Showing posts with label Spirituality. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spirituality. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Glory of RUDRAM

Rudram is treated as the celebrated portion of Yajurveda with the sacred Sivapanchakshari mantram (Namasivaya) enshrined within it. It has got two portions called Namakkam and Chamakkam each containing eleven chapters or Anuvakams. Most of the chapters in the first portion end with the letter namaha or namo namaha while the ending letter of the second portion is “cha me”

It is firmly believed that every deity is pleased with Rudra japam, also that by chanting it whatever be the genuine prayers of one the same will be granted. Rudra japa is spoken of as a great purifier and the most effective expiation (pariharam) for even the worst sins. In summary Rudra japam is the best sadhana for attaining both material and spiritual benefits from Almighty.

Method of Rudra japam:

Rupam: Chanting Namakkam once followed by chanting Chamakkam is called Rupam.

Rudra Ekadasini: First the eleven Anuvakas of Namakkam, followed by the first Anuvakam of Chamakkam are chanted. Next again the eleven Anuvakams of Namakkam with second Anuvakam of Chamakkam will be chanted. Like this for 11 full chantings of Namakkam one full chanting of Chamakkam is completed. This is called Rudra ekadasini.

Laghu Rudram & Maharudram: If in the above method eleven Rudra ekadasinis are repeated it is called Laghu rudram. Eleven Laghu rudrams is one Maharudram.

Athirudram: Athirudram the biggest of all Rudra japam is eleven times of Maharudram i.e in the Athirudrabhiskekam going to be conducted now, ultimately 14641 times Namakkam and 1331 chamakkams will be chanted totally along with abhishekam. Moreover on the last day in the final Rudra homam again 10% of this i.e. 1465 Namakkam and 134 times Chamakkam will be chanted and in this way the whole yagna is going to be a real great performance.

The Shata Rudriya forms a part of the Yajurveda.It is extolled as the death defying hymn to the Diety Rudra .This deity is a Vedic Deity and as much symbolizes nature as it symbolizes the Godhead contained within it.

Having said this it also signifies the Almighty who bestows breath and takes away life.It symbolises the indivisible Tattwa which runs through Life,Death and the Afterlife.

Extolled in the Vedas as the foremost of all Vedic Chants one must remember that in the Nrisimha Upanishat some of the words are changed to signify Nrisimha.

