Indian Culture-general Discussions - II

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( Earlier version of this thread available at..

http://indiaforumarchives.blogspot.com/2...ons-i.html
http://indiaforumarchives.blogspot.com/2...ns-i1.html


<b>Hinduism and the Contest of Religions</b>
Subhash Kak

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<!--QuoteBegin-Mudy+Feb 13 2005, 11:33 AM-->QUOTE(Mudy @ Feb 13 2005, 11:33 AM)<!--QuoteEBegin--> <b>Hinduism and the Contest of Religions</b>
Subhash Kak <!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
These views are gaining acceptance and its not mine alone - India as a state is hostile to Hindus, it is an anti-Hindu state.

To properly understand who actually is standing in the way of reform and resurgence, of Hinduism as well as India as a modern state, we have to decouple Hinduism from India. Then it becomes readily clear thats its not the muslims, christians or the macaulay education system. It is the state, supported by the pseudo-seculars, athiests, leftists, media, castiests and dalits - people who are/were Hindus, but pushed out by us or left in disgust, due to our own obstinacy to reform and accomodate them. Anyone can guess <b>why these people walked out of the Hindu fold and are undermining it now!</b>

We are expecting the Indian state to solve problems, or hope for a Hindu friendly party to come to power, or expect India to solve its problems on its own. This will not happen as these 'seculars' will not allow it. To them becoming 'seculars' is the reform they have made in their own lives and Indian politics.

The only solution is to stop fighting these 'seculars' but win them over with our own reforms. Only this will heal the divisiveness and enlarge the Hindu community. For this same reason we will have to work with even hostile groups of Hindus and Indians.

Unless the reforms I suggested are introduced, there is no chance of winning over the seculars, athiests, leftists and the caste parties, and consequently no chance of a Hindu party coming to power. The maths dont work.

We are presented with a fait accompli as the writers below gently propositions; reform now, or die, or have it thrust upon us. In my view it will probably be the latter.

Pathma

<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->Another one, a leading academic in America and an orthodox Hindu, said:
<b>Hindu tradition and civilization are dysfunctional.</b> It would not be terrible to let it all go. It will not be the end of the world. For a time, there might be chaos, later, a new era will begin and what is best about the tradition will return automatically. With all this talk about Hindu tradition, my desire is to let go of all of it all at once. Destroy everything once, and let a new civilization flourish in India.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->Excerpts from the Kak article:
The forces of modernity and colonization, as explained in my earlier essays, The Assault on Tradition and Colonizing Body and Mind, are major challenges facing tradition. The tainting of Hinduism in the media has led to a hollowing of the tradition, and [u]the Indian state's discriminatory policies are also weakening it.

M. Venkataraman suggests that <b>the Indian state is anti-Hindu</b> in his Times of India column 'Secularism or state oppression', published on January 27, 2005:

The government claims to be acting for the interests of the Hindus, but the truth is, it is actually acting out of self-interest and <b>against the interests of those it claims to be protecting.</b>

<b>Lacking vision,</b> Hindu parties in power did nothing, because they didn't know where to begin. There is much tamas; no attempts to do the careful analysis which will help define the new legal framework for the collective ownership of the temples.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

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http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/arti...019977.cms

<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->Is Valentine's Day part of globalization: Sadanand Menon

Social anthropology acknowledges a phenomenon described as ‘travelling culture’. Habits, semantic codes, food, dress, social behaviour — all have a way of leaping across space and getting transplanted in soils other than of their birth.

The long continuity of Indian history in particular accounts for the abundance of residual cultures that enriches everyday life.

Several things not indigenous to this environment and which were introduced here from other shores have today become firmly established as markers of ‘Indian culture’. From green chillies to coffee, from ‘batata’ to a birthday cake.

The Argentine philosopher, Enrique Dussel, has suggested that there have been at least three stages of globalisation in the ‘modern era’ when ‘centres’ and ‘peripheries’ shifted.

From a time when India was the centre of the modern map and Europe and China its peripheries, to when Europe became centre with America and India as peripheries, to now when America has become centre.

Each time the ‘movement of culture’ was rapid from centre to periphery with some slower reverse movement in the opposite direction too.

t is a historic process of economic domination at the centre and cultural imitation at the peripheries that ‘naturalises’ patterns of behaviour which enable elites at the peripheries to pretend their parity with the dominant classes at the centre.

The entry of Valentine’s Day ‘celebrations’ in India is simply a minor occurrence of this nature in the Indian landscape where the rapidly commodititised economy also seeks to milk ordinary human emotions like ‘love’ at the market place.

In India, however, Valentine’s Day is, merely an advertisement-driven, severely isolated, fringe behaviour. It is a cynical attempt to cash in on the fact that today over 60% of Indians are below 25 years old.

Yet, it is mere fantasy to imagine Valentine’s Day as being the location of some national threat — as the loony fringe would have us make-believe.

They will need to learn that in a ‘spectacle economy’, everything including private emotions, will get routed through the currency of the ‘image’. <!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

[Guest]

I dont know whether you guys will like this or not but here is a halardoo gujju moms sing to their babies.. There are others but this one is my favorite..

chando suraj ramtaaa taa
ramtaa ramtaa kodee jadee

we were playing moon and sun
while playing we found a kodee.
Kodee is a small shell and can be used for making decorative pieces.

kodee main gay ne bandhee
gay man dudh apyoo

I tied the kodee to the cow. (as a decoration)
Cow gave me some milk.

dudh main moor ne payoo
more mane pichoo apyoo

I gave milk to a peacock.
Peacock gave me a feather.

pichoo main tembee khosyoo
tembaa ee mane matee apee

I sticked the feather on a little sand hill
Sand hill gave me some sand.

matee main kumbhaar ne apee
kumbhare mane ghadlo apyoo

I gave the sand to kumbhar (potter)
Kumbhar gave me a pot.

ghadulo main mahadev maan mukyo
mahadev ee mane bhai apyo

I took the pot to a mahadev temple.
Mahadev gave me a baby boy.

bhai main bhabhee ne apuyo
bhabhee ee mane chanaa apyaa

I gave baby boy to my sister in law (bhabhee).
Bhabhee gave me some chanaa..

chanaa chanaa khai gayoo
fotraa main ghanchee ne apyaa

I ate the chanaa
The fotraa (chanaa cover ?) I gave to ghanchee (oiler? telee?).

ghanchee ee mane tel apyoo
tel main mathaa maan nakhyoo

Ghanchee gave me oil.
I applied the oil to my hair.

mathaa ee mane juu apee
juu main talav maan nakhee

The head gave me a lice (ju).
I dropped the lice in the lake.

talave mane panee apyoo
pani main ambe payoo..

The lake gave me water.
I gave water to a mango tree.

ambe mane keree apee
keree keree khai gayoo

Mango tree gave me a mango.
I ate the mango.

gotlaa gotlaa vandraa nee apyaa
vandraa ee man salaam apee.

I gave the mango-seed to the monkey.
Monkey gave me a salute.. <!--emo&--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tongue.gif' /><!--endemo--> <!--emo&:roll--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/ROTFL.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='ROTFL.gif' /><!--endemo-->

[Guest]

thru email
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin--><b>FIELD OF ENERGY AROUND HAVAN KUND</b>

Agnihotra is generally known as the havan or yagna (yajna)
ceremony or the sacred fire ceremony. Some researchers in Baltimore, Maryland. USA have published literature from which the following points are taken.

Agnihotra is a gift to humanity from the ancient Vedic traditions to the present age.

A tremendous field of energy is created around the havan kund (the pyramid shaped metal container). A magnetic type field is created which neutralises negative energy or vibrations and reinforces positive energy or vibrations. This extends to the persons who perform the agnihotra ceremony. The positive influence penetrates the physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual planes. Subtle energies are created by the rhythmical chanting of the Vedic mantras during the havan ceremony which spread the purifying as well as healing energies far and wide beyond the horizons.

Plants placed in a room where vibrations of agnihotra ceremony are maintained, such plants receive nutrition from agnihotra atmosphere and seem to be happy and grow well. They seem to thrive better than those plants not under the agnihotra sphere of influence. Just as agnihotra gives nourishment to plants, it provides the same for human life and also for animal life.

Many people on all continents belonging to different races, languages, religions and spiritual groups who practice agnihotra have observed that simply by performing daily homa (i.e. agnihotra at sunrise/sunset) they feel as if a protective film surrounds them. The ashes from the agnihotra fire are charged with special
potencies. Sprinkling of the ashes on the perimeter of your property affords protective influences.

The agnihotra ash is the basic substance used for the preparation of all agnihotra medicines, for external as well as for internal use.
Agnihotra medical preparations include agnihotra powder, capsules, ointment, cream, eyedrops, suppositories and inhalation.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

[Guest]

Rajesh, That was hilarious!

