Fwd: WHY DO WE LIGHT A LAMP .....?????

[Guest guest]

kamakotimuscat, Sivakumar.S.Venkat@p... wrote:

 

 

Original message from IISH_MIDDLE_EAST

ON 08.12.2003

 

* Why do we light a lamp?

 

* Why do we have a prayer room?

 

* Why do we do namaste?

 

* Why do we prostrate before parents & elders?

 

* Why do we wear marks on the forehead?

 

* Why do we not touch papers, books and people with the feet?

 

* Why do we apply holy ash?

 

* Why do we offer food to the Lord before eating it?

 

* Why do we do pradakshina?

 

* Why do we regard trees and plants as sacred?

 

* Why do we fast?

 

* Why do we ring the bell in a temple?

 

* Why do we worship the kalash?

 

* Why do we worship the tulsi?

 

* Why do we consider the lotus as special?

 

* Why do we blow the conch?

 

* Why do we say shaanti thrice?

 

* Why do we offer a coconut?

 

* Why do we chant Om?

 

* Why do we do aarti?

 

 

 

Why do we light a lamp?

 

lampIn almost every Indian home a lamp is lit daily before the altar

of the

Lord. In some houses it is lit at dawn, in some, twice a day at dawn

and

dusk- and in a few it is maintained continuously (akhanda deepa). All

auspicious functions and moments like daily worship, rituals and

festivals

and even many social occasions like inaugurations commence with the

lighting

of the lamp, which is often maintained right through the occasion.

 

Light symbolizes knowledge, and darkness ignorance. The Lord is the

"Knowledge Principle" (Chaitanya) who is the source, the enlivener

and the

illuminator of all knowledge. Hence light is worshiped as the Lord

Himself.

 

Knowledge removes ignorance just as light removes darkness. Also

knowledge

is a lasting inner wealth by which all outer achievements can be

accomplished. Hence we light the lamp to bow down to knowledge as the

greatest of all forms of wealth. Knowledge backs all our actions

whether

good or bad. We therefore keep a lamp lit during all auspicious

occasion as

a witness to our thoughts and actions.

 

Why not light a bulb or tube light? That too would remove darkness.

But the

traditional oil lamp has a further spiritual significance. The oil or

ghee

in the lamp symbolizes our "vaasnas" or negative tendencies and the

wick,

the ego. When lit by spiritual knowledge, the "vaasnas" get slowly

exhausted

and the ego too finally perishes. The flame of a lamp always burns

upwards.

Similarly, we should acquire such knowledge as to take us towards

higher

ideals.

 

A single lamp can light hundreds more just as a man of knowledge can

give it

to many more. The brilliance of the light does not diminish despite

its

repeated use to light many more lamps. So too knowledge does not

lessen when

shared with or imparted to others. On the contrary it increases in

clarity

and conviction on giving. It benefits both the receiver and the

giver.

 

Swami Chinmayananda said :

 

Which else shall beautify a home

But the flame of a lovely lamp?

Which else shall adorn the mind

But the light of wisdom deep?

 

 

 

Why do we have a prayer room?

 

prayerroomMost Hindu homes have a prayer room or altar. A lamp is lit

and

the Lord worshipped each day. Other spiritual practices like "japa"

(repetition of the Lord's name), meditation, "paaraayana" (reading of

the

scriptures), prayers, devotional singing etc. is also done here.

Special

worship is done on auspicious occasions like birthdays, anniversaries,

festivals and the like. Each member of the family - young or old -

communes

with and worships the Divine here.

 

The Lord is the owner of the entire creation. He is therefore the

true owner

of the house we live in too. The prayer room is the master room of the

house. This notion rids us of false pride and possessiveness.

 

The ideal attitude to take is to regard the Lord as the true owner of

our

homes and ourselves as the caretakers of His home. But if this rather

difficult, we could at least think of Him as a very welcome guest.

Just as

we would house an important guest in the best comfort, so, too we

felicitate

the Lord's presence in our homes by having a prayer room or altar,

which is,

at all times, kept clean and well decorated.

 

Also the Lord is all pervading. To remind us that He resides in our

home

with us, we have prayer rooms. Without the grace of the Lord, no task

can be

successfully or easily accomplished. We invoke His grace by communing

with

Him in the prayer room each day and on special occasions.

 

Each room in a house is dedicated to a specific function like bedroom

for

resting and sleeping, the drawing room to receive guests, the kitchen

for

cooking etc. the furniture, décor and the atmosphere of each room are

made

conductive to the purpose it serves. So too for the purpose of

meditation,

worship and prayer, we should have a conductive atmosphere - hence

the need

for a prayer room.

 

Sacred thoughts and sound vibrations pervade the place and influence

the

minds of those who spend time there. Spiritual thoughts and vibrations

accumulated through regular meditation, worship and chanting done

there

pervade the prayer room. Even when we are tired or agitated, by just

sitting

in the prayer room for a while, we feel calm, rejuvenated and

spiritually

uplifted.

 

 

 

 

 

Why do we do namaste?

