GIVING AND TAKING

What is the easiest way of practising and bringing religion into our lives?

 

There are two broad principles governing human action. The first of the two principles is based on the attitude of GIVING. The second is based on the attitude of TAKING.

 

If the attitude of TAKING prevails in a society you will find its members possessed with multifold selfish demands and desires. Consequently, there is struggle, stress and strain in that society with crimes, robbery, rapes, corruption, inconsiderate selfish behaviour, becoming prevalent at national, community, family and individual levels.

 

Let their attitude change to GIVING. Their demands and desires drop their selfishness. Harmony, peace and happiness will reign in that very same society. The dignity of human race is founded upon the principle of GIVING. Life is to give, not to take. One ought not to demand from society. Perhaps one's only right in the world is to give, to serve. To serve one and all. Serve the nation, serve the society, the family and yourself. This is the first of the elements of right living. We need to do service to maintain our proper spiritual well being. While the physical body resorts to service, the mind must embrace the world with love.

 

This is the second element of right living. All our emotions must be amalgamated into a mass of universal love. Our pleasures and pains are identical with those of our fellow creatures. This is true love. The feeling of true love arises from purity. Such purity of love upgrades us to greater spiritual heights.

 

Knowledge of Vedanta inculcates the elements of right living into our physical, mental and intellectual personalities. Our actions develop a spirit of true service. Our emotions get chastened with pure love. Our discrimination gains subtlety to distinguish between the higher and the lower aspects of life with the result that our attachment for the lower drops off. By maintaining these disciplines at the three levels of our personality, we live an ideal life.

 

 

 

(By Sri A.Parthasarathy, from his book Vedanta Treatise)

Vedic Quiz

Q.1. 'Yoga' means

1. Set of bodily exercises
2. To link with God
3. Breathing
4. None of the above

Q.2. The purpose of Yoga is to nourish,

1. Body
2. Mind
3. Soul
4. All of above

Q.3 The best way for acquiring spiritual knowledge is,

1. Sense perception and analysis of empirical data
2. Inductive reasoning and logic
3. Hearing from a perfect authority on the subject concerned
4. None of the above

Q.4 The word 'Mantra' means,

1. Secret chant
2. Deliverance of mind
3. Formula for peace
4. Any cool idea

Q.5 The ultimate purpose of a religion is,

1. To achieve peace of mind
2. To attain lasting happiness
3. To follow God's orders
4. To develop pure love of God

Q.6 'Karma' means,

1. Duty
2. Any action and its reaction
3. Good deeds
4. None of above

Q.7 Being a Veggie is,

1. Morally good
2. Spiritually uplifting
3. Environmentally benign
4. All of the above

Q.8 The source of life is,

1. Spirit
2. Mind
3. Atoms
4. None of the above

Q.9 'Self-realization' means,

1. To realize one's spiritual nature
2. To realize God
3. To realize one's relation with God
4. All of above

Q.10 Human life is meant,

1. To propagate one's race
2. To eat, mate, defend and sleep
3. To inquire into the Absolute Truth (God)

True or False

1. Reincarnation means rebirth
2. A real 'Guru' is one who claims to be God
3. Consciousness is a strong proof for the existence of a soul
4. The meditation for our times is chanting of the Holy names
5. While spirit is eternal, matter is temporary
6. Spiritual life is not for everyone, but a selected few
7. The four miseries of human life are birth, death, old age and

disease

8. Non-violence means not causing harm to anyone, including animals
9. Hinduism is strictly polytheism
10. The essential teachings of all religions are similar

 

 

 

 

Answers to Vedic Quiz

1 b., 2d., 3c., 4b., 5d., 6b., 7d., 8a., 9d., 10c.

1) T, 2) F, 3) T, 4) T, 5) T, 6) F, 7) T, 8) T, 9) F, 10) T

 

HE ALONE IS TRUE

THE STORY OF OLD MAN'S WALLET

 

Baba said, "God is the sole Proprietor, nobody else is our Protector. His method of work is extra-ordinary, invaluable, and inscrutable. His will will be done and He will show us the way, and satisfy our heart's desires" in Sri Sai Satcharitra, ch. XVIII & XIX.

Once an old man was travelling by train on a pilgrimage to Brindavan. At night, whilst he was asleep, his wallet fell from his pocket. A co-passenger found it the next morning and enquired as to whom the wallet belonged. The old man said it was his. A picture of Sri Krishna inside the wallet was proof that the wallet really belonged to him.