I was thinking that it will get into an infinite loop by somehow ending at 'chando suraj ramtaaa taa'. <!--emo&--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif' /><!--endemo-->

[Guest]

How sad is this ??

<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin--><b>'I owe my success to European audience'</b>

Nilanjana Deb / Bhopal

Sarangi Maestro Pandit Ramnarayan was in the city to perform at the programme organised to mark the foundation day celebrations of the Bharat Bhawan. He has made many technical innovations as far as the instrument is concerned to make it easier to learn and understand. He considers Sarangi to be a perfect instrument with unmatchable melodies. He talked to The Pioneer about his work so far and future for Sarangi.

What is it that makes a good concert?

Well, it is the talent of the performer coupled with the response of the audience that makes a concert good enough. Though I have been playing at concerts both home and abroad but I tell you even today I am equally tense before any concert and that, I consider is very necessary for a flawless performance.

You have struggled a lot to get Sarangi the recognition it has today, who do you give the credit to for the success?

I would say that my listeners, to be more precise the European ones have been very supportive. They have helped me both financially as well as morally and every time I used to be de-spirited they would come for my rescue. Sad, but the Indians could appreciate it much later in their country. I wonder if I would have been as successful as I am today had it not been the support of the European audience. It is very sad that the Indians recognise talent very late and in most cases only after an artist gets appreciation from the audience abroad.

You have received many awards and this year you have been conferred with the Padma Bhushan. How does it feel to be honoured with so many awards?

The awards conferred on me so far and this one just indicate that Sarangi has been accepted well by the society and its future is bright and we can expect some finest talent coming up in this area.

How much are the youngsters inclined towards music?

There are a few youngsters who have an orientation towards Indian classical music. I feel that we should include music as a compulsory subject in the curriculum and the children should be a given a complete information on the subject. How can anybody take interest in a discipline unless he has a complete knowledge about it. I am just nimit matra (only a medium) to promote the understanding of the music. I have proposed scholarships for the students who are interested to take up music seriously. <!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

[Guest]

Earlier version of this thread can be found..

http://indiaforumarchives.blogspot.com/200...cussions-i.html
http://indiaforumarchives.blogspot.com/200...ussions-i1.html

[Guest]

<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->OUR SCRIPTURES ON COW MILK

A paper on Nutritive Value of cow milk as understood by ancient Indians and as propounded by Vedas and other scriptures – presented at the Seminar on Cow’s milk is Amritam, organised by the Love 4 Cow Trust, at New Delhi on 7th July 2002.

By: Ish Kumar Narang
Assistant Commissioner(Dairy Development)
Government of India

1. Milk has been a part of diet of Indian society since times immemorial. Our scriptures are full of references on importance and value of milk for human life. And the only milk, apart from mother’s milk, known to Indians was Cow Milk only which has been equated with Amrita.

2. Man has been in search of an Elixir or Nectar or “AMRITA”, a sip or two of which could make him free from all sufferings and make him immortal. It is not known yet, whether such an elixir ever existed but India’s ancient scriptures have described cow ‘Milk’ as ‘AMRITA’.
“Amritam Vai gvam khriramityah tridshadhip ,
tasmad dadatim yo dhenumamatrim sa Praychhti”.

(Mahabharatha Anu.65-46)
This Shloka of Mahabharatha means:

“Cow’s milk is Amrita .This has been stated by Indra, the king of gods. Therefore if one donates a cow, he donates Amrita”.

Rig Veda (1-71-9) also states
“Goshu Priyamamritam rakshmana”

‘Cow milk is Amrita..It protects us (from disease). Hence Protect the cows.
3. “Raj Nighantu”, an authoritative treatise on “Ayurveda” also describes milk as Amrita or Piyush. There are similar descriptions in a number of other scriptures, which have clearly pronounced that if at all there really is some thing called ‘Amrit’ in the world, it definitely & decidedly is cow milk alone.

4. What is for consideration here is whether Cow milk has been compared with or described as ‘Amrita’ only on sentimental or religious grounds or whether there is any description of certain qualities or properties of milk and milk products which help cure certain ailments or enhance the longevity or vitality of life to the extent of making the regular user of milk an ‘immortal’ or a healthy person with a long life. Let us therefore, attempt to have a look at various scriptures and other relevant books to find out the truth, to find out why milk has been compared with ‘Amrita’.

5. There are various references in our scriptures which describe cow milk as a drink which provides vitality, the inner strength to fight diseases, a complete balanced diet, which gives ‘Subudhi’ or the right thinking power or wisdom.

PROPERTIES OF MIK AS DESCRIBED IN “CHARAK SHASTRA”

6. ‘Charak Shastra’ is one of the most ancient books in the history of medical science. ‘Rishi Charak’ was an eminent Indian Physician and his book ‘CHARAK SHASTRA’ is followed even today by practitioners of Indian system of Medicine – The Ayurveda. CHARAK has described milk as:
“Swadu, shitam, mridu, snigdham, shalakshanpichhlam;
Guru, mand, prasanna cha gavyam dashaguna paya”
(Charak sutradhan 27-214)
This means Cow’s milk is tasteful, sweet, has a fine flavour, is dense, contains fat, but light, easily digestible, and not easily spoiled. It gives us tranquility and cheerfulness. In the very next shloka, it says that because of the above properties, cow’s milk helps us build up vitality (OJA).

‘Khyeeryojaskara punsam’ –
Milk increases vitality or Oja in man.

7. DHANVANTRI, another ancient Indian Physician has stated that cow’s milk is a desirable and preferred diet in all types of ailments. Not only that, its regular use protects the human body from Vata, Pitta and heart diseases. Similarly even modern science tells us that cow milk helps in curing uric acid problems and acidity conditions in stomach .

IMPORTANCE OF COW AND COW MILK AS DESCRIBED IN VEDAS:-

RIG VEDA

8. There are a number of Mantras in all the four Vedas which describe the importance of cow and cow milk not only as a complete food but also as a curative drink. Of course, the feed and fodder given to cows was also required to be of a very high quality and having various herbs as its essential ingredients. Rig Veda in its ninth Mantra of the 73rd Sukta in 10th Chapter (10-73-9) says that cow provides in its milk the curative and prophylactic effects of the medicinal herbs it eats. Cow’s milk was thus used not only to cure but also as a preventive in certain diseases. Again Rigveda in another Mantra (5-19-4) describes cow milk as the most desirable and likeable drink.


ADHARWA VEDA

9. Similar properties of milk as provider of vitality and strength are stated in the following Mantra (4-21-6) of the Atharva veda.

“Yuyam gavo medyatham krishm chiskhyreeram, chit krinutha supratikam, Bhadra Griham Krinuth, bhadravapo beihad vo vya uchachate, sabhasu.”

Meaning - The Cow, through its milk, transforms a weak and sick person into an energetic person, provides vitality to those without it and by doing so, makes the family prosperous and respectable in the “civilised society”.

10. Obviously, a family of sick and weak members can neither be prosperous not respectable in the civilised society. This Mantra incidentally points out a subtle norm that good health in a family was taken as an indicator of prosperity and respect in the Vedic society. Material wealth alone was not the parameter of respectability in the society as is the case today. In other words, availability of plenty of cow milk in a household was taken as an indicator of prosperity and status. The learned Sadhus, guests (Atithies) were also offered milk or were rather greeted with milk and milk products and a type of ‘Bhat’ made with milk, rice & ghee. This was probably some version of “kheer” made with rice and milk these days in most parts of India. This tradition is described in Atharva Veda’s Mantra 18-4-16 and 18-4-19. It is because of these nutritive and vitalising properties of cow milk that there is a blessing in Atharva Veda (18-4-34) saying

“ Dhenvah dhanaah oorjam asme vishvaha duhanaa tantu”-
Meaning: May the milch cows for ever continue to provide you with their nutritious and energy-giving secretions (milk).

The preventive and creative qualities of cow milk.

11. The preventive and curative qualities of milk are also described in Atharva Veda. The following Mantra tells us about the curative value of cow milk in heart diseases and leucoderma (Hriday Rog and Pandu Rog)

“Anu suryamudyataam hridyoto harima cha te
go rohitasya varnen ten twa paridadmasi”.

It says milk from a red colour cow helps cure the above ailments.
As may be seen from the transparency, (not included here), there is a proper time prescribed for taking milk for curing these ailments.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CURD (Made from cow milk) IN VEDAS

12. Like milk, the curd (Dahi) made out of cows milk has been described as a likeable food not only for the humans but of gods as well. The following Mantra of Rigveda (10-179-3) aptly describes “Dahi” (curd);

Shratam manya oodh nishrat magnow sushraatam manye tadyate naviyah.
Madhyen dinasaya sevanasya dadhana pivender vajrinpuru krijjushanah.