 

namasteHindus greet each other with "namaste". The two palms are

placed

together in front of the chest and the head bows while saying the word

"namaste". This greeting is for all - people younger than us, of our

own

age, those older than us, friends and even strangers.

 

Namaste could be just a casual or formal greeting, a cultural

convention or

an act of worship. However there is much more to it than meets the

eye. In

Sanskrit namah + te = namaste. It means - I bow to you - my greetings,

salutations or prostration to you.

 

Namaha can also be literally interpreted as "na ma" (not mine). It

has a

spiritual significance of negating or reducing one's ego in the

presence of

another.

 

The real meeting between people is the meeting of their minds. When

we greet

another, we do so with namaste, which means, "may our minds meet"

indicated

by the folded palms placed before the chest. The bowing down of the

head is

a gracious form of extending friendship in love and humility.

 

The spiritual meaning is even deeper. The life force, the divinity,

the Self

or the Lord in me is the same in all. Recognizing this oneness with

the

meeting of the palms, we salute with head bowed the Divinity in the

person

we meet. That is why sometimes, we close our eyes as we namaste to a

revered

person or the Lord as it to look within. The gesture is often

accompanied by

words like "Ram Ram", "Jai Shri Krishna", "Jai Siya Ram", "Om Shanti"

etc. -

indicating the recognition of this divinity.

 

 

 

When we know this significance, our greeting does not remain just a

superficial gesture or word but paves the way for a deeper communion

with

another in an atmosphere of love and respect.

 

 

 

Why do we prostrate before parents & elders?

 

prostrateHindus prostrate to their parents, elders, teachers and

noble souls

by touching their feet. The elders in turn bless by placing his/her

hand on

or over our heads. Prostration is done daily, when we meet elders and

particularly on important occasions like the beginning of a new task,

birthdays, festivals etc. In certain traditional circles, prostration

is

accompanied by "abhivaadana" which serves to introduce oneself,

announce

one's family and social stature.

 

Man stands on his feet. Touching the feet in prostration is a sign of

respect for the age, maturity, nobility and divinity that our elders

personify. It symbolizes our recognition of their selfless love for

us and

the sacrifices that they have made for our welfare. It is a way of

humbly

acknowledging the greatness of another. This tradition reflects the

strong

family ties which has been of India's enduring strengths.

 

The good wishes (sankalpa) and the blessings (aashirvaada) of elders

are

highly valued in India. We prostrate to seek them. Good thoughts

create

positive vibrations. Good wishes springing from a heart full of love,

divinity and nobility have a tremendous strength. When we prostrate

with

humility and respect, we invoke good wishes and blessings of elders

which

flow in the form of positive energy to envelop us. This is why the

posture

assumed whether it is in the standing or prone position, enables the

entire

body to receive the energy.

 

The different forms of showing respect are :

 

* Pratuthana - rising to welcome a person.

 

* Namaskaara - paying homage in the form of namaste.

 

* Upasangrahan - touching the feet of elders or teachers.

 

* Shaashtaanga - prostrating fully with the full body

touching the

ground in front of the elder.

 

* Pratyabivaadana - returning a greeting.

 

Rules are prescribed in our scripture as to who should prostrate to

whom.

Wealth, family name, age, moral strength and spiritual knowledge in

ascending order of importance qualified men to receive respect. This

is why

a king though a ruler of the land would prostrate before a spiritual

master.

Epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata have many stories highlighting

this

aspect.

 

 

 

markWhy do we wear marks on the forehead?

 

Most religious Indians, especially married women wear a tilak or

pottu on

the forehead. It is applied daily after the bath and on special

occasions,

before or after ritualistic worship or visit to the temple. In many

communities, it is enjoined upon married women to sport a kum kum on

their

foreheads at all times. The orthodox put it on with due rituals. The

tilak

is applied on saints and images of the Lord as a form of worship and

in many

parts of North India as a respectful form of welcome, to honour

guests or

when bidding farewell to a son or husband about to embark on an

journey. The

tilak varies in colour and form.

 

This custom was not prevalent in the Vedic period. it gained

popularity in

the Pauranic period. Some believe that it originated in South India.

 

The tilak or pottu invokes a feeling of sanctity in the wearer and

others.

It is recognised as a religious mark. It form and colour vary

according to

one's caste, religious sect or the form of the Lord worshiped.

 

In earlier times, the four castes (based on verna or color) -

Braahmana,Kshatriya,Vaishya and Sudra - applied marks differently. The

brahmin applied a white chandan (sandalwood paste) mark signifying

purity as

his profession was of a priestly or academic nature. The Kshatriya

applied a

red kum kum mark signifying valour as he belonged to the warrior

races. The

Vaishya wore yellow kesar or termeric mark signifying properity as he

was a

business man or trader devotted to creation of wealth. The sudra

applied a

black bhasma, kasturi or charcoal mark signifying service as he

support the

work of the other three divisions. Also Lord Vishnu worshipers apply a

chandan tilak of the shape of "U", Lord Shiva worshipers applied a

tripundra

bhasma, Devi worshippers applied red dot of kum kum.

