is further divided into anuvaakaas.
Monday, 25 August 2008
YAJNAVALKYA UPANISHAD.
You might have heard about Emperor Janaka whose name is mentioned in almost all the Indian literature and the only name of a king mentioned in Bhagavath Geetha, by Lord Krishna as an ideal person. He became a sanyaasi (aathmajnaani) and got elevated into the level of a Maharshi. He gives the advise about the aathmajnaana to (another Maharshi) Yajnavalkhya (who composed Yajurveda)in this Upanishad.
1. Explanation is on sanyaasa , (sanyaasi = a scholarly saint).
2 He explains the knowledge of absolute truth in the universe.
3. The happiness derived for the sanyaaasi when he becomes the embodiment of the Vedic and Upanishadic knowledge.
4. Janaka explains the sacraments performed during a life term which is known as shodasa karma.
5. This shodasa samskaara or karma starts from the union of the ovum and sperm of the parents and till the last breath of the man. i.e Garbhaadanam to anthyeshti.
6. He (Janaka) explains further on mind and its multifaceted performance.
7. The control of mind and through that controlling the five sensory organs and five functional organs.
8. Analyses the mind, thought, memory, analyzing capability, intelligence and wisdom and explains in few lines are done.
9. Finally the working principle of the mind and ...
10. Getting detachment from all the worldly affairs/luxuries and relinquishing/giving up/ sacrificing from the attachments in the life.
Tuesday, 5 August 2008
Hinduism and Vegetarianism
Having well considered the origin of flesh-foods, and the cruelty of fettering and slaying corporeal beings, let man entirely abstain from eating flesh. - Manusmriti 5.49
While most major world religions are traceable to one particular founder, Hinduism has its beginnings in such remote antiquity that it cannot be traced to any one individual. Its roots, however, are firmly planted in the ancient Vedic texts.
Interestingly enough, the word "Hindu" is not actually found anywhere in Vedic scriptures. The term "Hindu" is vague, and even a misnomer. The term was introduced by Muslims from neighboring countries who referred to people living across the River Sindhu, a people who actually held a vast array of religious beliefs. There is no one "Hindu religion."
The original Vedic system is actually quite different from contemporary Hinduism. Both the old and the new, however, converge harmoniously in regard to vegetarianism. Here are some quotes from the Vedas:
"You must not use your God-given body for killing God's creatures, whether they are human, animal or whatever." (Yajur Veda, 12.32)
"By not killing any living being, one becomes fit for salvation." (Manusmriti, 6.60)
"The purchaser of flesh performs himsa (violence) by his wealth; he who eats flesh does so by enjoying its taste; the killer does himsa by actually tying and killing the animal. Thus, there are three forms of killing. He who brings flesh or sends for it, he who cuts of the limbs of an animal, and he who purchases, sells, or cooks flesh and eats it-all of these are to be considered meat-eaters." (Mahabharata, Anu. 115:40)
Cow Protection
According to India's traditional scriptural histories, the original cow Mother Surabhi, was one of the treasures churned from the cosmic ocean, and "the five products of the cow" (pancha-gavya)-milk, curd, ghee, urine and dung-were considered purifying. The cow is respected in her own right as one of the seven mothers because she offers her milk as does one's natural mother.
The cow plays a central role in the Vedic ideal for humanity: "simple living and high thinking," a life close to nature and God. Until recently in India's history, most people lived on tracts of land suitable for complete self-sufficiency.
The cow thus has always played an important role in India's economy. For example, cow dung serves as an inexpensive fertilizer. Stored in underground tanks, it also generates methane gas that is used for heating and cooking. Cow dung is also an effective disinfectant and is used both as a poultice and a cleansing agent.
The very name for the cows is aghnaya which means "not to be killed."
Vegetarianism and Nonviolence
In the Manusmriti, it is stated that one should refrain from eating all kinds of meat, for such eating involves killing and leads to karmic bondage (bandha).