Meaning “Milk has first been “cooked” or processed in the udder of cow and thereafter, it has been cooked or processed on fire and therefore “Dahi”(curd) made out of this milk is really healthy, fresh and nutritious. A person doing hard work should consume this Dahi during mid-day when the sun is shining”.

13. This Mantra indicates at least four important things. It says the milk has been “cooked” in the udder of the cow and, therefore, the curd is healthy & fresh .
(i) “Cooked in the Udder” is an indicator of a bio-chemic aspect of milk. We know fresh milk drawn form the udder of a healthy cow does not get spoiled for first 2-3 hours due to presence of a natural enzyme called –‘lactoperoxidase’ in milk. Modern research has now developed a technique to regenerate this naturally occurring enzyme to enhance the life of raw milk by another 2-3 hours without further processing or cooling.
(ii) The second aspect is that the “cooking” of milk in udder refers to production or secretion of milk from a healthy udder, free from diseases . We now know that milk from a sick cow /udder produced under unhygienic conditions would be having a large number of undesirable bacteria and cannot give good curd.
(iii) The Mantra further tells as that milk was heated or cooked on fire before making curd even in those days. The microbiology and chemistry of milk and curd was thus not unknown to the Vedic society/civilization.
(iv) This Mantra refers to the best time of consumption of curd to be during mid-day, when the sun shines our on head.

Similarly the 10th Mantra of 187th Sukta of the 1st chapter of Rigveda (1-187-10-Rigveda) also describes “Karambh” – a combination of Dahi, ghee and sattu (malt) – as having medicinal, prophylactic and nutritional qualities.

THE IMPORTANCE OF COW MILK GHEE

14. The Vedas describe “ghee” (melted-dehydrated butter or butter oil) not only as an ingredient essential for performing “Yagna or Havan” but also as the first and the most essential among all foods. There are, therefore, prayers in Rigveda(10-18-2) and Atharva Veda (3-12-1 and 3-12-4) seeking that God may provide us with so much of ghee that our houses are always full of this most nutritious food.
The 8th Mantra of 12th kand of the 3rd chapter of Atharvaveda (3-12-8 Atharva Veda) emphasises the importance and value of ghee by referring to the “stream of ghee- full of elixir – “ghritasya dharamariten sambhritam”. (slide 10) Similarly At several other places in the Vedas, ghee has been described as a (flawless) Nirdosh food, which increases body vigor and vitality (Rigveda – 10-19-7). The use of ghee strengthens the body and helps enhance the life span (Atharva Veda (2-13-1).


“COW AS THE PROVIDER OF AMRITA”

15. Cow has been described as “Sabardudha” (Slide 11) in Rigveda at 1-2-3 and 3-55-16. Grifithis, Skandaswami and Venkatmadhava have all interpreted the word “Sabardudha” to mean the “provider of Amrita” Others have interpreted this as provider of all “wealth”. Both the interpretation aptly describe the importance of cow in vedic society.
THE SACRED COW:

16. There are innumerable such references in all ancient Indian scriptures from Vedas to Mahabharatha and Charak or Sushenta which state that cow milk and milk products have been in use in ancient India not only as a source of nutrition but also as a curative and prophylactic food/medicine. It is because of these qualities of cow’s milk that cow has been treated as “Cow Mother”, a provider of Amrita, provider of health, wealth, prosperity, fame and respect. This also made the cow an object of worship and reverence. While praying for freedom and prosperity for nation, the Aryans, prayed for high yielding milk cows as well (Dagdhri Dhenu) (Dudharu cows) in Yajurveda Mantra 22-22) for the country.

17. This also reminds us of the coin bearing the figure of “Kakudman Bull”(slide 13) found from the remains of Mohanjodaro, which now forms the insignia of National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) our institution of modern day dairying, an institution of national importance. This Bull Symbolizes the cow and its’ progeny and desire and expectations of the millions of our dairy farmers to take India into its glorious past having thousands of “Dugdha Dharas” – streams of milk, to transform the country again to a land of “Kamdhenus”- providing AMRITA, the elixir of life, to bring health, wealth and prosperity to our country.

Well, in the end we may perhaps , say again
Amritam Vai gvam khriram. Cow Milk alone is Amrit.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

[Guest]

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/artic...049213.cms

<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->Now, a phirang priest in Varanasi

LUCKNOW: Perhaps for the first time, an American woman has been ordained a high priest in the Hindu holy city of Varanasi.

Saima, renamed Laxmi Devi Chalanda Sarvanandmayi Ma, was declared "Mahant Mahamandleshwar or chief priest, according to a report appearing in a Varanasi Hindi daily.

The announcement followed a special ceremony performed by leading sadhus of the Manikarnika ghat on the banks of the river Ganga.

The ceremony was presided over by Mahamandaleshwar Vishnuswami Yamunacharya, head of Satua Baba Ashram.

Saima's disciples from the US, Australia, France, Italy and Germany flew in to participate in the ceremony.

The woman priest then formally converted her disciples to Hinduism and gave them Hindu names. <!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

[Guest]

<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->1 what are the benefits of serving food on banana leaves?


a) In past no plates / banana leaves were easily available and was
big enough to contain the food. Also, there is no particular smell in the leave that can put you off.
b) Easily disposable and environment friendly (clean). Burn them and
the ozone layers are not affected.


2 what is the reason for food to taste better when served or cooked on banana leaves?


a) As there is no chemical reaction the food keeps its value intact,
it can take heat and react well without tearing apart by the heat. b) Tasting better has it is considered green leaf(adds value to food
just like any other greens) and it contains the leaf taste to make it better.Easily manageable on heat.


3 what is the correct way to place food on the banana leaf?


a) The sweet should be placed 1st and followed by the
vegetables(side dishes) - to begin. After that followed by white rice and curry(sambar), rasam, payasam. Just as a human life how it begins sweetly and face and encounter good and bad (side dishes - sour,sweet,bitter & etc), white rice is our pure human life - soul/sambar is a kalavai of human life with the side dishes.After having all that our later age - we have become composed and knowledgable resembling rasam (experiences and encounters
mellow down)than you gain the enlightenment with sweet again payasam.


narrowed part should be placed on the left hand side and the broad end should be on the right basically giving more room for the right hand to get the food comfortably to eat/the unwanted items (like chilli and etc) can be placed at the broad end.


4 what is the reason for using the tail*(should be head end) end of
the banana leaf to serve prasatham or to serve special guest?


a) It's called Thalai Vazhalillai - In our body Sirasae prathanam
meaning very important part.Also, Thalai Vazha illai represents our
humbleness and we are not permanent on this earth. We will give the best to God. Thalai is an important word. We give more respect for thalai ex: Thalai pillai, padai thalai & etc. So humble /bow down ( no arrogance ) is the best thing we could do as human being. Thalai vazhai illai's narambu centre vein is thinner and wouldn't tear easily as of the broad tail end.


5 what is the correct way of folding the banana leaf after eating?
Those days they don't fold the banana leaves, this would enable the
guess to know whether the food was good.Only the hostess has to fold and throw. Over the years they folded and I think it should be from the outter side to the ourside ther as to say I have completed and had enough satisfied meal.


6 Why is it that the hostess always carries the banana leaf away to
dispose it?
Thanathil siranthathu annathanam, So if the punniyam must be
completed, it's good to remove someone else illai by bowing ourselves to remove, getting their person's blessings. People who had the satisfied meals would be tired and while we remove it they appreciate and bless us.These punniyam is what needed for the hostess.


7 Is there any special enzymes etc on banana leaves?
I don't think any special enzymes are there. Banana tree is the
only tree represents human life. This tree is never wasted, it only gives combs of bananas once (Vazhai maram - kulai oru tharam thaan thalum). Human life will be complete by their Offspring. The banana leave got no unpleasant odour and it is just like any other green where by get's soft when they get heated, this enable the food to have the value and not changing the taste and added taste to the food. Most of the leaves will have some odour or scent, which change the taste of the food. Can you think of any leave which can hold the food to cook without any change?


8 Is there any special banana leaf myths, folklores or stories?
In Mahabharatham - Lord Krishna requested the Pandavas to offer
food to the people( Anna thanam) When the people in the kingdom finished the food, Krishna rushed to remove their leaves. The pandavas were shocked and questioned Krishna. He replied, no point only offering, also must humble ourselves to collect it to get the best -deeds( puniyam). The pandavas realised it and started removing the leaves. This is partly to win the Kuruhsethras war. Blessings are more important than anything.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

[Guest]

This is an interesting change. I suppose if hindus cannot get everybody to stop proselytising they might as well accept the battle and defeat the enemy once and for all. The line should still be -> stop proselytising or face some hindu response.