 

The chandan, kum kum or bhasma which is offered to the Lord is taken

back as

prasad and applied on foreheads. The tilak covers the spot between

the eye

brows, which the seat of memory and thinking. It is known as the aajna

chakra in the language of yoga. The tilak is applied with the prayer -

"May

i remember the Lord. May this pious feeling pervade all my

activities. May I

be righteous in my deeds". Even when we temporarily forget this

prayerful

attitude the mark on another reminds us of our resolve. The tilak is

thus a

blessing of the Lord and protection against wrong tendencies and

forces.

 

The entire body emanates energy in the form of electro-magnetic

waves - the

forehead and the subtle spot between the eye brows especially so.

That is

why worry generates heat and causes a headache. The tilak or pottu

cools the

forehead, protects us and prevents energy loss. Sometimes, the entire

forehead is covered with chandan or bhasma. Using plastic

reusable 'stick

bindis' is not very beneficial, even though it serves the purpose of

decoration.

 

This unique to Indians and helps to easily identify us anywhere.

 

feet

 

Why do we not touch papers, books and people with the feet?

 

In Indian homes, we are taught from a very young age, never to touch

papers,

books and people with our feet. Of the feet accidentally touch papers,

books, musical instruments or any other educational equipment,

children are

told to reverentially touch what was stamped with their hands and

then touch

their eyes as a mark of apology.

 

To Indians, knowledge is sacred and divine. So it must be given

respect at

all times. Nowadays we separate subjects as sacred and secular. But in

ancient India every subject - academic or spiritual was considered

divine

and taught by the guru in the gurukul.

 

The custom of not stepping on educational tools is a frequent

reminder of

the high position accorded to knowledge in the Indian culture. From

an early

age this wisdom fosters in us a deep reverence for books and

education. This

is also the reason why we worship books, vehicles and instruments

once a

year on Saraswathi Pooja or Ayudha Pooja day, dedicated to the

Goddess of

Learning.

 

Children are also strongly discouraged from touching people with

their feet.

Even if this happens accidentally, we touch the person and bring the

fingers

to our eyes as a mark of apology. Even when elders touch a younger

person

inadvertently with their feet, they immediately apologize.

 

To touch another person with feet is considered an act of misdemeanor

because: man is regarded as the most beautiful, living, breathing

temple of

the lord! Therefore touching another person with feet is akin to

disrespecting the divinity within him or her. This calls for an

immediate

apology, which is offered with reverence and humility

 

Thus, many of our customs are designed to be simple but powerful

reminders

or pointers of profound philosophical truths. This is one of the

factors

that have kept Indian culture alive across centuries.

 

holyashWhy do we apply holy ash?

 

The ash of any burnt object is not regarded as holy ash. Bhasma (the

holy

ash) is the ash from the homa (sacrificial fire) where special wood

along

with ghee and other herbs is offered by pouring ash as abhisheka and

is then

distributed as Bhasma

 

Bhasma is generally applied on the forehead. Some apply it on certain

parts

of the body, like the upper arms, chest etc. Some ascetics rub it all

over

the body. Many consume a pinch of it each time they receive it.

 

The word Bhasma means "that by which our sins are destroyed and the

Lord is

remembered". Bha implies bhartsanam ("to destroy") and sma implies

smaranam

("to remember"). The application of Bhasma therefore signifies

destruction

of the evil and remembrance of the divine. Bhasma is called vibhuti

(which

means "glory") as it gives glory to one who applies and raksha (which

means

a source of protection) as it protects the wearer from ill health and

evil,

by purifying him or her.

 

Homa (offering of oblations into the fire with sacred mantras)

signifies the

offering or surrender of the ego and egocentric desires into the

flame of

knowledge or a noble and selfless cause. The consequent ash signifies

the

purity of the mind which results from such actions. Also the fire of

knowledge burns the oblation and wood signifying ignorance and inertia

respectively. The ash we apply indicates that we should burn false

identification with body and become free of the limitations of birth

and

death.

 

The application of ash also reminds us that body is perishable and

shall one

day be reduced to ashes. We should therefore not get too attached to

it.

Death can come at any moment and this awareness must increase our

drive to

make the best use of time. This is not to be misconstructed as a

morose

reminder of death but as a powerful pointer towards the fact that

time and

tide wait for none.

 

Bhasma is specially associated with Lord Shiva who applies it all

over his

body. lord Shiva devotees apply bhasma as a tripiundra. When applied

with a

red spot in the centre, the mark symbolizes Shiva-Shakti (the unity of

energy and matter that creates the entire seen and un-seen universe)

 

Ash is what remains when all the wood is burnt away and it does not

decay.

Similarly, the Lord is the imperishable Truth that remains when the

entire

creation if innumerable names and forms is dissolved.

 

Bhasma has medicinal value and is used in many ayurvedic medicines. It

absorbs excess moisture from the body and prevents colds and

headaches. The

Upanishads say that the famous Mrityunjaya mantra should be chanted

while

applying ash on the forehead.

 

foodWhy do we offer food to the Lord before eating it?