 

The old man then began to relate the story of the wallet. He soon had a group of eager listeners around him. Lifting up the purse for all to see, the old man said: This purse has a long history behind it. My father gave it to me years ago when I was a mere schoolboy. I kept my little pocket money in it and also a photograph of my parents.

 

Years passed. I grew up and began studying at university. Like every youth, I became conscious of my appearance. I replaced my parents' photograph with that of my own and I would look at it often. I had become my own admirer.

 

Then came marriage. Self-admiration gave way to the consciousness of a family. Out went my own picture and I replaced it with that of my wife's. During the day I would open the wallet many times and gaze at the picture. All tiredness vanished and I would resume my work with enthusiasm.

 

Then came the birth of my first child. What a joy I experienced when I became a father! I would eagerly rush home after work to play with my little baby. Needless to say, my wife's picture had already made way for the child's.

 

The old man paused. Wiping his tearful eyes, he looked around and said in a sad voice: Friends, my parents passed away long ago. My wife too died five years ago. My son- my only son- is now married. He is too busy with his career and his family. He has no time for me. I now stand on the brink of death. I do not know what awaits me in future. Everything I loved, everything I considered my own, has left me.

 

A picture of Lord Krishna now occupies the place in my wallet. I know He will never leave me. I wish now that I had kept HIS picture with me right from the beginning! He alone is true; all others are just passing shadows.

 

Sri Sarada Devi, the holy mother, says: Don't be afraid my child, these earthly ties are transitory. Today they seem to be the be-all and end-all of life, and tomorrow they vanish. Your real tie is with God. God is one's very own. It is the eternal relationship. He is ever looking after you. Call on the Lord who pervades the entire universe. He will shower His blessings upon you.

 

 

 

(From 'Dipika' A publication by Sri Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa)

Karmas will accompany you

Your wealth will remain on earth;

 

your cattle will remain in the stables,

 

Your wife will come till the entrance door,

 

your relatives and friends will come till the cremation ground,

 

your body will accompany you till the funeral pyre,

 

but on the way beyond this life only your Karmas will accompany you.

 

Dhanaani Bhoomau Pashvascha Goshthe
Bharyaa Gruh Dwaare Swajan Smashaane
Dehschitaayaam Parlokmaarge
Karmaanu Go Gacchati Jeev Ek

 

 

 

.

 

TRANSFORMATION

As per Bhagawad Gita, despite all our wrong doings we still had hope to reform ourselves. The sinner of today, is the saint of tomorrow.

 

According to Lord Krishna, every sinner can become a saint. For this the person has to first realize his sin, confess it to God and ask for His forgiveness. Repentance and doing good to pay for his wrongdoings can take a person on the right path. It is never too late for a person to turn over a new leaf. With sincere effort and the grace of God, lives can be transformed.

 

Every person has strength in him. This strength has to be used in the right direction. Everyday spend some time in silence and repeat the Holy Name of God. God has many Names. You may select the name that you like. All the names belong to Him who is the Nameless one. For the name of God is The Greatest Cleanser. We clean our bodies daily but our minds also need to be cleansed of anger, envy, pride etc.