Elsewhere in the Vedas, the last of the great Vedic Kings, Maharaja Pariksit, is quoted as saying that "only the animal killer cannot relish the message of the Absolute Truth." Therefore, the Vedas inform us to obtain spiritual knowledge, one must begin with being vegetarian.
The Lord's Mercy
According to the Vedic scriptures, one should offer all foods as a sacrifice to God: "…all that you do, all that you eat, all that you offer and give away, as well as all austerities that you may perform, should be done as an offering unto Me." (Bhagavad-gita 9.27)
The Gita also clarifies exactly what should be offered: "If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit or water, I will accept it." (Bhagavad-gita. 9.26)
The Bhagavad-gita further declares that one who lovingly offers his food to God, according to scriptural guidelines, is freed from all sinful reactions and consequent rebirth in the material world: "The devotees of the Lord are released from all kinds of sin because they eat food which is offered first in sacrifice. Others, who prepare food for personal sense enjoyment, verily eat only sin. (Bhagavad-gita 3.13)
Remnants of such devotional offerings are called prasadam (literally, "The Lord's Mercy"). In India, the largest temples, such as Shri Rangam in south India and Jagannath Mandir, the main temple in Puri, all freely distribute sanctified vegetarian foods (prasadam) daily.
Animals and Spirituality
Long before Saint Francis was declared the patron saint of the animals, the sages of ancient India had already recognized spirituality in all living species. Vedic texts even describe incarnations of God in various animal forms.
Some of the more popular are the boar, the tortoise, the fish, and the horse-there is even a half man/half lion incarnation! ( Vedic literature does not promote polytheism, rather, the Vedas affirm that it is the same one God who appears in various forms).
The Vedic viewpoint even acknowledges the ability of ordinary animals to achieve exalted states of spirituality! This is so because of the viewpoint that spirituality is not limited to the human form and that ultimately the external body is a temporary housing for the eternal spiritual soul.
The Vedas say that the living soul transmigrates, from body to body, from species to species, until it finally reaches the human form, equipped with reason and the ability to inquire into the Absolute Truth.
Exercising that human prerogative, one can end the cycle of repeated birth and death and attain the kingdom of God.
Here, then, is a religious tradition that emphasizes not only vegetarianism but also the spiritual equality of all living beings.
Meditation Tips
Meditation for Beginners: 20 Practical Tips for Quieting the Mind
Editor’s note: This is a guest post from Todd Goldfarb at the We The Change blog.
Meditation is the art of focusing 100% of your attention in one area. The practice comes with a myriad of well-publicized health benefits including increased concentration, decreased anxiety, and a general feeling of happiness.
Although a great number of people try meditation at some point in their lives, a small percentage actually stick with it for the long-term. This is unfortunate, and a possible reason is that many beginners do not begin with a mindset needed to make the practice sustainable.
The purpose of this article is to provide 20 practical recommendations to help beginners get past the initial hurdles and integrate meditation over the long term:
Make it a formal practice. You will only get to the next level in meditation by setting aside specific time (preferably two times a day) to be still.
Start with the breath. Breathing deep slows the heart rate, relaxes the muscles, focuses the mind and is an ideal way to begin practice.
Stretch first. Stretching loosens the muscles and tendons allowing you to sit (or lie) more comfortably. Additionally, stretching starts the process of “going inward” and brings added attention to the body.
Meditate with Purpose. Beginners must understand that meditation is an ACTIVE process. The art of focusing your attention to a single point is hard work, and you have to be purposefully engaged!
Notice frustration creep up on you. This is very common for beginners as we think “hey, what am I doing here” or “why can’t I just quiet my damn mind already”. When this happens, really focus in on your breath and let the frustrated feelings go.
Experiment. Although many of us think of effective meditation as a Yogi sitting cross-legged beneath a Bonzi tree, beginners should be more experimental and try different types of meditation. Try sitting, lying, eyes open, eyes closed, etc.