<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->Proselytising Hinduism?

Priyadarsi Dutta

A debate on whether Hinduism is (or was) a proselytising religion or not, is currently being pursued in these columns. Common knowledge is that it is not. To die a Hindu, one will have to be born so, but being born as Hindu is no guarantee that one will also die so. Babasaheb Ambedkar provides an interesting insight: "It is not that the Hindu religion was never a missionary religion, indeed could not but have been a missionary religion.

On the contrary, it was once a missionary religion, otherwise it would have been difficult to explain how it spread over an area so vast as the Indian subcontinent. But once a missionary religion, Hinduism perforce ceased to be a missionary religion after the time the Hindu society developed its system of castes. For caste is incompatible with conversion... According to the Hindus, for a person to belong to a caste, he must be born in it... So long as the Hindu society is fragmented in autonomous and autogenic castes, Hindu religion cannot be a missionary religion" (Ambedkar Writing and Speeches, Vol 8, p 30-31).

Caste can be an obstacle when Hindus are proselytising. But they are not. Hindus, unlike Christians or Muslims, have no scriptural obligation and hence no motivation to try converting others to Sanatan Dharma. Hindus believe that salvation is dependent on the individual's Karma and not his religion.

Yet we speak about conversion only after perceiving a demographic threat. Actually, the remarks of Ambedkar quoted above were in response to such a concern. The great revolutionary Lala Hardayal had once suggested that Afghanistan, which was once Hindu and then Buddhist, should be reconverted to Hinduism, failing which there would be no security for Hindus in India. It was not a spiritual or moral mission to redeem Muslims from Islam, but essentially to ensure security for Hindus. Therefore, it was not a reactive but proactive step.

Besides, is there no truth in the notion that much of Southeast Asia had become a home away from home for Hindus and Buddhists? It was a proactive rather than a reactive policy between the fourth and 10th century AD-Krimbantu Vishwa Aryam (we shall indoctrinate the world into Aryan faith). Similarly proactive was Emperor Asoka's Buddhist mission to different countries, he sent his son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra to Ceylon to spread Buddhism. Buddhism found converts in Central Asia, China, South Asia and Southeast Asia.

In modern times, missions such as ISKCON have been successful in attracting converts to Hinduism. Here I must acknowledge the power of unitary divinity over a polytheistic pantheon in attracting converts. Buddha or Krishna could attract more people than ten Hindu gods put together.

Therefore, the question that should be asked is whether caste poses certain practical problems? We approve of an Indian girl marrying a European or vice-versa because, inherently, we consider Europeans as a superior race. So if we have no problem when a French or German is Christian and out of the caste system, then why should it be a problem when he is? A European could be put at par or even above a Brahmin. Again, whether we admit it or not, we are indifferent towards Negroes. The only thing we can do about them is to pray that they accept Christianity.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

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<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->Gayatri mantra has been bestowed the greatest importance in Vedic dharma.This mantra has also been termed as Savitri and Ved-Mata, the mother of the Vedas. The literal meaning of the mantra is:

O God! You are Omnipresent, Omnipotent and Almighty.
You are all Light. You are all Knowledge and Bliss.
You are Destroyer of fear, You are Creator of this Universe,
You are the Greatest of all. We bow and meditate upon Your light.
You guide our intellect in the right direction.


The mantra, however, has a great scientific import too, which somehow got lost in the literary tradition.The modern astrophysics and astronomy tell us that our Galaxy called MilkyWay or Akash-Ganga contains approximately 100,000 million of stars. Each star is like our sun having its own planet system. We know that the moon moves round the earth and the earth moves round the sun along with the moon. All planets round the sun.Each of the above bodies revolves round at its own axis as well. Our sun along with its family takes one round of the galactic centre in 22.5 crore years. All galaxies including ours are moving away at a terrific velocity of 20,000 miles per second. And now the alternative scientific meaning of the mantra step by step

(A) Om bhur bhuvah swah:

Bhur the earth, bhuvah the planets (solar family), swah the Galaxy. We observe that when an ordinary fan with a speed of 900 RPM (rotationsPer minute) moves, it makes noise. Then, one can imagine, what great noise would be created when the galaxies move with a speed of 20,000 miles per second.This is what this portion of the mantra explains that the sound produced due to the fast-moving earth, planets and galaxies is Om. The sound was heard during meditation by Rishi Vishvamitra, who mentioned it to other colleagues. All of them, then unanimously decided to call this sound Om the name of God, because this sound is available in all the three periods of time, hence it is set (permanent). Therefore, it was the first ever revolutionary idea to identify formless God with a specific title (form) called upadhi. Until that time, everybody recognized God as formless and nobody was prepared to accept this new idea. In the Gita also, it is said, "Omiti ekaksharam brahma", meaning that the name of the Supreme is Om, which contains only one syllable (8/12). This sound Om heard during samadhi was called by all the seers nada-brahma a very great noise), but not a noise that is normally beyond a specific amplitude and limits of decibels suited to human hearing. Hence the rishis called this sound Udgith musical sound of the above, i.e., heaven.They also noticed that the infinite mass of galaxies moving with a velocity of 20,000 miles/second was generating a kinetic energy = 1/2 MV2
and this was balancing the total energy consumption of the cosmos. Hence they named it Pranavah, which means the body (vapu) or store house of energy (prana).


(B) Tat savitur varenyam:

Tat (God), savitur the sun (star), varenyam worthy of bowing or respect. Once the form of a person along with the name is known to us, we may locate the specific person. Hence the two titles (upadhi) provide the solid ground to identify the formless God, Vishvamitra suggested. He told us that we could know (realize) the unknowable formless God through the known factors, viz., sound Om and light of suns (stars). A mathematician can solve an equation x2+y2=4; if x=2; then y can be known and so on. An engineer can measure the width of a river even by standing at the river bank just by drawing a triangle. So was the scientific method suggested by Vishvamitra in the mantra in the next portion as under:-


© Bhargo devasya dheemahi:

Bhargo the light, devasya of the deity, dheemahi we should meditate.
The rishi instructs us to meditate upon the available form (light of suns) to discover the formless Creator (God). Also he wants us to do japa of the word Om (this is understood in the Mantra). This is how the sage wants
us to proceed, but there is a great problem to realise it, as the human mind is so shaky and restless that without the grace of the Supreme (Brahma) it cannot be controlled. Hence Vishvamitra suggests the way to pray Him as under:


(D) Dhiyo yo nah prachodayat:

Dhiyo (intellect), yo (he), nah (we all), prachodayat (guide to right Direction). O God! Deploy our intellect on the right path.

Full scientific interpretation of the Mantra:


The earth (bhur), the planets (bhuvah), and the galaxies(swah) are moving at a very great velocity, the sound produced is Om, (the name of formless God.) That God (tat), who manifests Himself in the form of light of suns (savitur) is worthy of bowing/respect(varenyam). We all, therefore, should meditate (dheemahi) upon the light (bhargo) of that deity (devasya) and also do chanting of Om. May He (yo) guide in right direction (prachodayat) our (nah) intellect (dhiyo). So we notice that the important points hinted in the mantra are:-


1) The total kinetic energy generated by the movement galaxies acts as an umbrella and balances the total energy consumption of the cosmos. Hence it was named as the Pranavah (body of energy).
2) Realising the great importance of the syllable OM, the other later date religions adopted this word with a slight change in accent, viz., amen and Ameen.
3) The God could be realised through the saguna (gross), upasana (method), i.e.,

a) by chanting the name of the supreme as OM and
b) by meditating upon the light emitted by stars (suns). <!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

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Here is difference between Benny And Indian Guru, No need for forced drama.
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin--><b>Rain fails to dampen spirit of yoga enthusiasts </b>
Staff Reporter/ New Delhi
<b>Despite the rain, thunder storm and the terror threat,</b> Chattrasal Stadium bore never before look. The arena in Model Town was overflowing with people arriving from as far as Bhubaneshwar and Siliguri rubbing shoulders with those from the Capital for a lesson or two in Pranayam, the art of deep breathing.
 
<b>People from posh colonies of the Capital, left the comfort of their homes and sophisticated upholstery of their Mercedes and BMWs, anyhow to find a place on muddy grounds to seek solace and lessons of Yoga from renowned Yoga Guru Swami Ramdevji Maharaj</b>. Despite of the widespread terror threat to the Maharaj and his ashram members, they are in the city to guide the people to maintain a healthy routine for a healthy life.