Prayer Hymns from the Vedas

Prayer Hymns from the Vedas   Rig Veda Hymns on 'One God' Idham Mitram Agnim Aahu atho; Dhivya Sah Suparnah Garuthman | E'kam Sath Viprah Bahudhah Vadhanthi, Agnim; Yama Matharisvaanam Aahuh || -- ---- Rig Veda - Verse --- I . 164 .46     They call Him (It) Indra, Mitra, Varuna, Agni; and He is the heavenly nobly-winged Garuthman ! To what is One, Sages give many a title, Agni, Yama, Matharisvan they call it !!   Aakaasat pathitham thoyam Yathaa gacchathi Saagaram | Sarva Deva Namaskarah Kesavam prathigacchathi || Ke'savam prathigacchathi Om nama iti ||   Just as all the water that fall from the sky inescapably reach the sea, Let all salutations to all the Deities reach only Kesava ; Indeed they only reach Kesava. [Here "Kesava" stands for Paramãthma encompassing Brahma, Vishnu and Siva]     Vedic Prayers   Kaaye'na Vaachaa Manasendriyair Vaa Bhuddhyaathmanaa Vaa Prakrthe' Svabhaavaath | Karomi Yadyat Sakalam Parasmai Naarayanaayethi Samarpayaami ||   I dedicate to the supreme person Naarayanaa all that I do by means of the body, words, mind, by the organs of action, the organs of knowledge and by the impulsion of nature.   Om ! Asatho' Maa Sath Gamaya - Thamaso' Maa Jyothirgamaya | Mruthyo' Maa Amr.ruthamgamaya - Om! Saanthih: Saanthih: Saanthih: || Lead me from the unreal to the Real - - From darkness [ignorance] to the Light [knowledge]; - From death to Immortality. - Om Peace ! Peace !! Peace !!!   Om! Sahanaavavatu Sahanau Bhunaktu Sahaveeryam Karavaavah: | Thejasvinaa Vadheethamastu Maa Vidvishaa Vahaih: || Om! Shaanthih Shaanthih Shaanthih. Om!   May He, the Supreme Lord, protect us both, The teacher and the student. May He nourish us both. May our study be thorough and fruitful. May we not hate each other. Om ! Peace, Peace, Peace.   Om ! Bhadram Karnebhih: Shrunuyaama Devaah: Bhadram Pashyemaakshabhir Yajathraah: | Sthirairangai Sthushthuvaagum Sastanoobhih: Yashema Devahitham Yadhaayuh: | Svasthi Na Indhro Vriddhashravaah: Svasthi Nah Pooshaa Vishva Vedaah: | Svasthi Nasthaakshyo Arishtanemih: Svasthi No Brihaspathir Dhadhaathu || Om ! Shaanthi:, Shaanthi:, Shaanthi:. Om !   O' Ye Gods ! May we hear with our ears only what is auspicious. May we see with our eyes only what is auspicious. May we, who sing your praise, Live our allotted span of life in perfect health and vigor. May Indhra who is praised by the devotees, vouchsafe to us safety and well being. May the all known Pooshan grant us safety. May Garuda and Brihaspathi grant us well being. Om ! Peace, Peace, Peace.     sarvaDevata prayer   PRAYERS FOR ALL OCCASIONS   Guru Mantra   Gurur Bramha Gurur Vishnu Gurur Devo Maheswaraha Guru Shakshath Para Bramha Thasmaisri Gurave Namaha Gurave Sarvalokanam Bhishaje Bhavaroginam Nithye Sarvadhiyanaam Dhakshina Moorthaye Namahah!   Guru is Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Maheswara Guru is nothing but the Supreme Brahman devoid of attributes. That is the reason why we bow to the Guru.   sarvaDevata prayer   shriiman mahaa gaNaadhi pataye namaH . shrii sarasvatyai namaH . shrii gurave namaH . shrii maataa pitR^ibhyaaM namaH . shrii lakshmiinaaraayaNaabhyaaM namaH . shrii umaamaheshvaraabhyaaM namaH . ishhTa devataabhyo namaH . kula devataabhyo namaH . sthaana devataabhyo namaH . vaastu devataabhyaaM namaH . sarevebhyo devebhyo namo namaH .. avighnamastu .... AUM tatsat.h iti ..   Invocatory Kirtans   Jaya Ganesha Jaya Ganesha Jaya Ganesha paahimaam Sri Ganesha Sri Ganesha Sri Ganesha rakshamaam Jaya Saraswati Jaya Saraswati Jaya Saraswati paahimaam Sri Saraswati Sri Saraswati Sri Saraswati rakshamaam   Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra Om trayambakam yajaamahe sugandhim pushtivardhanam Urvaarukamiva bandhanaan mrityor muksheeya maamritaat.   