Feel your body parts. A great practice for beginning meditators is to take notice of the body when a meditative state starts to take hold. Once the mind quiets, put all your attention to the feet and then slowly move your way up the body (include your internal organs). This is very healthy and an indicator that you are on the right path.
Pick a specific room in your home to meditate. Make sure it is not the same room where you do work, exercise, or sleep. Place candles and other spiritual paraphernalia in the room to help you feel at ease.
Read a book (or two) on meditation. Preferably an instructional guide AND one that describes the benefits of deep meditative states. This will get you motivated.
Commit for the long haul. Meditation is a life-long practice, and you will benefit most by NOT examining the results of your daily practice. Just do the best you can every day, and then let it go!
Listen to instructional tapes and CDs.
Generate moments of awareness during the day. Finding your breath and “being present” while not in formal practice is a wonderful way to evolve your meditation habits.
Make sure you will not be disturbed. One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is not insuring peaceful practice conditions. If you have it in the back of your mind that the phone might ring, your kids might wake, or your coffee pot might whistle than you will not be able to attain a state of deep relaxation.
Notice small adjustments. For beginning meditators, the slightest physical movements can transform a meditative practice from one of frustration to one of renewal. These adjustments may be barely noticeable to an observer, but they can mean everything for your practice.
Use a candle. Meditating with eyes closed can be challenging for a beginner. Lighting a candle and using it as your point of focus allows you to strengthen your attention with a visual cue. This can be very powerful.
Do NOT Stress. This may be the most important tip for beginners, and the hardest to implement. No matter what happens during your meditation practice, do not stress about it. This includes being nervous before meditating and angry afterwards. Meditation is what it is, and just do the best you can at the time.
Do it together. Meditating with a partner or loved one can have many wonderful benefits, and can improve your practice. However, it is necessary to make sure that you set agreed-upon ground rules before you begin!
Meditate early in the morning. Without a doubt, early morning is an ideal
time to practice: it is quieter, your mind is not filled with the usual clutter, and there is less chance you will be disturbed. Make it a habit to get up half an hour earlier to meditate.
Be Grateful at the end. Once your practice is through, spend 2-3 minutes feeling appreciative of the opportunity to practice and your mind’s ability to focus.
Notice when your interest in meditation begins to wane. Meditation is hard work, and you will inevitably come to a point where it seemingly does not fit into the picture anymore. THIS is when you need your practice the most and I recommend you go back to the book(s) or the CD’s you listened to and become re-invigorated with the practice. Chances are that losing the ability to focus on meditation is parallel with your inability to focus in other areas of your life!
Meditation is an absolutely wonderful practice, but can be very difficult in the beginning. Use the tips described in this article to get your practice to the next level!
Wednesday, 30 July 2008
Science & Hinduism
Cosmology & psychology
According to India's ancient texts, around 3000 BCE sage Kapil founded both cosmology and psychology. He shed light on the Soul, the subtle elements of matter and creation. His main idea was that essential nature (prakrti) comes from the eternal (purusha) to develop all of creation. No deeper a view of the cosmos has ever been developed. Further, his philosophy of Sankhya philosophy also covered the secret levels of the psyche, including mind, intellect and ego, and how they relate to the Soul or Atma.
Medicine (Ayurveda), Aviation
Around 800 BCE Sage Bharadwaj, was both the father of modern medicine, teaching Ayurveda, and also the developer of aviation technology. He wrote the Yantra Sarvasva, which covers astonishing discoveries in aviation and space sciences, and flying machines - well before Leonardo DaVinchi's time. Some of his flying machines were reported to fly around the earth, from the earth to other planets, and between universes. His designs and descriptions have left a huge impression on modern-day aviation engineers. He also discussed how to make these flying machines invisible by using sun and wind force. There are much more fascinating insights discovered by sage Bharadwaj.