Srirudram, also known as Rudraprasna, is a hymn devoted to lord Shiva. It is part of the Yajur Veda and one of the greatest of the Vedic hymns. Sri Rudram
Rudram is divided into 11 sections called Anuvakas. In the first Anuvaka, Rudra is asked to turn away his Ghora rupa (fierce appearance) and to please keep his and his followers’ is in two parts. The first part, chapter 16 of the Yajurveda, is known as Namakam because of the repeated use of the word "Namo" in it. The second part, chapter 18 of the Yajurveda, is known as chamakam because of the repeated use of the words "Chame".
weapons at bay. Having been pacified, Rudra is requested to destroy the sins of those for whom it is being chanted.
Apart from being a hymn devoted Lord Shiva, Srirudram also contains may hidden secrets in coded format. For example the verses contain coded instructions for preparing various ayurvedic medicines.
This first Anuvaka is chanted to destroy all sins, obtain leadership and divine benevolence, protection from famine, freedom from fear, obtain food, and protect cows, for absence from untimely fear of death, of tigers, thieves, from monsters, devils, demons.
It is also chanted as a shield (kavaca) for virulent fever, to cure diseases, fatal disorders, absolution from evils stars and bad karma, for the fulfillment of ones desires, sumptuous rainfall, family protection, blessings with good children, fulfillment of all material desires and the destruction of enemies.
In the second Anuvaka, Rudra is prayed to as one who pervades the earth and as the green foliage and heritage of medicinal herbs. He is asked to loosen the bonds of samsara (illusion). This Anuvaka is chanted for the destruction of enemies, possession of wealth, getting kingdom (getting Job) and possession of intelligence.
In the third Anuvaka Rudra is described as the Lord of thieves who exists in everything. He is Sarvatma; the self of all. In this context, we who are unenlightened have stolen the immortal status of the Self and replaced it with our own limited conception of ego. And in turn it is Rudra who will come and steal our ignorance from us, restoring us to our natural status of enlightenment. This Anuvaka is also chanted for the cure of diseases.
In the fourth Anuvaka, Rudra is described as the creator and worker of all kinds. He is the cause of both the significant and minor. This Anuvaka is chanted for the cure of tuberculosis, diabetics and leprosy.
In the fifth Anuvaka Rudra’s existence in running waters is praised and his five activities are described (creation of the universe, preservation of it, destruction at the time of Pralaya, bondage in ignorance and the release of moksha).
In the sixth Anuvaka Rudra is identified with time (Kalarupa). He is described as the source of the different worlds, Shrutis (Vedas) and its essence in Vedanta. The fifth and sixth Anuvakas are chanted for the expansion of one’s own assets, victory against enemies, blessings for a son with the stature of Rudra, avoidance of a miscarriage and easy childbirth, averting difficult astrology and protection of one’s own son.
In the seventh Anuvaka his all-pervading presence in waters, rains, clouds, storms and its various forms are described. This Anuvaka is chanted for the increase of intelligence, improvement of health, wealth, progeny, clothes, cows, sons, education, lands, longevity and obtaining liberation.
In the eighth Anuvaka Rudra is described as He who illumines other Gods and confers powers on them. He is seen as ever present in holy rivers and He who can absolve all sins. This Anuvaka is chanted for the destruction of enemies and possession of ones own kingdom (lands).
In the ninth Anuvaka the strength and power his attendants is celebrated because they illumine the gods and the world and control the forces of the universe. This Anuvaka is chanted for obtaining gold, a good wife, a job, and the blessings of a son who will be devoted to Lord Shiva.
I
n the tenth Anuvaka Rudra is again asked to shed his fury and shower benevolence by his displaying his Pinaka bow without arrows and to gracefully appear with his tiger skin on his body with pleasing countenance ready to shower boons upon his devotees. This Anuvaka is chanted for possession of wealth, cure of diseases, removal of fear, getting rid of the enmity of powerful people, absence of fear from all living beings, having the vision of Bhairava (Shiva in his most fearful aspect), absence from dangers and fears, blessings and the absolution of sins.
In the eleventh Anuvaka Rudra’s accomplishments are profusely praised and his benevolence is invoked with unconditional salutations. This Anuvaka is chanted for blessings of one’s progeny, the enhancement of longevity, visiting of sacred places, and acquiring knowledge of past, present and future.
After praying and identifying Rudra with everything in the Namakam, the Chamakam is recited, in which the devotee identifies himself with Lord Shiva and asks him to give him everything!!
These excellent prayer is intended for the bulk of the people and every thing to be cherished in the world is included in this ascend to the state of Jnani to attain Moksha i.e. eternal happiness. Chamakam assures granting of what all you ask in a full-throated manner unabashed. The creator makes no distinction between the things of the world and the other world. Both belong to him and desire born out of Virtue is really manifestation of divinity and Dharma.
Chamakam furnishes completely the ideal of human happiness and defines in the highest degree the desires and do not delimit to be asked or to be granted.
In the first Anuvaka prayer is made to keep fit in the human being his vitalities internal and
sensory organs and mind hale and healthy, a long and peaceful and happy old age.
The Second Anuvaka prominence and leadership, common sense, intellectual acumen, capability to face trying circumstances, Spiritual elevation, worldly splendour and enjoyments.
The third develops innate urge of God and meditative flights and spiritual ecstasy, service to Divinity and humanity and a condition where the world wants him and he wants the world for upliftment.

The fourth assures of courtesy, fitness of the body and the best food for the body, cosy and comfort.

The fifth asks for the Nava ratnas, the precious stones and all the animals to sub-serve his interest and the qualified materials best in their form for his rituals.