 

In western tradition food is partaken after a thanks giving prayer -

grace.

Indians make an offering of it to the Lord and later partake of it as

prasad

- a holy gift from the Lord. in temples and in many homes, the cooked

food

is first offered to the Lord each day. The offered food is mixed with

the

rest of the food and then served as prasad. In our daily ritualistic

worship

(pooja) too we offer naivedyam (food to the Lord)

 

This is done because: The Lord is omnipotent and omniscient. Man is a

part,

while the Lord is the totality. All that we do is by his strength and

knowledge alone. Hence what we receive in life as a result of our

actions is

really his alone. We acknowledge this thru the act of offering food

to him.

This is exemplified by the Hindi words "Tera tujko arpan from the

aarti "Jai

Jagdesh Hare" - I offer what is yours to you. Thereafter it is akin

to his

gift to us, graced by his divine touch.

 

Knowing this, our entire attitude to food and the act of eating

changes. The

food offered will naturally be pure and the best. We share what we

get with

others before consuming it. We do not demand, complain or criticize

the

quality of the food we get. We do not waste or reject it. We eat it

with

cheerful acceptance (prasad buddhi). When we become established in

this

attitude, this goes beyond the pre-view of food and pervades our

entire

life. We are then able to cheerfully accept all we get in life as his

prasad.

 

Before we partake daily meals we first sprinkle water around the

plate as an

act of purification. Five morsels of food are placed on the side of

the

table acknowledging the debt owed by us to the:

 

* Divine forces (devta runa) for their benign grace and

protection.

 

* Our ancestors (pitru runa) for giving us their lineage and

the

family culture.

 

* The sages (rishi runa) as our religion and culture have been

"realized" maintained and handed down to us by them.

 

* Our fellow beings (manushya runa) who constitute society

without

the support of which we could not live as we do and

 

* Other living beings (bhuta runa) for serving us selflessly.

 

There after the Lord, the life force, who is also within us as the

five life

- giving physiological functions, is offered the food. The five life-

giving

functions are praanaaya (respiratory), apaanaaya (extretory),

vyaanaaya

(circulatory), udaanaaya (reversal) and samaanaaya (digestive). After

offering the food thus, it is eaten as prasad - blessed food.

 

pradakshinaWhy do we do pradakshina ?

 

 

 

When we visit a temple. after offering prayers, we circumambulate the

santum

sanctorum. This is called pradakshina

 

We cannot draw a circle without a centre point. The Lord is the

centre,

source and essence of our lives. Recognising Him as the focal point

in out

lives, we go about doing our daily chores. This is the significance of

pradakshina

 

Also every point on the circumference of a circle is equidistant from

the

centre. This means that wherever or whoever we may be, we are equally

close

to the Lord. His grace flows towards us without partiality.

 

The pradakshina is always down only in clockwise manner because, as

we do

pradakshina the Lord is always on our right. In Hinduism, the right

side

symbolises auspiciousness. It is a telling fact that even in the

English

language it is called the "right" side and not the wrong one! So as we

circumambulate the sanctum sanctorum we remind ourselves to lead an

auspicious life of righteousness, with the Lord to lead an auspicious

life

of righteousness, with the Lord who is the indispensable source of

help and

strength, as our guide - the "right hand" - the dharma aspect of our

lives.

We thereby overcome our wrong tendencies and avoid repeating the sins

of the

past.

 

Indian scriptures enjoin - matrudevo bhava, pitrudevo bhava,

acharyadevo

bhava. Meaning : May you consider your parents and teachers as you

would the

Lord. With this in mind we also do pradakshina around our parents and

divine

personages. The story of Lord Ganesh circumambulating his parents is

a well

known one.

 

After the completion of traditional worship (pooja), we customarily do

pradakshina around ourselves. In this way we recognise and remember

the

supreme divinity within us, which alone is idolised in the form of

the Lord

that we worship outside.

 

 

 

tressWhy do we regard trees and plants as sacred?

 

>From ancient times, Hindus have worshipped trees and regarded all

flora and

fauna as sacred. This is not an old fashioned or uncivilized

practice. It

reveals the sensitivity, foresight and refinement of Hindu Culture.

While

modern man often works to "conquer" Mother nature, ancient Hindus

"worshipped" her.

 

The Lord, the life in us, prevades all living beings be they plants or

animals. Hence, they all regarded as sacred. Human life on earth

depends on

plants and animals. They give us the vital factors that make life

possible

on earth : food, oxygen, clothing, shelter, medicines etc. They lend

beauty

to our surroundings. They serve man without expectation and sacrifice

themselves to sustain us. They epitomise sacrifice. If a stone is

thrown on

a fruit-laden tree, the tree in turn gives fruit!

 

In fact, the flora and fauna owned the earth before man appeared on

it.

Presently, the world is seriously threatened by the destruction of the

forest lands and the extinction of many species of vegetation due to

man's

callous attitude towards them. We protect only what we value. Hence,

in

Hinduism, we are taught to regard trees and plants as sacred.

Naturally, we

will then protect them.

