(No subject)

[Guest guest]

fpyk News letter

 

10th February 2004

 

Om! Tryambakam yajamahe sunghandim pushtivardhanam!

Urvaarukamiva bandhanaan mruthyormuksheeya maamruthaath!

 

We worship the fragnant three-eyed One,who confers ever increasing

prosperity; let us be saved from the hold of death, like the cucumber

freed from its hold; let us not turn away from liberatiom.

 

SIVARATHRI

 

Sivarathri is a festival observed to offer prayers and worship to

Siva. Sivarathri means the night of Siva. People observe fast on this

day and keep vigil all night. In all the four yamas (quarters of the

night) abhishekam – pouring the water on and bathing of

Sivalingamand chanting Siva Panchakshari mantram `OM NAMAH SIVAYA

continues.

 

Siva means auspiciousness; absolute goodness.

 

Siva, the teacher of the teachers and the lord of Yoga, is often

shown as sitting in deep meditation, immersed in the enjoyment of the

Bliss.

 

Siva is shown in the picture as a very handsome youth, snow white in

complexion.

 

Siva lingam is the popular rule in the worship of Siva which is the

emblem of Siva, which is universally venerated. Linga means a symbol.

 

Sivarathri is celebrated on the day prior to the new moon day of the

eleventh month of the lunar calendar of the Hindus.

 

This year Sivarathri will be celebrated on 18th February 2004.

On this day, poojas are performed at Siva's temple. Abhisheka is the

main ritual. Those who have the facilities perform abhisheka and

pooja in their house itself.

 

People, who can fast on this day and night, spend the whole the day

and night reciting the sacred mantra `OM NAMAH SIVAYA.'

 

******

 

 

BRAHMOPADESHAM:- (Upanayanam)

 

Hindu samskara is an act of rites , regulations and observances to

purify and sanctify the individual which leads to refinement and

perfection.

 

Though there are a number of such samskaras, at present, sixteen

samskaras are the most popular.

 

The samskaras are performed to remove the hostile influences and

attract beneficial ones. The individual should grow and prosper;

should not suffer from the external hindrance and receive timely

directions and help from the spiritual forces. Hence the importance

of samskaras.

 

Some of the samskaras performed in the life cycle of the Hindus are

1. Prenatal samskaras;

2. The samskaras of the childhood;

3. The educational samskaras;

4. The marriage samskaras;

5. The funeral ceremonies.

 

Upanayanam is the educational samskara to initiate the Hindu youth

for a full citizenship and to seek admission into the rights and

privileges of the community.

After this ceremony, the individual leads the life of a religious

student and will be known as a Brahmachari.

 

In Upanayanam, the student is taught the sacred GAYATHRI MANTRA.

 

Since this samskara, when properly performed, produces Brahmanhood,

it is also known as BRAHMOPADESHAM.

 

LAKSHMI and MASTER ji are planning to perform the Brahmopadesham –

Upanayana samskara to their son Krishna from 10 thru 12 of March 2004

at their residence. Those who are interested to watch the ceremony

are welcome to attend it.

 

*****

 

WILLIAM BRASHEAR from Antioch University USA has come to FPYK and do

his Individualized Master of Arts Degree program. Master ji is one

of the academic committee members for William Brashear appointed by

the Antioch University.

 

*****

WHAT THE STUDENTS SAY:-

 

I joined yoga teachers course to involve myself into an intensive

yoga practice. This teachers course with Master ji is helping

understand myself better and now I feel that for any individual who

desires to practice, teacher course, especially under the guidance of

Master ji, helps maximum not only to teach but to practice oneself.

 

 

Jennifer, USA

 

 

I had no intention to become a teacher and I feel that all cannot

become good teachers. But after attending the Master ji's teachers

course, I am of the opinion that one can definitely become a good

teacher.

 

R.L.Gonsalez, Spain

 

*****

 

Michelle Lesaffre, Le Povesard Isabelle and Jennifer Failla all from

USA have joined the teachers course at FPYK.

 

*****

 

 

 

Humanism is my philosophy. Humanity is my religion. Human beings are

my gods and goddesses. Their dwellings are my temple, church, mosque,

religious centers. The milk of human kindness is my presiding deity.

 

M.S.VISWANAATH,

Chairman

Mill Sivaramaiah Foundation