The sixth emphasizes the importance of Indra as a co-sharer in the offerings to the other Gods. Thus makes him big to get the major obtainers of Havis among all Gods and his special honour and supremacy.
The Seventh lists the various instruments necessary for some and sacrifices in the “Homa Kunda”, the site of offerings to the fire God with Svahakara.
The ninth is the prime prayer consists of all the contents of four Vedas.
The tenth invokes all the biological species to co-operate in his daily wealth and also for the sacrificial fire. It also involves higher spiritual elevations, and makes it as Jnana Yajna.
The Eleventh Anuvaka brings out the long list of benedictions asked for in the odd divine number and even human numbering. Chamakam roots are firmly implanted in the worldly desires ultimately leading to the divine fulfillment. It is prayed that the Divine is immortal, infinite and is the cause of earth and heaven, space and time, reborn after the end of every thing and is the presiding deity.
Chamakam Namakam caiva purusa suktam tathaiva ca |
Nityam trayam prayunjano Brahmaloke mahiyate ||
He who ever recites Namakam and Chamakam along with Purusa suktam daily will be honoured in Brahmaloka.

If anybody wants mp3 file for the rudra namaka chamakam,

give me your mail id I will mail you.

Sunday, December 9, 2007

The Three Hermits


"On an island there lived three old hermits. They were so simple that the only prayer they used was: 'We are three; Thou art Three—have mercy on us!' Great miracles were manifested during this naive prayer.

"The local bishop2 came to hear about the three hermits and their inadmissible prayer, and decided to visit them in order to teach them the canonical invocations. He arrived on the island, told the hermits that their heavenly petition was undignified, and taught them many of the customary prayers. The bishop then left on a boat. He saw, following the ship, a radiant light. As it approached, he discerned the three hermits, who were holding hands and running upon the waves in an effort to overtake the vessel.

"'We have forgotten the prayers you taught us,' they cried as they reached the bishop, 'and have hastened to ask you to repeat them.' The awed bishop shook his head.

"'Dear ones,' he replied humbly, 'continue to live with your old prayer!'"



Speech by Bryan Dyson (CEO of Coca Cola)


"Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air.
You name them - work, family, health, friends and spirit and you're keeping all of these in the air.

You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball.

If you drop it, it will bounce back.


But the other four Balls - family, health, friends and spirit - are made of glass.
If you drop one of these; they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered.
They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for Balance in your life."

 

 


Parents are Precious!!!


Read it once n feel the truth….

This was narrated by an IAF pilot to IIT students during a Seminar on Human Relations:



Venkatesh Balasubramaniam (who works for IIT) describes
how his gesture of booking an air ticket for his father, his maiden  
flight, brought forth a rush of emotions and made him (Venkatesh)
realize that how much we all take for granted when it comes to our parents.

 
My parents left for our native place on Thursday and we
went to the airport to see them off. In fact, my father had never
traveled by air before, so I just took this opportunity to make him
experience the same. In spite of being asked to book tickets by train,

 



I got them tickets on Jet Airways. The moment I handed over the tickets



to him, he was surprised to see that I had booked them by air. The

excitement was very apparent on his face, waiting for the time of

travel. Just like a school boy, he was preparing himself on that day and

we all went to the airport, right from using the trolley for his

luggage, the baggage check-in and asking for a window seat and waiting

restlessly for the security check-in to happen. He was thoroughly

enjoying himself and I, too, was overcome with joy watching him

experience all these things.







As they were about to go in for the security check-in,

he walked up to me with tears in his eyes and thanked me. He became very

emotional and it was not as if I had done something great but the fact

that this meant a great deal to him.







When he said thanks, I told him there was no need to

thank me. But later, thinking about the entire incident, I looked back

at my life. As a child, how many dreams our parents have made come true.



 





Without understanding the financial situation, we ask for cricket bats,

dresses, toys, outings, etc. Irrespective of their affordability, they

have catered to all our needs. Did we ever think about the sacrifices



they had to make to accommodate many of our wishes? Did we ever say

thanks for all that they have done for us? Same way, today when it comes

to our children, we always think that we should put them in a good

school. Regardless of the amount of donation, we will ensure that we

will have to give the child the best, theme parks, toys, etc. But we

tend to forget that our parents have sacrificed a lot for our sake to

see us happy, so it is our responsibility to ensure that their dreams

are realized and what they failed to see when they were young. It is our

responsibility to ensure that they experience all those and their life is complete.







Many times, when my parents had asked me some questions,

I have actually answered back without patience. When my daughter asks me

something, I have been very polite in answering. Now I realize how they

would have felt at those moments.







Let us realize that old age is a second childhood and

just as we take care of our children, the same attention and same care

needs to be given to our parents and elders. Rather than my dad saying



thank you to me, I would want to say sorry for making him wait so long

for this small dream. I do realize how much he has sacrificed for my

sake and I will do my best to give the best possible attention to all their wishes.