Medicine, Surgery, paediatrics, gynaecology. anatomy,
physiology, pharmacology, embryology, blood circulation
Around this era and through 400 BCE many great developments occurred. In the field of medicine (Ayurveda), sage Divodasa Dhanwantari developed the school of surgery; Rishi Kashyap developed the specialized fields of paediatrics and gynaecology. Lord Atreya, author of the one of the main Ayurvedic texts, the Charak Samhita, classified the principles of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, embryology, blood circulation and more. He discussed how to heal thousands of diseases, many of which modern science still has no answer. Along with herbs, diet and lifestyle, Atreya showed a correlation between mind, body, spirit and ethics. He outlined a charter of ethics centuries before the Hippocratic oath.
Rhinoplasty, amputation, caesarean and
cranial surgeries, anesthesia, antibiotic herbs
While Lord Atreya is recognized for his contribution to medicine, sage Sushrut is known as the "Father of surgery". Even modern science recognizes India as the first country to develop and use rhinoplasty (developed by Sushrut). He also practiced amputation, caesarean and cranial surgeries, and developed 125 surgical instruments including scalpels, lancets, and needles.
Lord Atreya - author of Charak Samhita. Circa 8th - 6th century BCE. Perhaps the most referred to Rishi/physician today The Charak Samhita was the first compilation of all aspects of ayurvedic medicine including diagnoses, cures, anatomy, embryology, pharmacology, and blood circulation (excluding surgery).
He wrote about causes and cures for diabetes, TB, and heart diseases. At that time, European medicine had no idea of these ideas. In fact, even today many of these disease causes and cures are still unknown to modern allopathic medicine.
Other unique quality of Ayurveda is that it uncovers and cures the root cause of illness, it is safe, gentle and inexpensive, it sees 6 stages of disease development (where modern medicine only sees the last two stages), it treats people in a personalized manner according to their dosha or constitution and not in any generic manner.
Further, Ayurveda being the science of 'life', Atrea was quick to
emphasize, proper nutrition according to dosha, and perhaps above all else, that there was a mind/body/soul relationship and that the root cause of all diseases and the best medicine for all conditions is spiritual and ethical life.
Rishi Sushrut is known as the father of surgery & author of Sushrut Samhita. Circa 5 - 4th century BCE. He is credited with performing the world's first rhinoplasty, using anesthesia and plastic surgery. He used surgical instruments - many of them look similar to instruments used today; and discussed more than 300 types of surgical operations. One of the Ayurvedic surgical practices being used today in India involves dipping sutures into antibiotic herbs so when sewed into the person, the scar heals quicker and prevent infection. The modern surgical world owes a great debt to this great surgical sage.
Atomic theory
Sage Kanad (circa 600 BCE) is recognized as the founder of atomic theory, and classified all the objects of creation into nine elements (earth, water, light or fire, wind, ether, time, space, mind and soul). He stated that every object in creation is made of atoms that in turn connect with each other to form molecules nearly 2,500 years before John Dalton. Further, Kanad described the dimension and motion of atoms, and the chemical reaction with one another. The eminent historian, T.N. Colebrook said, "Compared to scientists of Europe, Kanad and other Indian scientists were the global masters in this field."
Chemistry alchemical metals
In the field of chemistry alchemical metals were developed for medicinal uses by sage Nagarjuna. He wrote many famous books including Ras Ratnakar, which is still used in India's Ayurvedic colleges today. By carefully burning metals like iron, tin, copper, etc. into ash, removing the toxic elements, these metals produce quick and profound healing in the most difficult diseases.
Astronomy and mathematics
Sage Aryabhatt (b. 476 CE) wrote texts on astronomy and mathematics. He formulated the process of calculating the motion of planets and the time of eclipses. Aryabhatt was the first to proclaim the earth was round, rotating on an axis, orbiting the sun and suspended in space. This was around 1,000 years before Copernicus. He was a geometry genius credited with calculating pi to four decimal places, developing the trigonomic sine table and the area of a triangle. Perhaps his most important contribution was the concept of the zero. Details are found in Shulva sutra. Other sages of mathematics include Baudhayana, Katyayana, and Apastamba.
Astronomy, geography, constellation
science, botany and animal science.