Ramdevji, comprehending the problems faced by his followers to reach the destination during the first hailstorms of the season, at times he throned some lighter veins. People from all walks of life and from various age groups, laughed when Guruji enunciated- <b>ajkal pura desh dieting kar raha hai, "khate to sab hain lekin bahut logon ko khana nahin ata".</b>
 
However, he received a standing ovation and great applause when the Ramdevji said that he was proud of the citizens of Delhi who turned in evening just as they had in the morning hours when it was raining heavily. "Dilliwale pratikoolta se ghabrate nahin, muhje poora vishwa ho gaya," the guru said. There are two sessions of yoga, the first in the morning and another in the evening, which will continue for another week.

Urmila Devi of Bhubneshwar said that she was cured of her chronic diseases by the yoga sessions of Guruji. "I watched on television and learnt various asana. I suffered from continuous fever and ran from pillar to post for treatment but in vain. Finally, since last six months I have been performing yoga of Ramdevji. This is a nice opportunity for me to see him personally," sixty year old Urmila said. She was accompanied by another women from Siliguru.

Another patient, accompanied by her family members, referred Ramdevji as their god as, Raj Chure has started walking in her fifty year of life. Chure herself explained the exercises like, viloma, vastirka, kopa bhuti, bhanmbri etc
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<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->From Bharat-Heritage, dated: 21.03.2005

Namasthe………
Significance of  SHIVA LINGA

Lord Shiva has no form, he is formless and yet all forms are His forms. He is worshipped in the form of the Linga most of the time. What does this Linga signify? Linga means ‘symbol’ or ‘sign’. To begin with it represents the unmanifest form of the Lord, it may have a form but does not correspond to any manifest form. It also represents the one God; it really stands for ‘God is one’ and there is no other God.

The Linga is referred to as “Vaykta-Avaykta” meaning it is neither of the manifest world nor is it totally unmanifest. Also known as “Rupa-Arupa” meaning with form and without form. It is the perfect balance for a man to worship. To worship an idol with all regular parts belongs to this world and to worship the totally unmanifest God takes time. The Shiva Linga is the perfect balance between the two, being neither of this world nor that.

The Shiva Linga it is elliptical in shape, only half the ellipse is visible to us, showing that this created world is only a part of God and there is much more to Him beyond this created world. An ellipse is but another form of a circle, when the centre of the circle separates into two. When a circle becomes bifocal an ellipsoid is formed. So, it could be said that when the perfect circle is split into two an ellipsoid is formed yet retaining some of the perfection of the circle.

A circle is the most appropriate geometrical representation of God. The circle neither has a beginning nor end. The distance from the centre of the circle to the surface is always the same. Therefore the split circle or the ellipse represents the Shiva-Shakti tattva. Shiva Linga stands as a sign of this. If you see a flame in the lamp, it is similar to the Linga form, Shiva is that light without a beginning or end. He is that glorious eternal light and a Linga represents that.

If you see a ‘Sphatika’ (crystal) Linga it has no light of its own but perfectly reflects what ever light falls on it. Shiva is that formless, colourless, unmanifest who contains everything in Him. On a larger scale, if you see the sky, it forms a giant Shiva Linga, the whole universe is in a giant Shiva Linga. The earth’s horizon, looks like the shiva Linga. Our planets and even comets move in ellipses and even the electrons in atoms move in ellipses around the nucleus which is positively charged. Thus this positivity and negativity exist everywhere. A seed of any given, fruit, flower or vegetable is in the form of a Shiva Linga. It is from this seed that the great tree grows. Shiva contains the whole universe in Him which sprung from Him.

If you look at a Sri-Chakra, the dot in the centre represents Bindu, and Bindu stands for Shiva where as Nada stands for Shakti. Sri Chakra speaks of the union between Nada and Bindu. Shiva being the Bindu, the first triangle enclosing the Bindu and the Bindu itself form the Shiva Linga. The Bindu the centre and the triangle the base around it. The Love, energy that flow from it is what we gather at the time of Abhisek of the Shiva Linga and greatfully drink as prasad. The three sides of the triangle are the Iccha Shakti, Gyana Shakti and Kriya Shakti which are used to start creation. More over the whole Shiva Linga never rests on the ground, most of it is on the top, meaning what ever is here is just one foot and there is more to the Lord above and beyond. The greatest way to worship Shiva is in the form of this Linga which means ‘Symbol’ or ‘sign’, a perfect inference to the Great One.

Shiva Loves Abhishek for it cools His third eye. There are Shiva Lingas made of different matter, like clay, precious stone, Sandalwood, Gold, Bhasm, just anything. Each has its own value and is worshipped for different reasons. Interestingly, all the temples in India dedicated to the nine planets and the 27 stars all have Shiva Lingas as the main deity inferring that everything is contained in Him and all planets can be appeased by appeasing Shiva.

The greatest of all Abhishek is the Abhishek of love to Shiva seating Him in the lotus of your heart. Shivaya Guravennamaha....On Namah Shivaya

Philosophy of Abhisheka
Salutations and adorations to the blissful Lord Siva, the lover of Uma or Parvati, the Lord of all beings (Pasupati).

“Alankarapriyo Vishnuh, Abhishekapriyah Sivah—Lord Vishnu is very fond of Alankara (fine dress, beautiful ornaments, etc.); Siva is fond of Abhisheka.” In Siva temples, a pot made up of copper or brass with a hole in the centre is kept hanging over the image or Linga of Siva, and water is falling on the image throughout day and night. Pouring over the Linga, water, milk, ghee, curd, honey, cocoanut water, Panchamrita, etc., is Abhisheka. Abhisheka is done for Lord Siva. Rudra is chanted along with the Abhisheka. Lord Siva is propitiated by Abhisheka.

Lord Siva drank the poison that emanated from the ocean and wore the Ganga and moon on His head to cool His head. He has the fiery third eye. Constant Abhisheka cools this eye.

The greatest and the highest Abhisheka is to pour the waters of pure love on the Atmalinga of the lotus of the heart. The external Abhisheka with various objects will help the growth of devotion and adoration for Lord Siva and eventually lead to internal Abhisheka with pure abundant flow of love.

Abhisheka is a part of Siva Puja. Without Abhisheka, worship of Siva is incomplete. During Abhisheka Rudra, Purushasukta, Chamaka, Maha-mrityunjaya Japa, etc., are chanted in a particular rhythm and order. Monday is very important day for Lord Siva and the thirteenth day of the fortnight (Pradosha) is very sacred. On these days, devotees of Siva worship Him with special Puja, Abhisheka with Ekadasa-Rudra, Archana, offering plenty of Prasad, and illumination.

In Ekadasa-Rudra Abhisheka, every Rudra is chanted with distinctive articles for Abhisheka. Ganga water, milk, ghee, honey, rose-water, cocoanut water, sandal paste, Panchamrita, scented oil, sugarcane juice and lime juice are made use of for Abhisheka. After every Abhisheka, pure water is poured over the head of Siva. When Rudra is repeated once, the different articles of Abhisheka are made use of after every stanza of the Rudra. The Abhisheka water or other articles used for Abhisheka are considered very sacred and bestow immense benefits on the devotees who take it as the Lord’s Prasad. It purifies the heart and destroys countless sins. You must take it with intense Bhava and faith.

When you do Abhisheka with Bhava and devotion, your mind is concentrated. Your heart is filled with the image of the Lord and divine thoughts. You forget your body and its relation and surroundings. Egoism gradually vanishes. When there is forgetfulness, you begin to enjoy and taste the eternal bliss of Lord Siva. Recitation of Rudra or Om Namassivaya purifies the mind and fills it with Sattva.

If you do Abhisheka with Rudrapatha in the name of a person suffering from any disease he will be soon freed from that disease. Incurable diseases are cured by Abhisheka. Abhisheka bestows health, wealth, prosperity, progeny, etc. Abhisheka on Monday is most auspicious.

By offering Panchamrita, honey, milk, etc., to the Lord, thoughts of your body diminish. Selfishness slowly vanishes. You derive immense joy. You begin to increase your offerings unto the Lord. Therefore, self-sacrifice and self-surrender come in. Naturally, there is an outpouring from your heart, “I am Thine, my Lord. All is Thine, my Lord”.

Kannappa Nayanar, a great devotee of Lord Siva, a hunter by profession, did Abhisheka with the water in his mouth for the Linga at Kalahasti in South India and propitiated Lord Siva. Lord Siva is pleased by pure devotion. It is the mental Bhava that counts and not the outward show. Lord Siva said to the temple priest: “This water from the mouth of Kannappa, my beloved devotee, is more pure than the water of the Ganga”.