Concluding Peace Chants Sarveshaam swasti bhavatu, sarveshaam shaantir bhavatu, Sarveshaam poornam bhavatu, sarveshaam mangalam bhavatu; Sarve bhavantu sukhinah, sarve santu niraamayah, Sarve bhadraani pashyantu, maakaschid duhkhabhaagbhavet; Asato maa sad gamaya Tamaso maa jyotir gamaya Mrityor maa amritam gamaya; Om poornamadah poornamidam poornaatpoornamudachyate, Poornasya poornamaadaaya poornamevaavashishyate. Om shaantih shaantih shaantih!   Meditation On Lord Shiva Shaantam padmaasanastham shashadharamakutam panchavaktram trinetram, Shoolam vajram cha khadgam parashumabhayadam dakshinaange vahantam; Naagam paasham cha ghantaam damaruka sahitam chaankusham vaamabhaage, Naanaalankaara deeptam sphatika maninibham paarvateesham namaami. MEANING: I prostrate myself before the five-faced Lord of Parvati, who is adorned with various ornaments, who shines like the crystal jewel, who is seated peacefully in the lotus pose, with moon-crested crown, with three eyes, wearing trident, thunderbolt, sword and axe on the right side, who holds the serpent, noose, bell, damaru and spear on the left side, and who gives protection from all fear to His devotees.   Meditation On Sri Shankaracharya Padmaaseenam prashantam yamaniratamaanan gaari tulya prabhaavam, Phaale bhasmaankitaam bhasmita rujira mukhaam bhojanindeevaraaksham; Kambugreevam karaabhyaam avidtamurulasat pustakam jnaanamudraam, Vandyam geervaana mukhyair natajana varadam bhaavaye shankaraaryam. MEANING: I meditate on Sri Shankaracharya who is seated in the lotus posture with Jnanamudra, who is calm, endowed with virtues like Yama, Niyama, etc., whose glory is as great as that of Lord Shiva, who wears the sacred ashes on the forehead, whose face resembles the blossomed lotus, with lotus-like eyes, possessing sacred books in hand, who is ever adored by people of high learning and wisdom, and who fulfils the desires of his devotees (who prostrate themselves before him).   Meditation On Lord Dattatreya Maalaakamandalu dharah karapadmayugme Madhyastha paaniyugale damarutrishoolam; Adhyastha urdhva karayoh shubha shankhachakre Vande tamatrivaradam bhujashatkayuktam. MEANING: I meditate on Lord Dattatreya, the son of Atri, who has six hands, who holds the rosary and water-vessel in two hands, with damaru and spear in the other two hands, and with conch and discus in the upper two hands.   Meditation On Lord Ganesha Gajaananam bhootaganaadisevitam Kapittha jamboophala saara bhakshitam; Umaasutam shoka vinaasha kaaranam Namaami vighneshwara paada pankajam. MEANING: I worship the lotus feet of Ganesha, the son of Uma, the destroyer of all sorrows, who is served by the host of gods and elementals, and who takes the essence of the kapittha-jarnbu fruit (fruit resembling the bilwa fruit).   Meditation On Lord Subramanya Shadaananam kumkumaraktavarnam Mahaa matim divya mayoora vaahanam; Rudrasya soonum sura sainyanaatham Guham sadaaham sharanam prapadye. MEANING: I always take refuge in Lord Guha (Lord Subramanya) of six faces, who is of deep red colour and infinite knowledge, who has the divine peacock to ride on, the son of Lord Shiva and the leader of the army of the Devas.   LORD VISHNU His Mantra is: Om Namo Narayanaya Suklambharadharam visnum sasi varnam caturbhujam Prasanna vadanam dhyayet sarvavighnopasantaye   Meditation On Sri Krishna Vamshee vibhooshita karaan navaneeradaabhaat Peetaambaraadaruna bimbaphalaa dharoshthaat; Poornendusundara mukhaad aravinda netraat Krishnaat param kimapi tattwam aham na jaane. MEANING: I know not any other Reality than the lotus-eyed Krishna with hands adorned with flute, looking like a heavy-laden cloud in lustre, wearing a yellow silk garment, with His lower lip like a ruddy bimba fruit, and with face shining like the full moon.   