Varahamihr (499 - 587 CE) was another eminent astronomer. In his book, Panschsiddhant, he noted that the moon and planets shine due to the sun. Many of his other contributions captured in his books Bruhad Samhita and Bruhad Jatak, were in the fields of geography, constellation science, botany and animal science. For example he presented cures for various diseases of plants and trees.
Knowledge of botany (Vrksh-Ayurveda) dates back more than 5,000 years, discussed in India's Rig Veda. Sage Parashara (100 BCE) is called the "father of botany" because he classified flowering plants into various families, nearly 2,000 years before Lannaeus (the modern father of taxonomy). Parashara described plant cells - the outer and inner walls, sap color-matter and something not visible to the eye - anvasva. Nearly 2,000 years -later Robert Hooke, using a microscope described the outer and inner wall and sap color-matter.
Algebra, arithmetic and geometry, planetary positions, eclipses, cosmography, and mathematical techniques. force of gravity
In the field of mathematics, Bhaskaracharya II (1114 - 1183 CE) contributed to the fields of algebra, arithmetic and geometry. Two of his most well known books are Lilavati and Bijaganita, which are translated in several languages of the world. In his book, Siddhant Shiromani, he expounds on planetary positions, eclipses, cosmography, and mathematical techniques. Another of his books, Surya Siddhant discusses the force of gravity, 500 years before Sir Isaac Newton. Sage Sridharacharya developed the quadratic equation around 991 CE.
The Decimal
Ancient India invented the decimal scale using base 10. They number-names to denote numbers. In the 9th century CE, an Arab mathematician, Al-Khwarizmi, learned Sanskrit and wrote a book explaining the Hindu system of numeration. In the 12th century CE the book was translated into Latin. The British used this numerical system and credited the Arabs - mislabelling it 'Arabic numerals'. "We owe a lot to the Indians, who taught us how to count, without which no worthwhile scientific discovery could have been made." - Albert Einstein.
Metallurgy
India was the world-leader in Metallurgy for more than 5,000 years. Gold jewellery is available from 3,000 BCE. Brass and bronze pieces are dated back to 1,300 BCE. Extraction of zinc from ore by distillation was used in India as early as 400 BCE while European William Campion patented the process some 2,000 years later. Copper statues can be dated back to 500 CE. There is an iron pillar in Delhi dating back to 400 CE that shows no sign of rust or decay.
There are two unique aspects to India's ancient scientists. First their discoveries are in use today as some of the most important aspects of their field; and are validated by modern technological machines. Second, their discoveries brought peace and prosperity rather than the harm and destruction of many of our modern discoveries.
Due to their intense spiritual life, they developed such power of discrimination (vivek). Spirituality gives helpful direction and science brings speed. With a core of spirituality, modern scientists' discoveries can quickly bring only helpful ideas to help humanity. While Einstein is credited with the idea that one can travel faster than the speed of light, it was written about centuries before in the ancient Vedic literature. Perhaps it was Einstein's association with the famed Indian physicist, Bose that led to his introduction to the views about the speed of light. Through deep meditation and reading the ancient Vedic texts, who knows what our modern-day scientists will discover?
There are two points here, the first is that India should be proud of its amazing achievements and be properly credited, and second is that India leaves a blueprint, compass and map for how to develop safe and helpful discoveries for the future betterment of mankind.
According to India's ancient texts, around 3000 BCE sage Kapil founded both cosmology and psychology. He shed light on the Soul, the subtle elements of matter and creation. His main idea was that essential nature (prakrti) comes from the eternal (purusha) to develop all of creation. No deeper a view of the cosmos has ever been developed. Further, his philosophy of Sankhya philosophy also covered the secret levels of the psyche, including mind, intellect and ego, and how they relate to the Soul or Atma.