A devotee should be regular in doing Abhisheka for the Lord. He should get by heart Rudra and Chamakam. Ekadasa Rudra is more powerful and effective. In Northern India, every man or woman takes a lots of water and pours it on the image of Siva. This also causes beneficial results and brings about the fulfillment of one’s desire. Abhisheka on Sivaratri day is very effective.

May you all recite Rudrapatha which describes the glory of Lord Siva and His manifestations in every living being, in every animate and inanimate being! May you do Abhisheka daily and thus obtain the grace of Lord Siva! May Lord Visvanatha bless you all!

Fruit of Abhisheka and Rudra Japa in Siva’s Temple
Chamaka is divided into eleven sections. Each of these is then combined with Namaka (Rudra) and repeated. This is called Rudra. Eleven such Rudras make one Laghu Rudra. Eleven Laghu Rudras make one Maharudra. Eleven Maharudras make one Atirudra.

Rudra is to be repeated after performing the initial Sankalpa, Puja, Nyasa, Anga. Panchamritasnana and Dhyana. The fruit of Rudra Japa is stated as shown below:

No. of Japa                           Fruit of Japa
1 Rudra                                Freedom from Bala graha (diseases common to children).
3 Rudra                                Freedom from imminent difficulties with which one is faced.
5 Rudra                                Freedom from the evil effects of certain planets occupying unfavourable positions.
7 Rudra                                Freedom from great fear.
9 Rudra                               The fruit of one Vajapeya sacrifice; and also attainment of peace of mind.
11 Rudra                             Getting the favour of kings and great  wealth.
33 Rudra                             Attainment of wishes for objects and having no enemies.
77 Rudra                             Enjoyment of great happiness.
99 Rudra                             Attainment of son, grandson, wealth, grain, Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha and freedom from death.

1 Maharudra                       Attainment of the favour of kings and becoming the Lord of great wealth.
3 Maharudra                        Fulfillment of impossible tasks.
5 Maharudra                       Acquirement of vast lands.
7 Maharudra                      Attainment of the seven worlds.
9 Maharudra                       Freedom from births and deaths.
10 Atirudra                         Becoming God.

Materials for Abhisheka: Pure water, milk, sugarcane juice, ghee, honey, waters of sacred rivers, sea water.

For getting rain, Abhisheka should be done with pure water. For freedom from diseases, and for begetting a son, Abhisheka should be done with milk. If Abhisheka is done with milk, even a barren woman begets children. The person also attains plenty of cows. If Abhisheka is done with Kusa water, one becomes free from all diseases. He who desires wealth, should perform Abhisheka with ghee, honey and sugarcane juice. He, who desires Moksha, should do Abhisheka with sacred waters.

Significance of Bhasma, Nandi, Etc.
Namassivaya is the Mantra of Lord Siva. ‘Na’ represents earth and Brahma; ‘Ma’ represents water and Vishnu; ‘Si’ fire and Rudra; ‘Va’ Vayu and Mahesvara; ‘Ya’ Akasa and Sadasiva and also the Jiva.

Lord Siva has white complexion. What is the significance of white colour? He teaches silently that people should have pure heart and entertains pure thoughts and should be free from crookedness, diplomacy, cunningness, jealousy, hatred, etc.

He wears three white-lined Bhasma or Vibhuti on His forehead. What is the significance of this? He teaches silently that people should destroy the three impurities, viz., Anava (egoism), Karma (action with expectation of fruits), and Maya (illusion), and the three desires or Eshanas, viz., desire for landed property, desire for woman, desire for gold, and the three Vasanas, viz., Lokavasana, Dehavasana and Sastravasana, and then attain Him with a pure heart.

What does the Balipitha or altar which stands in front of the sanctum sanctorum of the Siva’s temple represent? People should destroy their egoism and mineness (Ahamta and Mamata) before they attain the Lord. This is the significance.

What does Nandi or the bull which is in front of Sivalinga represent?

Nandi is the attendant or doorkeeper of Siva. He is the vehicle of Lord Siva. He represents Satsanga. If you make association with the sages, you are sure to attain God-realisation. Sages will show you the way to reach Him. They will remove pitfalls or snares that lie on your path. They will clear your doubts and instil in your heart dispassion, discrimination and knowledge. There is no other safe boat than Satsanga to reach the other shore of fearlessness and immortality. Even a moment’s Satsanga or association with the sages, is a great blessing to the aspirants and the worldly-minded persons. They get firm conviction in the existence of God through Satsanga. The sages remove the worldly Samskaras. The company of sages is a formidable fortress to protect oneself from the temptations of Maya.

Lord Siva represents the destructive aspect of the Godhead. He is seen absorbed on the mountain peak of Kailas. He is an embodiment of serenity, renunciation and indifference to the world. The third eye in the centre of His forehead represents His destructive energy which when let loose destroys the world. Nandi is His favourite. He is the door-Keeper. He is seen hushing all nature, so that the Lord may not be disturbed in His Samadhi. The Lord has five faces, ten hands, ten eyes, and two feet.

Vrishabha or the bull represents Dharma Devata. Lord Siva rides on the bull. Bull is His vehicle. This denotes that Lord Siva is the protector of Dharma, is an embodiment of Dharma or righteousness.

Deer represents the Vedas. Its four legs are the four Vedas. Lord Siva is holding the deer in His hand. This indicates that He is the Lord of the Vedas.

He has sword in one of His hands. This signifies that He is the destroyer of births and deaths. The fire in one of His hands shows that He protects the Jivas by burning all fetters.

LET US NOT FAIL OR WAVER IN OUR DIVINE SERVICE OF OUR  MOTHER LAND.
Jai Bharat
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Sad but amazing..

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7259142/

Woman kills herself so blind sons can see
But corneas of little use to her children, doctors say

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<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin--><b>Hands Off Our Sacred Swastika</b>
By: Hemant G Padhya
"Hands off our sacred Swastika" must be the loudest roar of the followers of Vedic or Hindu Dharma and all its sects all over the world to save the divinity, purity, auspiciousness, serenity, prestige and position Swastika holds in human race, after the German members of European Parliament called for the total ban on the use of Swastika all over Europe in protest of Prince Harry's provocation of international outrage by wearing Nazi outfits with a swastika arm band in a private fancy dress party. It is shocking and astonishing news for the lovers of Swastika, irrespective of their faiths, all over the world that the European parliament is in opinion of considering such a ban on this innocent symbol. What has Swastika done wrong? What is the crime of Swastika? Once the most popular, respected, beloved, revered and worshipped symbol of human being all over the world by all races and all faiths is facing socially, religiously and ethical discrimination in Christian dominated European Parliament. This senseless, idiotic and illogical motion of Swastika phobia must be opposed strongly and stopped immediately with the demand of lifting the ban and reinstating the use and status of Swastika in Germany. The people of the world must be educated and re-educated in the subject of Swastika to justify such worldwide agitation not only to save the Swastika but also to reinstate this holy and humble symbol with all its status, glory and respects.

Swastika or Svastika, the universal and most revered symbol of auspiciousness, good luck and well being has been portrayed as the symbol of horror, hatred and racism by the western world after World War II. The world politics have brain washed the new generation and created unnecessary hatred towards the Swastika by portraying it as the symbol of evil, demise, destruction and ruination, and kept the public aloof from the true meaning, significance and history of Swastika. Due to its misrepresentation many look at it and consider it today as a symbol of hate, terror and a reminder of the atrocities committed by Adolf Hitler and his Nazi Party. Swastika was not invented or designed by Hitler. He merely stole it from the most ancient human civilisations of Vedic period and used it as the emblem of his party called NSDAP (National Socialist German Workers Party) also known as Nazi (National Socialist Community) and annihilated the significance of this most ancient symbol respected as the sign of good luck, fortune and auspiciousness. Swastika was widely adopted in German society well before Hitler Era and many organisations such as Thule Society, a secret Neo-Monastic Lodge and Paramilitary Freikorps used as their symbol.

Swastika is an ancient symbol of Vedic Aryans Of Aryavarta (India) that has brought luck and joy for centuries to all mankind all over the world and continues to do so in the present days. It is a symbol which stands for truth, compassion, tolerance and happiness. It was worshipped as a symbol of good fortune universally long before Hitler's use of it to symbolize his evil dictatorship. The only fault of Swastika lies in its adoption by Hitler and his Nazi Party and it being used as the prominent emblem of the party and Hitler used to wear swastika on his arm band. Hitler also used to wear a cross, an old and original symbol of Christianity, still being used by orthodox Christians, on his left chest near to his heart. This way the cross can be put into the same category as swastika in relation to Hitler. Why does not that make cross a sign of genocide and anti-Semitic? If some misunderstood and misguided people want to ban Swastika, why don't they pass motion to ban the Cross along with Swastika? Is it because the Cross is sacred to Christians and European Union which is almost made up of Christian Nations? Why do the Christian Nations of Europe hold such a discriminatory attitude only towards the Swastika? Such questions require solid answers from not only the common people and politicians of Europe, but also from all over the world.