Meditation On Sri Rama Dhyaayedaajaanubaaham dhritasharadhanusham baddhapadmaasanastham, Peetam vaaso vasaanam navakamala dala spardhinetram prasannam; Vaamaankaaroodhaseetaa mukhakamala milal lochanam neeradaabham, Naanaalankaara deeptam dadhatamuru jataa mandalam raamachandram. MEANING: One should meditate on Sri Ramachandra, with hands reaching the knees, holding the bow and arrows, seated in the locked-up lotus posture, wearing a yellow garb, with eyes vying with the newly-blossomed lotus petals, with a pleasant gait, who has Sita seated on His left thigh, who is blue like the clouds, who is adorned with all kinds of ornaments and having a big circle of Jata on the head.   Mantra for a Child   This mantra may be recited for getting a son, or for childless couples, who want a child.   Mantra:   Devaki-sut Govinda Vasudeva Jagatpate Dehi me tanayam Krishna Tvaamaham sharanam gataha   Meaning:   O Son of Devaki and Vasudeva, the Lord of the Universe O Krishna! give me a son; I take refuge in you   Mantra for Marriage   This is a mantra for girls who want to get married. They should say this mantra every day   Mantra:   Kaatyaayani Mahaamaayey Mahaa YoginyaDheeshwaree NandaGopasuta Devi Pati Mey Kuru Tey Namaha   Meaning:   O Katyaayani! MahaaMayey (Names of Ma the Mother Goddess) Supreme Lord of all great Yoginis, Make Shree Krishna, my husband Prostrations unto Thee.   Mantra to be chanted before you begin your studies:   Mantra:   Saraswati namastubhyam Varde Kaamarupini Vidyarambham karishyami Siddhir bhavatu me sadaa   Meaning:   My humble prostrations unto Thee, O Goddess Saraswati, You are the fulfiller of all my wishes, I start my studies, with the request that I achieve perfection in them.   Mantra for Health   Mantra:   Om! Tryambakam Yajaamahe Sugandhim Pushtee Vardhanam Urva ruka meva Bandhanaat Mrityor Muksheeya Ma amrutaat   Meaning:   Om! We worship Lord Shiva (The 3-Eyed One) who is full of fragrance and who nourishes all beings; may He liberate me from death, bestow salvation and (lead me) towards Eternity (Make me immortal) just as the ripe cucumber is severed (from the creeper) of its bondage.   Mantra For Prosperity   Mantra:   Aayur dehee Dhanam Dehee Vidyaam dehee Maheshwari Samastamakhilam dehee dehee mey Parameshwari   Meaning:   Give me long life Give me wealth, Give me knowledge, O Maheshwari (Mother Goddess) O Parmeshwari, Give me everything that I desire   This is a mantra of Maheshwari. Maheshwari is the consort of Maheshwara, another name for Siva. It is said that Siva always grants the boons of those that pray to him or his consort.   Mantra for a Peaceful Life   Mantra:   Sarveshaam Svaastir Bhavatu Sarveshaam Shaantir Bhavatu, Sarveshaam Poornam Bhavatu Sarveshaam Mangalam Bhavatu Om Shanti, Shanti Shanteeh   Meaning:   May Health abound forever May Peace abound forever May complete abundance, abound forever May auspiciousness abound forever Om Peace Peace Peace!   MANTRA for the FULFILLMENT OF DESIRES and RELEASE FROM BONDAGE   Mantra:   Om kaaram bindu samyuktam nityam dhyaayanti yoginah Kaamadam mokshadam chaiva Omkaaraaya namo namaha   Meaning:   The sages constantly meditate upon the sound of Om and its 'Bindu´ (dot) We offer our obeisance to the Divine sound of Om repeatedly, Which has the power to fulfill our desires and release us from bondage.   MANTRA FOR DESTRUCTION OF EVIL AND REMOVAL OF MISERIES-KRISHNA   Mantra:   Krishnaaya Vaasudevaaya Haraye Paramaatmane Pranatah Klesha naashaaya Govindaaya namo namaha   Meaning:   O Krishna! Son of Vaasudeva, You are the Supreme Lord, remover of miseries. You destroy all evil, O Govinda! I repeatedly bow to You!   THE EPITOME OF DUTY.   Mantra:   Raamaaya Raamabhadraaya Raamachandraaya vedhase Raghunaathaaya naathaaya Seetaaya pataye namah.   Meaning: I bow to the Brilliant Rama, doer of good, Lord of the Raghus, the Beloved husband of Seeta