Medicine (Ayurveda), Aviation
Around 800 BCE Sage Bharadwaj, was both the father of modern medicine, teaching Ayurveda, and also the developer of aviation technology. He wrote the Yantra Sarvasva, which covers astonishing discoveries in aviation and space sciences, and flying machines - well before Leonardo DaVinchi's time. Some of his flying machines were reported to fly around the earth, from the earth to other planets, and between universes. His designs and descriptions have left a huge impression on modern-day aviation engineers. He also discussed how to make these flying machines invisible by using sun and wind force. There are much more fascinating insights discovered by sage Bharadwaj.
Medicine, Surgery, paediatrics, gynaecology. anatomy,
physiology, pharmacology, embryology, blood circulation
Around this era and through 400 BCE many great developments occurred. In the field of medicine (Ayurveda), sage Divodasa Dhanwantari developed the school of surgery; Rishi Kashyap developed the specialized fields of paediatrics and gynaecology. Lord Atreya, author of the one of the main Ayurvedic texts, the Charak Samhita, classified the principles of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, embryology, blood circulation and more. He discussed how to heal thousands of diseases, many of which modern science still has no answer. Along with herbs, diet and lifestyle, Atreya showed a correlation between mind, body, spirit and ethics. He outlined a charter of ethics centuries before the Hippocratic oath.
Rhinoplasty, amputation, caesarean and
cranial surgeries, anesthesia, antibiotic herbs
While Lord Atreya is recognized for his contribution to medicine, sage Sushrut is known as the "Father of surgery". Even modern science recognizes India as the first country to develop and use rhinoplasty (developed by Sushrut). He also practiced amputation, caesarean and cranial surgeries, and developed 125 surgical instruments including scalpels, lancets, and needles.
Lord Atreya - author of Charak Samhita. Circa 8th - 6th century BCE. Perhaps the most referred to Rishi/physician today The Charak Samhita was the first compilation of all aspects of ayurvedic medicine including diagnoses, cures, anatomy, embryology, pharmacology, and blood circulation (excluding surgery).
He wrote about causes and cures for diabetes, TB, and heart diseases. At that time, European medicine had no idea of these ideas. In fact, even today many of these disease causes and cures are still unknown to modern allopathic medicine.
Other unique quality of Ayurveda is that it uncovers and cures the root cause of illness, it is safe, gentle and inexpensive, it sees 6 stages of disease development (where modern medicine only sees the last two stages), it treats people in a personalized manner according to their dosha or constitution and not in any generic manner.
Further, Ayurveda being the science of 'life', Atrea was quick to
emphasize, proper nutrition according to dosha, and perhaps above all else, that there was a mind/body/soul relationship and that the root cause of all diseases and the best medicine for all conditions is spiritual and ethical life.
Rishi Sushrut is known as the father of surgery & author of Sushrut Samhita. Circa 5 - 4th century BCE. He is credited with performing the world's first rhinoplasty, using anesthesia and plastic surgery. He used surgical instruments - many of them look similar to instruments used today; and discussed more than 300 types of surgical operations. One of the Ayurvedic surgical practices being used today in India involves dipping sutures into antibiotic herbs so when sewed into the person, the scar heals quicker and prevent infection. The modern surgical world owes a great debt to this great surgical sage.
Atomic theory
Sage Kanad (circa 600 BCE) is recognized as the founder of atomic theory, and classified all the objects of creation into nine elements (earth, water, light or fire, wind, ether, time, space, mind and soul). He stated that every object in creation is made of atoms that in turn connect with each other to form molecules nearly 2,500 years before John Dalton. Further, Kanad described the dimension and motion of atoms, and the chemical reaction with one another. The eminent historian, T.N. Colebrook said, "Compared to scientists of Europe, Kanad and other Indian scientists were the global masters in this field."
Chemistry alchemical metals
In the field of chemistry alchemical metals were developed for medicinal uses by sage Nagarjuna. He wrote many famous books including Ras Ratnakar, which is still used in India's Ayurvedic colleges today. By carefully burning metals like iron, tin, copper, etc. into ash, removing the toxic elements, these metals produce quick and profound healing in the most difficult diseases.