 

 

 

Hindu scriptures tell us to plant ten tress if, for any reason, we

have cut

one. We are advised to use arts of the trees and plants only as much

as is

needed for food, fuel, shelter etc. We also urged to apologize to a

plant or

tree before cutting it to avoid incurring a specific sin named soona.

In our

childhood, we are told stories of the sacrifice and service done by

plants

and trees and also about our duty to plant and nourish them. Certain

trees

and plants like tulsi, peepal etc. which have tremendous beneficial

qualities, are worshipped till today.

 

It is believed that divine beings manifest as trees and plants, and

many

people worship them to fulfill their desires or to please the God.

 

 

 

fastWhy do we fast?

 

 

 

Most devout Indians fast regularly or on special occasions like

festivals.

On such days they do not eat at all, eat once or make do with fruits

or a

special diet of simple food. Some undertake rigorous fasts when they

do not

even drink water the whole day! Fasting is done for many reasons- to

please

the Lord, to discipline oneself and even to protest. Mahatma Gandhi

fasted

to protest against the British rule.

 

Fasting in Sanskrit is called upavaasa. Upa means near + vaasa means

to

stay. Upavaasa therefore means staying near (The Lord), meaning the

attainment of close mental proximity with the Lord. Then what has

upavaasa

to do with food?

 

A lot of our time and energy is spent in procuring food items,

preparing,

cooking, eating and digesting food. Certain food types make our mind

dull

and agitated. Hence on certain days man decides to save time and

conserve

energy by eating either simple, light food or totally abstaining from

eating

so that his mind becomes alert and pure. The mind, otherwise pre-

occupied by

the thought of food, now entertains noble thoughts and stays with the

Lord.

Since it is a self-imposed form of discipline it is usually adhered

to with

joy.

 

Also every system needs a break and an overhaul to work at its best.

Rest

and a change of diet during fasting is very good for the digestive

system

and the entire body.

 

The more you indulge the senses, the more they make their demands.

Fasting

helps us to cultivate control over our senses, sublimate our desires

and

guide our minds to be poised and at peace.

 

Fasting should not make us weak, irritable or create an urge to

indulge

later. This happens when there is no noble goal behind fasting. Some

fast,

rather they diet, merely to reduce weight. Others fast as a vow to

please

the Lord or to fulfill their desires, some to develop will power,

control

the senses, some as a form of austerity and so on. The Bhagavad Geeta

urges

us to eat appropriately- neither too less nor too much yukta-aahaara

and to

eat simple, pure and healthy food (a saatvik diet ) even when not

fasting

 

 

 

bellWhy do we ring the bell in the temple?

 

In most temples there are one or more bells hung from the top, near

the

entrance. The devotee rings the bell as soon as he enters, thereafter

proceeding for darshan of the Lord and prayers. Children love jumping

up or

being carried high in order to reach the bell.

 

Is it to wake up the Lord? But the Lord never sleeps. Is it to let

the Lord

know we have come? He does not need to be told, as He is all knowing.

Is it

a form of seeking permission to enter His precinct? It is a

homecoming and

therefore entry needs no permission. The Lord welcomes us at all

times. Then

why do we ring the bell?

 

The ringing of the bell produces what is regarded as an auspicious

sound. It

produces the sound Om, the universal name of the Lord. There should be

auspiciousness within and without, to gain the vision of the Lord who

is

all-auspiciousness.

 

Even while doing the ritualistic aarti, we ring the bell. It is

sometimes

accompanied by the auspicious sounds of the conch and other musical

instruments. An added significance of ringing the bell, conch and

other

instruments is that they help drown any in-auspicious or irrelevant

noises

and comments that might disturb or distract the worshipper/s in their

devotional ardour (dedication) , concentration and inner peace.

 

kalash

 

Why do we worship the kalash?

 

A kalash is a brass, mud or copper pot filled with water. Mango

leaves are

placed in the mouth of the pot and a coconut is placed over it. A red

or

white thread is tied around its neck or sometimes all around it in an

intricate diamond-shaped pattern. The pot may be decorated with

designs.

When the pot is filled with water or rice, it is known as purnakumbha

representing the inert body which when filled with the divine life

force

gains power to do all the wonderful things that makes life what it is.

 

A kalash is placed with due rituals on all important occasions like

the

traditional house warming (grhapravesh), wedding, daily worship etc.

It is

placed near the entrance as a sign of welcome. It is also used in a

traditional manner while receiving holy personages.

 

Before the creation came into being, Lord Vishnu was reclining on His

snakebed in the milky ocean. From His navel emerged a lotus from which

appeared Lord Brahma, the Creator, who thereafter created this world.

The

water in the kalash symbolises the primodial water from which the

entire

creation emerged. It is the giver of life to all and has the

potential of

creating innumerable names and forms, the inert objects and the

sentient

beings and all that is auspicious in the world from the energy behind

the

universe. The leaves and coconut represent creation. the thread

represents

the love that "binds" all in creation. The kalash is therefore

considered

auspicious and worshipped.