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24 OTHER GAYATRI MANTRAS

The Gayatri Mantra is the form of eternal truth. It is the heart of all beings and the eternal Ved Mantra. Gayatri destroys the sins of the world. All the four Vedas have originated from this mantra: In addition rishis have created 24 other Gayatri mantras - Sakam Gayatri - ''with desire'' Gayatri. The 24 words of the Gayatri appear in the form of the 24 Divine Shaktis.   1. Ganesh Gayatri: The repetition of this mantra is done for the destruction of obstacles and to succeed in difficult tasks.   Om Eka Dandhaya Vidmahe Vakratundaya Dhimahi Tanno tantihi Prachodayat   2. Vishnu Gayatri: To develop sustaining power, this mantra is used.   Om Narayanaya Vidmahe Vasudevaya Dhimahi Tanno Vishunha Prachodayat   3. Shiv Gayatri: To invoke auspiciousness, That is to have pure thoughts and high spiritual feelings, this mantra is used.   Om Panchavaktraya Vidmahe Mahadevaya Dhimahi Tanno Rudraha Prachodayat   4. Brahma Gayatri: To increase productiveness, that is to increase the power of creative shakti, this mantra is used.   Om Chaturmukhaya Vidmahe Hansa Rudraaya Dhimahi Tanno Brahma Prachodayat   5. Rama Gayatri: This mantra is used to establish proper conduct and ethical behavior.   Om Daasharthaye Vidmahe Sita Vallabhaya Dhimahi Tanno Ramahi Prachodayat   6. Krishna Gayatri: To bring dynamic energy into one's lify in order to be able to do anything, intense sadhana is done for this Divine power with this mantra.   Om Devaki Nandanaya Vidmahe Vasudevaya Dhimahi Tanno Krishna Prachodayat   7. Indra Gayatri: To ward off any form of attack, intense sadhana is done for this Divine shakti using this mantra.   Om Sahasranetraya Vidmahe Vajrahastaya Dhimahi Tanno Indra Prachodayat   8. Hanuman Gayatri: When there is a lack of fulfilling one's duty within oneself, then this mantra is used.   Om Anjanisutaya Vidmahe Vayuputraya Dhimahi Tanno Marutih Prachodayat   9. Surya Gayatri: Worship with this mantra is very beneficial for curing grievous diseases.   Om Bhaskaraya Vidmahe Divakaraya Dhimahi Tanno Suryah Prachodayat   10. Chandra Gayatri: For the removal of suffering and to get peace from dejection and worries, this mantra has been used for the worship of this Divine Shakti.   Om Shirputraya Vidmahe Amrit Tatvaya Dhimahi Tanno Chandrah Prachodayat   11. Yum Gayatri: This is universal prayer to gain fearlessness from death.   Om Putryaya Vidmahe Mahakalaya Dhimahi Tanno Yumahah Prachodayat   12. Varun Gayatri: To develop sweetness and melodiousness at all levels, in speech, action, dealing with others, etc.., this mantra is used.   Om Jalbimbaya Vidmahe Neel Purshaya Dhimahi Tanno Varunah Prachodayat   13. Narayana Gayatri: In order to establish discipline and make people listen to orders, one concentrates on this mantra.   Om Narayanaya Vidmahe Visudevaya Dhimahi Tanno Narayanah Prachodayat   14. Nrishinga Gayatri: This mantra is used in order to acquire this Divine Shakti, which has shown itself to be successful in increasing our efforts and in acquiring bravery.   Om Ugranrishinghaye Vidmahe Vajrankhaya Dhimahi Tanno Nrishinghaha Prachodayat   15. Durga Gayatri: This mantra is used to acquire this Divine Shakti, which is used to gain victory over enemies, attackers and obstacles. Om Girijayei Vidmahe Shiva Priyayei Dhimahi Tanno Durga Prachodayat   16. Laxmi Gayatri: This is the one Shakti believed to help in acquiring wealth, status, greatness, and fame; therefore, this mantra is used to invoke this Shakti.   Om Maha Laxmayei Vidmahe Vishnupriyayei Dhimahi Tanno Laxmi Prachodayat   17. Radha Gayatri: This is a unique Shakti to fill the activities with the feelings of Divine Love; therefore, this mantra is used to invoke this Shakti.   Om Vrishbhaanujayei Vidmahe Krihsnpriyayei Dhimahi Tanno Radha Prachodayat   18. Sita Gayatri: To develop the Shakti of penance, it is very necessary to do worship with this mantra. Om Janak Nandiniyei Vidmahe Bhumijayei Dhimahi Tanno Sita Prachodayat   19. Saraswati Gayatri: Learned scholars have said that the use of this mantra can help to increase the Shakti of the intellect and mental sharpness.   Om Saraswateyei Vidmahe Brahmaputriye Dhimahi Tanno Devi Prachodayat   20. Agni Gayatri: This is a famous mantra used to bring effulgence into the life/force of the body and in every activity of love.   Om Mahajwalyei Vidmahe Agnidevaya Dhimahi Tanno Agnih Prachodayat   21. Prithvi Gayatri: This mantra is considered useful in strengthening one's Shakti to remove wavering of resolve and in bringing steadfastness.   Om Prithvi Devayei Vidmahe Sahasramurtayei Dhimahi Tanno Prithvi Prachodayat   22. Tulsi Gayatri: To remove selfishness, increase selflessness, and make doing selfless service the goal of one's life, this mantra is very helpful.   Om Tulsayei Vidmahe Vishnu Priyayei Dhimahi Tanno Vrinda Prachodayat   23. Hansa Gayatri: To awaken discrimination, this is a very powerful mantra.   Om Param Hansaye Vidmahe Mahahansaye Dhimahi Tanno Hansah Prachodayat   24. Hayegriva Gayatri: When one is surrounded by fear on all four sides and is in need of courage, then this mantra is used.   Om Vanishavaraye Vidmahe Hayegrivaye Dhimahi Tanno Hayegrivah Prachodayat.

