] Dining with the Devil: bad karma even in the slightest a...

[Guest guest]

goldeneye writes:

Vegetarian Anne, your words have been filed away for easy access in

the event Maya decides to foist a 'meat attack' on me. Today

(coincidentally, Raksha Bandhan) seems to be a big learning day for

me. Lady shaktis on S.S., I salute you!

yes, someday I will gaze upon a broccoli or brussel sprout with real

longing and gastronomic bhakti...

 

Plafulgoddess Anne responds:

 

Remembering always...the choice My pleasure to share my heart

and what I have learned. Thank you Chumki also for blessings on

this day re: Raksha Bandhan. As for me, I will say that......I CELEBRATE

*everything* ) and as I have now done a search regarding this

celebration/festival, I have printed it below in case there are others on the

list that are not knowing of it....and desire to know, as I did.

 

Raksha Bandhan ........is a delicious thought, I think

I am, myself, in the throws of *change* and I find this festival day

interesting

to read about. As I have shared with those on the list...I am..learning.

 

Thanking you for your salute and Blessings always....Namaste'

 

What I have read now...about Raksha Bandhan........

 

Shrava purnima’s second festival is Raksha Bandhan. This is an ancient

tradition. Bhavishya Purana refers to a battle between gods and demons, and

Indra (the king of the gods) was feeling depressed. At that time Indra’s wife

Sachi took a thread, charged it with sacred verses or Mantras for protection

and tied it on Indra’s hand. Through the strength of this thread Indra

conquered his enemies. Since then till today this festival is celebrated.

 

Through the passage of time festivals are undergoing modifications. Raksha

Bandhan is also known as Rakhi. Rakhi has become a sacred festival for

sisters and brothers. Sisters tie them to brothers. Priests tie them to

people of his congregation. During the middle ages, if a woman tied a Rakhi

on the hand of any man, then it became imperative for him, as his religious

duty of the highest order, to protect that woman. That man would put his life

at stake to protect the honour of that woman.

 

In those days, many Rajputs sacrificed their lives to protect their spiritual

sisters. Humayun received a Rakhi from the queen Karmavati of Chittor and for

that, Humayun carried out his sacred brotherly duty and protected her by

opposing his own soldiers.

 

According to ancient traditions, it is customary to have protection threads

that are charged with sacred verses (Mantras) and sanctified with rice, durva

grass etc.; to have these tied by people who know the Vedas or by near and

dear ones. This protection thread saves from sins on the one hand and removes

diseases on the other hand. By tying this thread, protection is afforded for

a full one year and all kinds of fears are removed.

 

Nowadays Rakhis are decorated with soft silky threads of various colours, and

also with ornaments, pictures, gold and silver threads etc. These Rakhis

enhance the artistry of the people. Within these Rakhis reside sacred

feelings and well wishes. It is also a great sacred verse of unity. Acting as

a symbol of life's advancement and a leading messenger of togetherness.

 

Each person should celebrate with enthusiasm this sacred festival of Rakhi or

Raksha Bandhan. (Raksha = protection. Bandhan = tie).

 

~~~~~~~~~~~

Om Shanti

Anne

She who has a bowl full of juicy purple grapes on her desk now for

snacking ........and a bottle of fresh, clean water to drink