 

The waters from all the holy rivers, the knowledge of all the vedas

and the

blessings of all the deities are invoked in the kalash and its water

is

thereafter used for all the rituals, including the abhisheka. The

consecration (kumbhaabhisheka) of a temple is done in a grand manner

with

elaborate rituals including the pouring of one or more kalash of holy

water

on the top of the temple.

 

When the asurs and the devas churned the milky ocean, the Lord

appeared

bearing the pot of nectar which blessed one with everlasting life.

Thus the

kalash also symbolises immortality.

 

Men of wisdom are full and complete as they identify the infinite

truth

(poornatvam. They brim with joy and love and represent all that is

auspicious. We greet them with a purnakumbha ("full pot")

acknowledging

their greatness ands as a sign of respectful reverential welcome,

with a

"full heart".

 

 

 

tulsiWhy do we worship tulsi?

 

 

 

Either in the front, back or central courtyard of most Indian homes

there is

a tulsi-matham an altar bearing a tulsi plant. In the present day

apartments

too, many maintain a potted tulsi plant. The lady of the house lights

a lamp

waters the plant, worships and circumambulates it. The stem, leaves,

seeds,

and even the soil, which provides it a base, are considered holy. A

tulsi

leaf is always placed in the food offered to the Lord. It is also

offered to

the Lord during poojas especially to Lord Vishnu and His incarnations.

 

In Sanskrit, tulanaa naasti athaiva tulsi - that which is

incomparable (in

its qualities) is the tulsi. For Hindus, it is one of the most sacred

plants. In fact it is known to be the only thing used in worship

which, once

used, can be washed and reused in pooja - as it is regarded so

self-purifying.

 

As one story goes, Tulsi was the devoted wife of Shankhachuda,

celestial

being. She believed that Lord Kirshna tricked her into sinning. So she

cursed Him to become a stone (shaaligraama). Seeing her devotion and

adherence to righteousness, the Lord blessed her saying that she would

become the worshipped plant, tulsi that would adorn His head. Also

that all

offerings would be incomplete without the tulsi leaf - hence the

worship of

tulsi.

 

She also symbolises Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu.

Those who

wish to be righteous and have a happy family worship the tulsi. Tulsi

is

married to the Lord with all pomp ans how as in any wedding. This is

because

according to another legend, the Lord blessed her to be His consort.

 

Satyabhama once weighed Lord Krishna against all her legendary

wealth. The

scales did not balance till a single tulsi leaf was placed along with

the

wealth on the scale by Rukmini with devotion. Thus the tulsi played

the

vital role of demonstrating to the world that even a small object

offered

with devotion means more to the Lord than all the wealth in the world.

 

The tulsi leaf has great medicinal value and is used to cure various

ailments, including the common cold.

 

 

 

lotusWhy do we consider the lotus as special?

 

 

 

The Lotus is India's national flower and rightly so. Not long ago,

the lakes

and ponds of India were full of many hued lotuses.

 

The lotus is the symbol of truth, auspiciousness and beauty (satyam,

shivam,

sundaram). The Lord is also that nature and therefore, His various

aspects

are compared to a lotus (ie. lots-eyes, lotus feet, lotus hands, the

lotus

of heart etc.). Our scriptures ans ancient literature extols the

beauty of

the lotus.Art and architecture also portray the lotus in various

decorative

motifs and paintings. Many people have names of or related to the

lotus:

Padma, Pankaja, Kamal, Kamala, Kamalakshni etc. The Goddess of wealth,

Lakshni, sits on a lotus and carries one in her hand.

 

the lotus blooms with the rising sun and closes at night. Similarly,

our

minds open up and expand with the light of knowledge. The lotus grows

even

in slushy areas. It remains beautiful and untainted despite its

surroundings, reminding us that we too can and should strive to

remain pure

and beautiful within, under all circumstances. The lotus leaf never

gets wet

although it is always in water. It symbolises the man of wisdom

(gyani who

remains ever joyous, unaffected by the world of sorrow and change.

The lotus

posture, padmaasana is recommended when one sits for meditation.

 

A lotus emerged from the navel of Lord Vishnu. Lord Bhrahma

originated from

it to create the world. Hence, the lotus symbolises the link between

the

creator and the supreme Cause. It also symbolises Brahmaloka, the

abode of

Lord Brahma.

 

The auspicious sign of the swastika is said to have evolved from the

lotus.

 

>From the above, we can well appreciate why the lotus in India's

national

flower and so special to Hindus.

 

 

 

conchWhy do we blow the conch?

 

In temples or at homes, the conch is blown once or several times

before

ritualistic worship (pooja). It is sometimes blown whilst during

aarti or to

mark an auspicious occasion. It is blown before a battle starts or to

announce the victory of an army. It is also placed in the altar and

worshipped

 

When the conch is blown, the primordial sound of Om eminates. Om is an

auspicious sound that was chanted by the Lord before creating the

world. It

represents the world and the truth behind it.