Astronomy and mathematics
Sage Aryabhatt (b. 476 CE) wrote texts on astronomy and mathematics. He formulated the process of calculating the motion of planets and the time of eclipses. Aryabhatt was the first to proclaim the earth was round, rotating on an axis, orbiting the sun and suspended in space. This was around 1,000 years before Copernicus. He was a geometry genius credited with calculating pi to four decimal places, developing the trigonomic sine table and the area of a triangle. Perhaps his most important contribution was the concept of the zero. Details are found in Shulva sutra. Other sages of mathematics include Baudhayana, Katyayana, and Apastamba.
Astronomy, geography, constellation
science, botany and animal science.
Varahamihr (499 - 587 CE) was another eminent astronomer. In his book, Panschsiddhant, he noted that the moon and planets shine due to the sun. Many of his other contributions captured in his books Bruhad Samhita and Bruhad Jatak, were in the fields of geography, constellation science, botany and animal science. For example he presented cures for various diseases of plants and trees.
Knowledge of botany (Vrksh-Ayurveda) dates back more than 5,000 years, discussed in India's Rig Veda. Sage Parashara (100 BCE) is called the "father of botany" because he classified flowering plants into various families, nearly 2,000 years before Lannaeus (the modern father of taxonomy). Parashara described plant cells - the outer and inner walls, sap color-matter and something not visible to the eye - anvasva. Nearly 2,000 years -later Robert Hooke, using a microscope described the outer and inner wall and sap color-matter.
Algebra, arithmetic and geometry, planetary positions, eclipses, cosmography, and mathematical techniques. force of gravity
In the field of mathematics, Bhaskaracharya II (1114 - 1183 CE) contributed to the fields of algebra, arithmetic and geometry. Two of his most well known books are Lilavati and Bijaganita, which are translated in several languages of the world. In his book, Siddhant Shiromani, he expounds on planetary positions, eclipses, cosmography, and mathematical techniques. Another of his books, Surya Siddhant discusses the force of gravity, 500 years before Sir Isaac Newton. Sage Sridharacharya developed the quadratic equation around 991 CE.
The Decimal
Ancient India invented the decimal scale using base 10. They number-names to denote numbers. In the 9th century CE, an Arab mathematician, Al-Khwarizmi, learned Sanskrit and wrote a book explaining the Hindu system of numeration. In the 12th century CE the book was translated into Latin. The British used this numerical system and credited the Arabs - mislabelling it 'Arabic numerals'. "We owe a lot to the Indians, who taught us how to count, without which no worthwhile scientific discovery could have been made." - Albert Einstein.
Metallurgy
India was the world-leader in Metallurgy for more than 5,000 years. Gold jewellery is available from 3,000 BCE. Brass and bronze pieces are dated back to 1,300 BCE. Extraction of zinc from ore by distillation was used in India as early as 400 BCE while European William Campion patented the process some 2,000 years later. Copper statues can be dated back to 500 CE. There is an iron pillar in Delhi dating back to 400 CE that shows no sign of rust or decay.
There are two unique aspects to India's ancient scientists. First their discoveries are in use today as some of the most important aspects of their field; and are validated by modern technological machines. Second, their discoveries brought peace and prosperity rather than the harm and destruction of many of our modern discoveries.
Due to their intense spiritual life, they developed such power of discrimination (vivek). Spirituality gives helpful direction and science brings speed. With a core of spirituality, modern scientists' discoveries can quickly bring only helpful ideas to help humanity. While Einstein is credited with the idea that one can travel faster than the speed of light, it was written about centuries before in the ancient Vedic literature. Perhaps it was Einstein's association with the famed Indian physicist, Bose that led to his introduction to the views about the speed of light. Through deep meditation and reading the ancient Vedic texts, who knows what our modern-day scientists will discover?
There are two points here, the first is that India should be proud of its amazing achievements and be properly credited, and second is that India leaves a blueprint, compass and map for how to develop safe and helpful discoveries for the future betterment of mankind.
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