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HOW MANTRAS ARE USEFUL

HOW MANTRAS ARE USEFUL:   One´s subconscious mind can help to find the solution through meditation and recitation of Mantras.   1.Purity of thoughts, words and deeds, sincerity and deep seated. Belief in repeating Mantras systematically and without any stress or strain on the brain or body is the keynotes for the efficacy of Mantras.   2. Concentrate and Meditate without having any desires in mind. The Mantra should be recited softly so as to be audible only to be person concerned and not to others. Mantras should be recited in a pleasing musical tone, which will help in concentration.   3.Continuous Sadhana will enable the Sadhaka to find solutions to the problems, attaining peace of mind, reducing mental strain.   4.The Sadhaka should have a light meal, hot and well cooked and in small quantity, as over eating leads to the excitement of the sensory organs which aggravate passions. Onions, Garlic and Meat have stimulating effects on the sensory organs and will do harm to the body than good. Intoxicates and smoking of any kind should be avoided. Lack of control in the diet is a great obstacle to progress. Small quantities of wholesome food purify the mind and a pure mind retains the memory of God. AUM GRANTHI�POWER MEANING TAT TAPINI SUCCESS SA SUCCESS BRAVERY (PARAKRAM) VI VISHWA MAINTENANCE� (PALAN) TUR TUSHTI WELFARE (KALYAN) VA VARDA MARYADA RE YOG SELF RESTRAINT��(SANYAM) NI REVATI SFUTA YAM LOVE (PREM) TAP BHAR SOOKSHMA MEDHA GO MONEY FOR SIGHT DE GYANA YOGMAYA VA BRILLIANCE (TEJ) JAGRITI (AWAKENING) SYA BHARGA YOGINI DHEE DEFENCE (RAKSHA) CREATION (PRODUCTION) MA GOMATI DHARINI HI INTELLECT (BUDDHI) SARASTA��(SWEETNESS) DHI DEVIKA PRABHAVA YO SUPPRESSION (DAMAN) IDEAL YO VARAHI OOSHMA NAHA DEVOTION (NISTHA) COURAGE PRA SINHANI DRASHYA CHO DHARNA�(POWER OF RETENTION) WISDOM (VIVEK) DA DHYAN NIRANJAN YAT PRAN SEWA (SERVICE)   GAIN SHARP INTELLECT: The deity worshipped in the Gayatri Mantra is Savita or the Sun, hence the best day to do this ritual is Sunday. Through this Sadhana one can awaken all mental faculties and gain a sharp intellect and photographic memory. Even a child can be encouraged to try this practice for he can thus go on to excel in his studies and build an excellent career.   Early morning before sunrise have a bath and dress in yellow clothes. Fill a copper pot with water in it drop a few rice grain and flower petals. Face the morning sun. Raise the pot to the heart level and till it forward allowing the water to follow onto the ground gently. At the same time chant the Mantra seven times Udityam Jaatvedase Namah   RECOVER FROM ILLNESS-ALIMENT. This ritual is a real boon for those afflicted by bad diseases. A family member of a friend can perform this ritual for the person. On a Saturday night after 9 p.m. Wear red clothes and sit on a red mat facing south. Make a wooden platform in front and cover with red cloth. On it place a steel plate with a handful of rice grains on it. On this plate place Moong grains. Offer red Vermilion; rice grains, red flowers, incense and Ghee lamp on it. Take the Red Hakeek Rosary and put it around the Ratna. Next with water in the right palm and any wish you have to free yourself of any aliments. Let the water drop on the plate before you. Then without any count chant the Gayatri Mantra continuously for about 1 hour. Add at the end of the Gayatri Mantra Ayeim Aum Hum Namah   GET ONES WISHES FULFILLED:   This Sadhana can be done on a Sunday or a Friday from 5 a.m. To 8 a.m. After a bath wear yellows clothes and sits on a yellow mat facing east. On a covered wooden seat make a mound of rice grains dyed yellow. On these place a coconut. Tie a mouli (sacred red thread) around it. Apply a mark of red tilak. On the right side place red rose petals place a Divya and a Shankh. Offer on it incense, Ghee lamp, flowers rice grains, vermilion. Take water in your right palm and pledge your wish. Next Stand on the mat and chant one mala with Cheitanya rosary of this Gayatri Mantra adding to the last part of this Mantra with Shreem Shreem Shreem Shreem Namah.   GAYATRI MANTRA FOR ALL PURPOSES: Repetitions of the Gayatri Mantra for 125,000 times brings Siddhi. After the mantra has been done for the prescribed number of times, fire worship should be done with 12,000 ahutis of havan samagri with an offering of raw sugar, black sesame seeds (125gms) and ghee (250gms). After the Homa a small feast should be held for 12 girls of 8 years of age and one boy of 6 yrs old. The person after achieving this siddha of the mantra can use to heal physiological or psychological diseases, cure ill lucks and give victory over enemies.   