 

As the story goes, the demon shankhaasura defeated the devas, stole

the

vedas and went to the bottom of the ocean. The devas appealed to Lord

Vishnu

for help. He incarnated as matsya avataar - the "fish incarnation",

and

killed shankhaasura. The Lord blew the conch - shaped bone of his ear

and

head. the Om sound emanated, from which emerged the vedas. All

knowledge

enshrined in the vedas is an ellobration of Om. The conch therefore

is known

as shankh after shankhaasura. The conch blown by the Lord is called

paanchajany. He carries it all times, in one of his four hands. It

represents dharma or righteousness that is one of the four goals

(purushaarthas) of life. The sound of the conch is thus also the

victory

call of good over evil. If we place a conch close to our ears, we

hear the

sound of the waves of the ocean.

 

Another well known purpose of blowing the conch and other

instruments, known

traditionally to produce auspicious sounds is to drown or mask the

negative

comments or noises that may disturb or upset the atmosphere or the

minds of

the worshippers.

 

Ancient India lived in her villages. Each village was presided over

by a

primary temple and several smaller ones. During the aarti performed

after

all important poojas and on sacred occasions, the conch used to be

blown.

Since, villages were generally small; the sound of the conch would be

heard

all over the village. People, who could not make it to the temple,

were

reminded to stop whatever they were doing, at least for a few

seconds, and

mentally bow to the Lord. The conch sound served to briefly elevate

people's

minds to a prayerful attitude even in the middle of their busy daily

routine.

 

The conch is placed at the altar in temples and homes next to the

Lord as a

symbol of naada brahma (truth), the vedas, Om, dharma, victory and

auspiciousness. It is often used to offer devotees tirth (sanctified

water)

to raise their minds to the highest truth.

 

 

 

shantiWhy do we say Shaanti thrice?

 

Shaanti, meaning 'peace', is a natural state of being. Disturbances

are

created either by others or us. For example, peace already exists in

a place

until someone male noise. Therefore, peace underlies all our

agitations.

When agitations end, peace is naturally experienced since it is

already

there. Where there is peace, there is happiness. Therefore, everyone

without

exception desires peace in his/her life. However, peace within or

without

seems very hard to attain because it is covered by our own

agitations. A

rare few manage to remain peaceful within even in the midst of

external

agitation and troubles. To invoke peace, we chant prayers. By chanting

prayers, troubles end and peace is experienced internally,

irrespective of

the external disturbances. All such prayers end by the chanting

shaanti

thrice.

 

It is believed that trivaram satyam - that which is said thrice comes

true.

For emphasizing a point we repeat a thing thrice. In the court of law

also,

on who takes the witness stand says, "I shall speak the truth, the

whole

truth and nothing but the truth". We chant shaanti thrice to

emphasize our

intense desire for peace.

 

All obstacles, problems and sorrows originate three sources:

 

1. Aadhidaivika: The unseen divine forces over which we have

little or

no control like earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions etc.

 

2. Aadhibautika: the known factors around us like accidents,

human

contacts, pollution, crime etc.

 

3. Aadhyaatmika: Problems of our bodies and minds like diseases,

anger,

frustrations etc.

 

We sincerely pray to the Lord that at least while we undertake

special tasks

or even in our daily lives, there are no problems or that, problems

are

minimized from the three sources written about above. May peace alone

prevail? Hence shaanti is chanted thrice.

 

It is chanted aloud the first time, addressing the unseen forces. It

is

chanted softer the second time, directed to our immediate

surroundings and

those around, and softest the last time as it is addressed to oneself.

 

coconutWhy do we offer coconut?

 

In India one of the most common offerings in a temple is a coconut,

it is

also offered on occasions like weddings, festivals, the use of a new

vehicle, bridge, house etc. a pot (kalash) full of water adorned with

mango

leaves and a coconut on top is worshiped on important occasions and

used to

receive revered guests.

 

It is offered in the sacrificial fire while performing hom. The

coconut is

broken and placed before the Lord. It is later distributed as prasad.

It is

offered to please the Lord or to fulfill our desires.

 

There was a time when animal sacrifice (bali) was practiced,

symbolizing the

offering of our animalistic tendencies to the Lord. Slowly this

practice

faded and the coconut was offered instead. The fibre covering of the

fried

coconut is removed except for the tuft on the top. The marks on the

coconut

make it look like the head of a human being. The coconut is broken,

symbolizing the breaking of the ego. The juice within representing

the inner

tendencies (vaasanas) if offered along with the white kernel - the

mind, to

the Lord. A mind thus purified by the touch of the Lord is used as

prasad (a

holy offering).

 

In the traditional, abhishekh ritual done in all temples and many

homes,

several materials are poured over the deity like milk, curd, honey,

tender

coconut water, sandal paste, holy ash etc. Each material has a

specific

significance of bestowing certain benefits on worshippers. Tender

coconut

water is used since it is believed to bestow spiritual growth on the

seeker.

 

The coconut also symbolizes selfless service. Every part of the

coconut tree

- the truck, leaves, fruit, coir etc. is used in innumerable ways like

thatches, mats, tasty dishes, oil etc. It takes in salty water and

converts

it into sweet nutritive water that is especially beneficial to the

sick

people. It is also used in the preparation of many ayurvedic

medicines and

applications.