Thousands of years of heritage and its good faith cannot be wiped out or destroyed by this single shocking event in history. It was not the fault of Swastika that Hitler misused it. Hitler was born and brought up as a Christian and he was not a follower of Vedic Dharma or its branches or philosophy, and he was not tall, blonde and white as described in Aryan Race Theory invented by British Royal Historians for their political gain well before Hitler. Why should the most sacred and gentle symbol of human race be punished for whatever heinous act Hitler, his ideology and his followers committed? Swastika must not be punished for what Hitler did as Swastika has always represented harmony, humbleness and humanity and oneness in all diversities. Should the Holy Cross of Christianity be punished for the homicide atrocities inflicted on millions of innocent black Negroes who were burnt alive by tying them on the cross and setting alight by Ku Klux Klan, the Christian organisation in U.S.A? The symbols with their high status, glory, respects and reverence in human society must not be held responsible for their misuse by a mad individual, fanatic, barbaric and discriminating religious group and politically motivated racist organisations or expansionist nations.

Swastika is the oldest religious symbol known to the human race and is widely recognised in various cultures all across the world. Swastika derives from the oldest way of life called Vedic Dharma or original form of Hindu Dharma. Vedic Dharma- is the form of a religion based on the philosophy of life taught by God through the four scriptures called Vedas. Swastika represents all four Vedas. Geometrically, the symbol consists of four parts and points towards four directions. If the Swastika is turned around from the centre clock-wise or anti-clockwise, it does not make any geometrical or physical changes. This represents the unchanging, all directional and endless nature of God. Swastika is the symbol of divinity therefore it is a fundamental part of all religious ceremonies of Hindus and others. Swastikas can be seen adorned in ceremonies of birth, marriage and festivals. The Swastika does not come from anti-Semitic origins; it derives from the ancient language of Vedic Dharma, Sanskrit. In Sanskrit, Swastika means auspiciousness. The Shlok "swasti na indro vruddhastravaha svastinah pusha vishvavedaha! Swasti nastakshya arishtanemihi svastino bruhaspatirdadhatu!! of yajurved defines the swastika saying, "May all mighty god of infinite glory be auspicious to us, May the all knowing Lords of the universe be of auspiciousness to us. May the powerful protection of the universe bring auspiciousness to us May the Lord of Lords. The supreme being brings fortune to us."

Vedic Dharma or its sects which include Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism, have never done anything wrong to other religions, they have never waged any atrocities on other faiths. Vedic (Hindu) Dharma teaches the principles of help, charity, tolerance and non-violence with exceptional limitation of self-defence. The living example of its greatness is in the thousands of years old settlements of Jews and Parsi's (Persian Zoroastrians) in India, who have practised their faith freely and without any persecution and their community flourished in India with respects and dignity and freedom. The deplorable deed perpetrated by Hitler for his own gain, fame and supremacy had nothing to do with Vedic/Hindu Dharma or its sects.

The presence of Swastika is evident in various civilisations such as the Egyptians, Mayans, Aztec, Inca, Native Americans, Romans, Greeks, Chinese, Japanese, ancient Troy and Celts to name but a few and that derived from the Vedic Dharma of Aryans of Bharat or India. Romans were very much familiar with the symbol of swastika, for them it is was an Etruscan symbol from which the Roman culture derived. Romans considered it as the emblem of their Supreme God Jupiter. Romans freely used the both handed Swastikas in decorating the mosaic floors and walls of Pompeii. They widely used the pattern of Swastika on the temples, altars, household potteries & goods, brooches in their conquered territories in Europe and British isle and North Africa. Roman Altar found near the Great Roman Wall in Northumberland, England, has two Swastikas carved on either side of a crescent moon. Greeks believed Swastika as sacred symbol and associated it with the Apollo, their Sun God. The statue of Apollo in his chariot at historical museum in Vienna has a large Swastika depicted on his chest. Greeks called Swastika a Gammadion and used it very extensively on terracotta figures, tiles, shields, coins.

Aztec, Mayan and Inca civilisation in central and South America also used Swastika freely along with whirly form of Swastika in their art work and in their temples. Swastika has migrated across many cultures, races and religions and has become the universal symbol. It is amazing fact how this non-violent and kind symbol found its way even into Islamic Mosques! The Friday Mosque in Sfahan, Iran, has lots of beautiful mosaic symbols in various places and many of them have beautiful and colourful images of Swastika designed.

People may think Swastikas would be oddly out of place in a Christian church, but the Swastika has a long history as a symbol for Christ. During the first three centuries A.D, it is said, the Swastika was the only form of cross used by Christians in catacombs and churches. It was a disguised form of the cross and a unifying symbol among those who survived a common persecution. In Rome, it is called Crux Dissimulata because the early Christians concealed themselves, the Church did not adopt the crucifix until the sixth century when Christianity had become the official religion of Rome. Swastikas can be seen decorating the Christian Catacombs of Rome.

In Japan Swastika is called Manji, named after an ancient God. It is found on major temples and street-corner shrines in Japan and far eastern countries. The Chinese called it "Wan". The ancient Chinese Falun Dafa or Gong practitioners have five Swastikas in their organisation's logo and they hold very high respects for Swastika and they have been propagating worldwide for re-establishing the use of Swastika again in its original purpose. Swastika was widely used in ancient Persia, now known as Iran, before the Islamic invasion.

Swastika is originated in Aryavarta, present Bharat or India as westerner calls it. It is the first meaningful symbol of human race. In the present day it is evident that Swastika is prominent religious symbol in East. It is worshipped in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism and Taoism many millenniums and centuries before Jesus Christ and respected by many in the Asian continent. Swastika is part and parcel of daily life and worship for the people of Asian and Eastern countries. Swastika is present everywhere in India! The lesser-publicised aspect of the Swastika symbol is the positive presence of Swastika in the western world prior to World War II. , The Swastika was widely used on good luck greeting cards, as part of company logos and promotions. Even the world famous drinks company "Coca-Cola", in 1925, made a lucky watch fob in the shape of a Swastika. There is much evidence that Swastika was used as a lucky talisman in Britain, America and much of Europe just prior to the Second World War.

In 1908, the American Sears catalogue had many ladies' Swastika hatpins and pendants for sale. In Scandinavia, the Swastika is called the Hammer of Thor, which derived from the Vikings. Commercially it found its way to become the registered trademark of world famous Carlsberg lager as early as 1881 and continued to be used up until 1938. The Entrance of the Famous Carlsberg Brewery in Denmark guarded by four 5 meter huge granite Elephants with a swastika carved in the sides are living proof which all that`s left from the Carlsberg's wide use of the Swastika symbol as part of its company logo. The Finnish Air Force marked Swastika in blue paint as a national emblem and good luck symbol which they call Haka Risti (locked cross), on all their planes from 1918 until 1945 when it was changed because they were mistaken for Nazi planes. The Iceland Steam Company still flies blue and white flag with Swastika on it and they have refused to give up and continued to fly their flags as part of their heritage. In 1916 the British printed War Savings Stamps with white Swastika, which was years before Nazi's adopted it as their symbol. The scouts' organisation used to give an award of Thanks Badge depicted with Swastika for the fellowship of the organisation until 1940. Swastika was commonly used as trademark, company logo and names of companies and organisations in Mexico. New Mexico is the land of Swastika. Swastika was once a state symbol and appeared on all highway signs and state flags, now replaced by sunrays after World War II. Before II WORLD WAR, Americans and Canadians used the symbol and name in trade very extensively. There were cars named `Krit' manufactured in Detroit from 1909 to 1916 which bore Swastika trademark on them, The Gaede family of Gaede Ranch and Gaede Cattle Company in America still uses Swastika as their company logo and mark their cattle with swastika symbol as their Hamish and Mennonite ancestors used them on their barns for good luck sign. The Laguna Bridge on the Colorado River between Arizona and California near Yuma, built in 1905, has forty seven Swastika carved on the edges of the bridge. The city of Glendale in Greater Los Angeles has 930 iron lamp-posts of 1920's time with Swastika on the bottom base in circle. To everyone's surprise the town named Swastika exist in Ontario, Canada (Not In India!) since 1911! After II World War, tremendous pressure was put on the residents of the town by Canadian Government to change its name from Swastika to Winston to honour Winston Churchill, then Prime minister of England, but the people fought back and retained their beloved name of their town with many business companies associated their names with Swastika . In Dublin, Ireland, there is a company called Swastika Laundry Ltd with its Swastika logo is still in operation since 1912, expanding and prospering with the blessings and Good Luck of Swastika. The Russian Tsar's luxurious coach was decorated with Swastika symbol in the front same as German Mercedes Benz displays it logo of Star on the bonnet. These are but a few examples of Swastika's presence in the world. Do these examples not show how popular the Swastika has been all over the world?