Just because they are old does not mean that they will

have to give up everything and keep sacrificing for their grandchildren

also. They have wishes, too.







Take care of your parents. THEY ARE PRECIOUS.



'Remember our parents are the living God's in the earth'  



 





Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Tips to stay young 'n happy

1. Throw out nonessential numbers.
This includes age, weight, and height.
Let the doctors worry about them.. That is why you pay them.

2. Keep only cheerful friends.
The grouches pull you down.
(Keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches!)


3. Keep learning:
Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever.
Never let the brain get idle.
'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.'
And the devil's name is Alzheimer's!

4. Enjoy the simple things

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
And if you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and lots of time with him or her!


6. The tears happen:
Endure, grieve, and move on.
The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourself.
LIVE while you are alive.

7 Surround yourself with what you love:
Whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever.

Your home is your refuge.
8. Cherish your health:
If it is good, preserve it.
If it is unstable, improve it.
If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips.
Take a trip to the mall, even to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.








Family




 


I ran into a stranger as he passed by,

"Oh excuse me please" was my reply.



He said, "Please excuse me too;

I wasn't watching for you."



We were very polite, this stranger and I.

We went on our way and we said goodbye.



But at home a different story is told,

How we treat our loved ones, young and old.



Later that day, cooking the evening meal,

My son stood beside me very still.



When I turned, I nearly knocked him down.

"Move out of the way," I said with a frown. !



He walked away, his little heart broken.

I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken.



While I lay awake in bed,

God's still small voice came to me and said,



"While dealing with a stranger,

common courtesy you use,

but the family you love, you seem to abuse.



Go and look on the kitchen floor,

You'll find some flowers there by the door! .



Those are the flowers he brought for you.

He picked them himself: pink, yellow and blue.



He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise,

you never saw the tears that filled his little eyes."



By this time, I felt very small,

And now my tears began to fall.



I quietly went and knelt by his bed;

"Wake up, little one, wake up," I said.



"Are these the flowers you picked for me?"

He smiled, "I found 'em, out by the tree.



I picked 'em because they're pretty like you.

I knew you'd like 'em, especially the blue."



I said, "Son, I'm ve! ry sorry for the way I acted today;

I shouldn't have yelled at you that way."

He said, "Oh, Mom, that's okay.

I love you anyway."



I said, "Son, I love you too,

and I do like the flowers, especially the blue."



FAMILY

Are ! you aware that if we died tomorrow, the company

that we are working for could easily replace us in

a matter of days.

But the family we left behind will feel the loss

for the rest of their lives.



And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more

into work than into our own family,

an unwise investment indeed,

don't you think?

So what is behind the story?



Do you know what the word FAMILY means?

FAMILY = (F)ATHER (A)ND (M)OTHER (I) (L)OVE (Y)OU











 

 




 

 .


Tuesday, December 4, 2007

where to put your effort



Once somewhere...

A giant ship engine failed. The ship's owners tried one expert after another,

but none of them could figure how to fix the engine. Then they brought in

an old man who had been fixing ships since he was young. He carried a

large bag of tools with him, and when he arrived, he immediately went to

work. He inspected the engine very carefully, top to bottom.
 
Two of the ship's owners were there, watching this man, hoping he would

know what to do. After looking things over, the old man reached into his

Bag and pulled out a small hammer. He gently tapped something.

Instantly,the engine lurched into life. He carefully put his hammer away.

The engine was fixed! A week later, the owners received a bill from the
old man for ten thousand dollars.

"What?!" the owners exclaimed. "He hardly did anything!"

So they wrote the old man a note saying, "Please send us an itemized

bill."

 

     The man sent a bill that read:

     Tapping with a hammer.............   $2.00

     Knowing where to tap.......... $ 9,998.00


Effort is important, but knowing where to make an effort in your life
makes all the difference.

So go to a green park sit under a green wood tree and think alone for a
while... you will know where to put your effort…

 

 




Want to Quit ?

One day I decided to quit...I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality... I wanted to quit my life.

went to the woods to have one last talk with GOD.

"GOD", I said.

"Can you give me one good reason not to quit?" His answer surprised me...