 

The marks on the coconut are even thought to represent the three-eyed

Lord

Shiva and therefore it is considered to be a means to fulfill our

desires.

 

omWhy do we chant Om?

 

Om is one of the most chanted sound symbols in Hinduism. It has a

profound

effect on the body and mind of the one who chants and also on the

surroundings. Most mantras and Vedic prayers start with Om. All

auspicious

actions begin with Om. It is even used as a greeting - Om, Hari Om

etc. it

is repeated as a mantra or meditated upon. Its form is worshipped,

contemplated upon or used as an auspicious sign.

 

Om is the universal name of the Lord. The sound emerging from the

vocal

chords starts from the base of the throat as 'A' with the coming

together of

the lips, 'U' is formed and when the lips are closed, all sound ends

with

'M'. The three letters symbolize the three states (waking, dream and

deep

sleep) the three Lords (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva), the three Vedas

(Rig,

Yajur and Sama) the three worlds (Bhuh, Bhuvah and Suvah) etc. The

Lord is

all these and beyond. The formless, attribute-less Lord is

represented by

the silence between two Om chants. Om is also called pranav that

means "that

(symbol or sound) by which the Lord is praised". The entire essence

of the

Vedas is enshrined in the word Om.

 

It is said that the Lord started creating the world after chanting Om

and

atha. Hence it sound is considered to create an auspicious beginning

for any

task that we undertake.

 

The Om chant should have the resounding sound of a bell. It fills the

mind

with peace, makes it focused and replete with subtle sound. People

mediate

on its meaning and attain realization.

 

Om is written in different ways in different places, and its

symbolizes

Lord Ganesh.

 

Thus Om symbolizes everything - the means and the goal of life, the

world

and the Truth behind it, the material and the sacred, all forms and

the

formless.

 

aaratiWhy do we aarti?

Towards the end of every ritualistic worship (pooja or bhajan) of the

Lord

or to welcome an honoured guest or saint, we perform the aarti. This

is

always accompanied by the ringing of the bell and sometimes by

singing,

playing of musical instruments and clapping.

 

It is one of the sixteen steps (shodasha upachaara) of the pooja

ritual. It

is referred to as the auspicious light (mangala niraajanam). Holding

the

lighted lamp in the right hand, we wave the flame in clockwise

direction to

light the entire form of the Lord. Each part is revealed individually

and

also the entire form of the Lord. As the light is moved we either do

mental

or loud chanting of prayers or simply behold the beautiful form of

the Lord,

illuminated by the lamp. We experience an added intensity in our

prayers and

the Lord's image seems to manifest a special beauty at that time. At

the end

of the aarti we place our hands over the flame and then gently touch

our

eyes and the top of the head.

 

We have seen and participated in this ritual from our childhood. Let

us find

why we do the aarti?

 

Having worshiped the Lord with love - performing abhishekh,

decorating the

image and offering fruits and delicacies, we see the beauty of the

Lord in

all His glory. Our minds are focused on each limn of the Lord as it

is lit

up by the lamp. It is akinto silent open-eyed meditation on His

beauty. The

singing, clapping ringing of the bell etc. denotes the joy and

auspiciousness, which accompanies the vision of the Lord.

 

Aarti is often performed with camphor. This holds a telling spiritual

significance. Camphor when lit burns itself out completely without

leaving a

trace of it. Camphor represents our inherent tendencies

(vaasanas).when lit

by the fire of knowledge which illuminates the Lord (truth), our

vaasanas

thereafter burn themselves out completely, not leaving a trace of the

ego

which creates in us a sense of individuality that keeps us separate

from the

Lord. Also while camphor burns to reveal the glory of the Lord it

emits a

pleasant smell even while it sacrifices itself. In our spiritual

progress,

even as we serve the guru and society, we should willingly sacrifice

ourselves and all we have, to spread the perfume of love to all.

 

We often wait a long while to see the illumined Lord but when the

aarti is

actually performed; our eyes close automatically as if to look

within. This

is to signify that each of us is the temple of the Lord - we hold the

divinity within. Just as the priest reveals the form of the Lord

clearly

with the aarti flame, so too the guru clearly reveals to us the

divinity

within each of us with help of the 'flame' of knowledge. At the end

of the

aarti, we place our hands over the flame and then touch our eyes and

top of

the head. It means - may the light that illuminated the Lord light up

my

vision, may my vision be divine and my thoughts noble and beautiful.

 

The philosophical meaning of aarti extends further. The sun, moon,

stars,

lighting and fire are the natural sources of light. The Lord is the

source

of all these wondrous phenomena of the universe. It is due to Him

alone that

else exist and shine. As we turn our attention to the very source of

all

light which symbolizes knowledge and life.

 

Also the sun is the presiding deity of the intellect, the moon that

of the

mind, and fire, that of speech. The Lord is the supreme consciousness

that

illumines all of them. Without Him the intellect cannot think, nor

can the

mind feel nor the tongue speak. The Lord is beyond the mind,

intellect and

speech.

 

 

 

..

--- End forwarded message ---