FOR HEALING: Before touching the patient or giving any medicine, repeat one mala of Gayatri. After completing the mala (108 beads), give the patient medicine for the disease. If the patient is not taking any medication one can give water from a clean copper, brass, bronze or silver pot. Shake the water and repeat the mantra only once before giving the water to the patient. This water will have miraculous effect.   CURE DISEASES: The sick person should do the japa of Gayatri, after bathing, adding AING three times at the end of the mantra for disease related to aggravation of mucus and bile. Add HUNG three times at the end of the mantra for disease caused by aggravation of wind. The japa should be done 108 times in the early morning hours after bathing.   GOOD MEMORY AND MENTAL POWER: The japa of Gayatri mantra should be done facing east before sunrise, after bathing. The forehead should remain wet. This is accompanied by applying a thick paste of sandal wood. Gayatri mantra should be recited repeating the sound AUM three times before the mantra. Japa should be done daily either 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 or 11 malas. After doing the mala rub both palms together while reciting the mantra, then rub both hands on the forehead touching the place of the third eyes with both ring fingers while the right hand rubs the right side and the left hand the left side of the forehead, reaching up to the temples. Then bring the hands to the head, then to the eyes, ears, nose, cheeks, back of the neck, front of the neck, in that order. This exercise should be done in a slow rhythm. All the breath (no inhaling or exhaling while touching the starting point, third eye) until the end ( the front of the neck).   FOR ATTAINING WEALTH: At the end of the Gayatri mantra, repeat SHRING, the Lakshmi Bija, three times. 1 Mala (108 times) should be done everyday. All samagris used in worship should be yellow, and yellow food should be taken for the period japa is done. Use a yellow woolen rug, a mala of yellow haldi (tumeric root) beads, yellow pots, yellow flowers, and yellow prasad for offering. A pinch of saffron should be added in the kalash. The japa should be done in the early morning hours before sunrise.   DISPEL EVIL SPIRITS: An agnihotra (homa) should be done, and 108 ahutis of ordinary havan samagri should be offered to the fire. After the havan is done, the whitish gray ashes should be collected from the fire place and rubbed on the hands, feet, face, head, stomach and back of the person. The Gayatri mantra should be recited during the rubbing of the ashes. The evil spirit will vanish after one rubbing of the ashes. These ashes should be kept in a bottle and maybe used whenever needed by the attendants of the patient. They can be used on any other patients as well. And one should put ashes in ones hand and recite Gayatri mantra 11 times and keep on reciting while rubbing.   SNAKES SCORPIAN BITES: Ashes from sandal wood or peepal (Banyan wood), should be obtained after doing homa with 108 recitations of the Gayatri Mantra. The ashes should be collected in a blue bottle. One should observe the following method:   1. Check which nostril is working. 2. Keep ashes in the hand in the same side as the dominant nostril. 3. Recite Gayatri mantra, adding HUNG at the end, while meditating on Gayatri riding a horse. Recite the mantra 11 times. 4. Rub the ashes while chanting the mantra: AUM BHUR BUVUH SWAHA TATSAVITRU VARENIYEM BHARGO DEVESYA DHEEMAHI DIYO YO NA PRACHODAYAT HUNG. 5. Keep in another small bottle 10gms of mustard seeds made into paste. Recite the mantra 108 times while making the paste in a stone mortar. This paste should be made and stored like the ashes and used simultaneously or after rubbing the ashes. Take the paste when needed and apply it to the tips of all fingers, all toes, earlobes, navel, tip of the nose and forehead.   This chanting is considered to be especially GOOD on Fridays, on Navami, Chaturdasi, and Full Moon day-and during the nine days of Navaratri.   The Gayatri Mantra does not belong to any particular sect of worship or it is not restricted to any certain community. It is universal, for the whole world. It contains in it the culture not of any particular society, but the culture of humanity. The Gayatri Mantra is a treasure and heritage that belongs to the whole of humanity without exclusion

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