To, many people's astonishment, there are many evidence of the existence of Swastika in Judaism and its free use in synagogue with The Star of David, The Holy Symbol Of Judaism. A secret monastic brotherhood of Jews called the Essenes lived in Palestine from the second century B.C. to the end of the first century A.D. To them, the Swastika was a sacred sign representing the Wheel of Eternal Life. The Free Masons claims that the use of Swastika derived to them from the masons who built King Solomon's Temple. The Universal Jewish Encyclopaedia (1939-1943) says, "The Swastika appears on various articles excavated in Palestine, on ancient synagogues in Galilee and Syria, and on the Jewish catacombs at the Villa Torlonia in Rome." Webster's New American Dictionary (1959 edition) gives information as an ancient Jewish religious symbol.

In Hinduism, the Swastika is often drawn inside Yantra, what is known in Judaism as The Star of David. In the synagogue at Tel Hum, Capernaum, Swastika is found on the breeze side by side with the Star of David, The Holiest Symbol Of Judaism. This proves that Swastika was also an ancient Hebrew religious sign. Another example of the use of Swastika by the people of Jewish origin can be found in the USA; in 1916 the Portland Oregonian Newspaper ran an advertisement for Pacific Coast Biscuits, a Jewish firm that made Matzos. A large Swastika dominates the advertisement, which claims, "The Trademark Stands for Supreme Quality". It is clear that Jews, as well as other peoples across the globe have used the Swastika as a decoration, a symbol of pride, spirituality, good fortune, prosperity and love.

There are lovers and worshippers of Swastika all over the world. If European and any world politicians consider to take such irresponsible, unworthy and unthinkable decision to ban the humble symbol of Swastika, they must first consider to ban the Green Flag with Crescent Moon and Star of Islam, as there is no other barbaric, cruel and such a large scale holocaust ever happened in the history of mankind than the Islamic Crusade And Jehad from the day of its inception to today under the same symbol and flag. The Vedic or Hindu holocaust, meaning the genocide of Zorostrians, Hidus, Sikhs, Jains and Budhists of Aryavarta (Persia and Bharat) by the regime of Islam has no match. Those atrocities and butcheries inflicted on those people by Islamic fanatics can not be describe and compare to any other holocaust in the history of humanity. Secondly, the European politicians must consider the ban of Holy Cross also, as the same symbol is responsible for the barbaric acts of Ku Klux Klan, The Followers Of Christianity, after burning millions of innocent black Negroes alive, after tying them on the symbol of Holy Cross. This presents itself as an open and real challenge to the German and other European politicians as well as other world politicians who support the ban of Swastika! The treatment and attitude toward Swastika must be different to that of the Holy Cross and Islamic flag as the perpetrators were of their own religion while Swastika did not have any relation with Hitler on religious ground and it has represented goodness and universal humanity all over the world. Even if the world holds these symbols of Christianity and Islam on the ground of their use, still Swastika can not be held responsible in the same way as them.

These events in the history have never portrayed the Holy Cross or Islamic flag as the symbols of terror or death and these symbols have ever been condemned and banned, unlike the fate of Swastika. <b>Therefore condemning a symbol that has no real connection to a megalomaniac's misguided interpretation is unjustifiable and unlawful in comparison to case history.</b>

The controversial issue of Swastika symbol is a concern mostly to the innocent Jewish people whose community suffered tremendously under Hitler regime. The sufferings of others in World War II must be classified as act of war on both sides. The anger of Jewish community for the Hitler, his regime and the atrocities inflicted on them is understandable but any move to ban or stop Swastika in public life is not acceptable as Swastika has the same status to Hindus, Jains, Budhists, Sikhs and Taoist what the Star of David is to Jewish people. The followers of Vedic Dharma and their branches are all followers of all philosophies evolved in Aryavarta, Bharat or India sympathise and share their anguish and emotions for what happened to them and what is happening to them at present. Hindus have welcomed Jews in India thousands of years ago when they were driven out of their home land. Hindus gave them asylum and help them to prosper and progress with the freedom of their culture and religious belief centuries before they have given sanctuary to Zorostrians or Parsis who had to flee from their motherland PERSIA (Iran) to save their religion from the onslaught of Islam. The Jewish community of Cochin is the living example of that history. The Jewish people and their nation must not forget the generosity, help, love and respect Hindus gave their people in past. The Jewish people and the Jewish Nation Israel must have better understanding that their race has never ever been persecuted by Hindus, their Vedic or Sanatan Dharma (religion) and its sects while the followers of Christianity and Islam persecuted their race as brutally as Nazi regime, if not more.

The positive discrimination of Jews by Christian and the barbaric onslaught and hate of Jewish people by Muslims is still in existence today. Many staunch Jewish organisations such as the Jewish Defence League and The B-Nai Brith Society forget that the Swastika had a special religious and social status in Judaism and they have been trying to eradicate Swastika from public use and opposing its use by Hindus, Chinese, Japanese, Shrilankans, Nepalese, Thai, Burmese, Vietnamese, Cambodians, and others. Such organisations must have better understanding of Swastika, its meaning and universal adoration and use. It would be a grave mistake on Jewish part to believe that those people worship Swastika and use it publicly for their religious, cultural and part of their Daily Life and heritage are not sensitive and sympathetic enough towards the Jewish sentiments and the plight as well as the sufferings of Jewish Holocaust or humiliating them and supporting Nazism by public display. Hindus have and always have supported the Jewish Cause and will continue to do so in future and our Jewish brothers and sisters must recognise that. The Hindus must re-educate many Jewish people and all other peoples in the world on the subject of Swastika and on other hand the Jewish organisations and religious and governmental institutions must convey the right and positive message with negative approach of Hitler & his regime on the subject of Swastika rather than just spreading hate and disgust against it in the minds of new generation. If the politicians, leaders and diplomats, industrialists and businessmen of Israel and all allied countries now a days feel no shame to shake hands, talk, sit and dine and wine together and associate with many Germans, who are or the progeny of the same Nazi supporters of Hitler, at United Nation and other international events. What is the big deal about the Symbol of Swastika! Swastika has not hurt or killed any body or related to any culprits. Does the ban on Swastika in Germany and proposed ban in Europe seem logical?

<b>The Swastika is the most ancient religious symbol of human race. It has such a rich history that it transcends cultures, races, religion and continents. It is an injustice that thousands years of history and faith are being wiped out due to the negative portrayal and ignorance of this beloved symbol in the west.</b> The faith and dedication put into this symbol over the centuries by its many followers is coming to an age where the goodness of this sacred symbol may cease to exist, in the minds of the generations to come. On going efforts, movement and agitation of Friends of Swastika of Canada for the proclamation of innocence of Swastika and present efforts of Hindu forum of United Kingdom to stop the consideration of banning the use of Swastika in Europe by The European Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security, Mr Franco Frattini, must be supported and strengthened by Hindus all over the world.

The time has now come for the believers and worshipers of Swastika from all over the world and especially from eastern and far eastern countries as well as all the friends of Swastika irrespective of their faith and religion must demand to revive, reclaim and reinstate the Sacred Symbol of Swastika with its original honour, respects, dignity, glory and status as Swastika had nothing to do with SSS of Hitler regime. The lovers, worshipers and friends of Swastika must come forward with the winning slogan of Dr Edis from Swastika Drug Company of Swastika, Ontario, Canada, with minor change from "Hitler be damned, this is our sign since 1922" to "Hitler be damned, this is our sign since 6000 years Before Christ!"

<b>"Arise! Awake! And stop not until you reach the goal of reviving, reclaiming and reinstating the honour, respects, dignity, glory and status to swastika in it's original form!"</b>
http://www.indiacause.com/columns/OL_050314.htm<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

[Guest]

Question : where are the following universities located?
1) Atma Jaya University
2)Sanatana Dharma
3) Krishna Dwipayana
4) Satya Wacana

[Guest]

<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->Question : where are the following universities located?
1) Atma Jaya University
2)Sanatana Dharma
3) Krishna Dwipayana
4) Satya Wacana <!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
1) Atma Jaya University -Indonesia - http://www.atmajaya.ac.id/
2)Sanatana Dharma -Indonesia
3) Krishna Dwipayana - Jakarta, Indonesia
4) Satya Wacana - Salatiga, Central Java -http://www.insideindonesia.org/edit48/uksw.htm

[Guest]

Mudy ,
Yes, offcourse you are right.