Samudra Manthan, Thailand
October 7, 2008
The new international airport Suvarn Bhoomi in Thailand captivates every traveler. Samudra Manthan or the churning of the great ocean has been displayed here. This legend has been depicted from the Hindu scriptures of Devi Bhagwad and Vishnu Purana.
Even though Hinduism doesn’t play a pivotal role in the lifestyles of the people in Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia and Malaysia but they have taken this effort to pay respects to their forefathers who were originally Hindus. The grandeur in its display leaves every mortal spellbound.
India with its vast cultural heritage has influenced people worldwide. But its own people haven’t yet taken an effort to showcase their legacy so exquisitely. The Iron Age or Kaliyuga has really worked its way on their minds. Depictions like Suvarn Bhoomi does make one stop, think and pay a silent homage to the great Hindu culture.
Take a look at the extended version of this spectacular image of the arena in our post Suvarn Bhoomi. I am sure you will be speechless.
Read our post on Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Rishikesh to get an in-depth understanding of the significance of Samudra Manthan.
©Nayna, 2007-2008. All Rights Reserved.
Lord Ganesh’s Mantras
October 6, 2008
“The only way to reach God is through Japa or Jaap.” This is a loose translation of what is mentioned in our divine scriptures. I say it a loose translation because in this Iron Age or the Kalyuga, this is the only path to follow. Even if I wanted to share more of my thoughts and understandings, most people are not capable of understanding it. Some will question it and others will debate on it.
Holy scriptures are not topics for debate. They are said with a purpose and today’s man has zero authority to challenge them. Making a mockery of them not only proves their ignorance but defiance to our Lord and His plenary expansions who have written those scriptures.
There are different ways in which Japa can be performed:
1) Ucchahi – Here the aspirant does the recitation loudly.
2) Upamshu – In this, the recitation is done softly.
3) Manasikam – Mana denotes the mind so here the recitation in done within the mind.
Repeating the powerful mantra in the mind creates a better awareness and understanding. Beginners are advised to first say it aloud so that they know the exact pronunciation and then do it silently. The speed should be uniform and one should not be in a hurry to finish it. The calm pace will only bring serenity to the lost soul.
Written Japa is also followed by some followers wherein they sit in front of their deity and write the mantra silently on a paper.
Japa is enhanced with japa mala or chain which consists of 108 beads. As one repeats the mantra, one bead is rotated and passed on. Japa malas are of many kinds. Lord Shiva’s devotees perform it with Rudraksh/Rudraskha beads, Lord Vishnu’s aspirants make use of Tulasi mala and Sandalwood beads are used by Lord Ganesh’s followers.
Aum Shri Ganeshaya Namah
Mandukya Upanishad explicates the deeper understanding of AUM. The three syllables that comprises this word represents the waking state by the alphabet A, U denotes the waking state and M the deep sleep. It denotes Turyavastha-a state beyond Jagruti (The State of Waking), Svapna (Dream) and Sushupti (Deep Sleep).
This mantra means- All Praises To Lord Ganesh. It is recited at the advent of most rituals, worship and Yagna or havan.
Aum Gung Ganapataye Namah
This is Lord Ganesha’s Moola (root) mantra or Beeja (seed) mantra which is mentioned in the Ganapati Upanishad.
There are Lord Ganesh’s Gayatri Mantras which vary depending from which scriptures they have been derived from.
Aum Ekadantaya Vidmahe
Vakratundaya Dhimahi
Tanno Dantih Prachodayat
This Gayatri is from Ganapati Upanishad. It explains that we bow to the One with a single tusk (Ekadanta). We meditate upon Him who has a curved trunk. May He guide us. (To understand why Lord Ganesh is known as Ekadanta, read our posts on Legends Of Lord Ganesh)
Aum Tatpurushaya Vidmahe
Vakratundaya Dhimahi
Tanno Dantih Prachodayat
This mantra from Narayana Upanishad explains that we dedicate our thoughts to that supreme person –(Tatpurushyaya).
We meditate upon Him who has a curved trunk. May the single-tusked One guide us always.
Aum Tat Karataya Vidmahe
Hasti Mukhaya Dhimahi
Tanno Dantih Prachodayat
Maitrayani Samhita 2.6-9 states this mantra which means we dedicate our thoughts to the mysterious Lord. We meditate on His elephant face- (Hasti Mukhaya) May the single-tusked One guide us on the right path.
Other mantras which are used to worship Lord Ganesh are said during the rituals. Some simple ones are as follows.
“Om Gung Ganapataye Naivedye Svaha”
This mantra is chanted when we offer Naivedye to Him. This can be in the form of fruits, dates, sweets like modak or laddoos.
“Om Gung Ganapataye Ape Svaha”
This mantra is chanted when we offer Him water.
“Om Gung Ganapataye Ghante Svaha”
This mantra is chanted when we ring the bell or ghanti and dedicate it to Him and request Him to accept it.
“Om Gung Ganapataye Pushpe Svaha”
We chant this mantra so that Lord Ganesh accepts the fresh flowers that we offer Him.
“Om Gung Ganapataye Dhoope Svaha”
This mantra is chanted requesting the Lord to accept our offering of the fragrant incense.
“Om Gung Ganapataye Deepe Svaha”
We chant this mantra so that Lord Ganesh accepts the deep or deepam (lighted lamps where the wick is dipped in clarified butter or ghee) that we offer Him.
We will keep updating this post as and when we find mantras that will help devotees to perform their rituals with ease. But do note that most mantras are in Sanskrit and it is very difficult for us commoners to understand and pronounce them exactly as they are supposed to be. Some rituals are best left to the learned Brahmins.
©Nayna, 2007-2008. All Rights Reserved.
Stress Busting Techniques For Writers
October 1, 2008
Most people visualize that a writer’s life is so cushy. We sit, write and make money. Very few people will actually delve into a writer’s mind to find out the reality behind the idealistic façade.
But we as writers know how it is to live under constant pressure of acceptance, rejection and research. The influx of money is a constant battle of words versus good fortune. Besides writing, there are many other distractions and responsibilities that need to be attended to.
A writer’s stress level is as high as any person working in the corporate world. It is only the setup that gives the writer a casual look. We writers too need to handle time management to keep up with submission deadlines, juggle our personal life, keep a check on our diet and most importantly stick to an exercise regime.
Stress Busting Techniques For Writers
1) Plan your work weeks in advance. Jot down your schedule. This helps you to think clearly and acts as a reminder.
2) If you have personal commitments and know that you are going to pressed for time then don’t take extra workload. This will affect your reputation as a person who doesn’t keep their word. So if you cannot deliver, politely refuse the project.
3) Learn to relax with deep breathing exercise routines or listening to music. Many writers prefer to hear their favorite tune in the background while working.
4) Regular walks help to remove the mental blocks. A twenty minute walk will help to de-stress you and recharge the mind. Even a walk to the bathroom, will help you stretch your back muscles and give relief for few minutes.
5) Make sure you drink plenty of water. This not just hydrates the body but calms the tensed and agitated nerves.
6) Learn to find humor in silly things. Annoyance, irritations can be washed away by laughter. This will help release the bottled up emotions and help you relax.
We all have to learn to live with stress. But excessive stress affects not just the mind and body but also writing. Learning to eliminate some levels of stress is possible. So make sure you know how to calm down few minutes in a day to recharge the mind for higher productivity.
©Nayna, 2007-2008. All Rights Reserved.