"Look around", GOD said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"


"Yes", I replied.


When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water.
The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor.


Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.
In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful.


And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo." GOD said.


"In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit.


In year four, again, there was nothing from the bamboo see. I would not quit." GOD said.


"Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth.


Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant...But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.


It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive.
I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle." GOD said to me.


"Did you know, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots?"


"I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you."


"Don't compare yourself to others." GOD said. "The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful."


"Your time will come", GOD said to me. "You will rise high"


"How high should I rise?" I asked.



"How high will the bamboo rise?" GOD asked in return.



"As high as it can?" I questioned


"Yes." GOD said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."


I left the forest and bring back this story. I hope these words can help you see that GOD will never give up on you.


GOD will never give up on you


"Life is not a problem to be solved, but a gift to be enjoyed"

Keep Smiling !!!












Google


























Use this in life.....



Talk---------------Softly

Walk----------------Humbly

Eat-------------------Healthy

Breath--------------------Deeply

Sleep----------------------Sufficiently

Dress---------------------------Smartly

Act-------------------------------Fearlessly

Work---------------------------------Patiently

Think-----------------------------------Truthfully

Believe------------------------------------Correctly

Behave-----------------------------------------Decently

Learn---------------------------------------------Practically

Plan-----------------------------------------------------Orderly

Earn----------------------------------------------------------Honestly

Save--------------------------------------------------------------Regularly

Spend---------------------------------------------------------------Intelligently

Love---------------------------------------------------------------------Passionately

ENJOY----------------------------------------------------------------------COMPLETELY

Lunch With God


Lunch With God


 


A little boy wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with a bag of potato chips and a six-pack of root beer and started his journey.



When he had gone about three blocks, he met an old woman. She was sitting in the park, just staring at some pigeons. The boy sat down next to her and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the old lady looked hungry, so he offered her some chips. She gratefully accepted it and smiled at him.




Her smile was so pretty that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered her a root beer. Again, she smiled at him. The boy was delighted! They sat

There all afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word.




As twilight approached, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave; but before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the old woman, and gave her a hug. She gave him her biggest smile ever.



When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, "What did you do today that made you so happy?" He replied, " I had lunch with God." But before his mother could respond, he added, "You know what? She's got the most beautiful smile I've ever seen!"


 


Meanwhile, the old woman, also radiant with joy, returned to her home. Her son was stunned by the look of peace on her face and he asked, "Mother, what  did you do today that made you so happy?" She replied! "I ate potato chips in the park with God." However, before her son responded, she added, " You know, he's much younger than I expected."


Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of

Which have the potential to turn a life around. People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime! Embrace all equally!


 

 



Thursday, November 29, 2007

Three Trees


Each day as you wake up, make the decision to strive to do what's right.
Approach your life as you would your game.. when you make a mistake,
learn from it, correct it, and get ready for the next point.
Life moves too fast to sulk and dwell on the past.
When you're doing everything right and still can't win, be patient.
No matter how good we are or how hard we struggle to make the right decisions,
life often makes us wait (that’s true).

Each sunrise brings a new opportunity. No matter how bad the day before was, today is brand new.
When you wake up, seek the strength and courage to do the right thing because God's ways are always RIGHT! J


Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods.
They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, "Someday I hope to be a treasure chest.
I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems.
I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty."

Then the second tree said, "Someday I will be a mighty ship.
I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world.
Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull."

Finally the third tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest.
People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching.
I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me."

After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees.
When one came to the first tree he said, "This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter" ... and he began cutting it down.
The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.

At the second tree a woodsman said, "This looks like a strong tree, I should be able to sell it to the shipyard."
The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.

When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true.
One of the woodsmen said, "I don't need anything special from my tree so I'll take this one", and he cut it down.

When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals.
He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay.
This was not at all what he had prayed for.
The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat.
His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end.
The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark.
The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams.

Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn.
She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree.
The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do.
The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.
Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree.
One of them was tired and went to sleep.
While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe.
The men woke the sleeping man, and he stood and said "Peace" and the storm stopped.
At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.

Finally, someone came and got the third tree.
It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it.
When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill.
 When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.  

The moral from this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you.
If you place your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts. Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined.

We don't always know what God's plans are for us.
We just know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.