Guest guest Posted November 19, 2002 Report Share Posted November 19, 2002 Respected Ramanuja Bhaktas, During the evening hours of November 19 and the early morning hours of November 20, many of us the world over will have the opportunity to witness a penumbral eclipse of the moon. For both scientists, theologians, and lay-persons alike, eclipses are fascinating occurences. Mythologies the world over have been written to explain why eclipses occur and the unusual mystical experiences that can offer come with them. As with all Vedic followers, the followers of Ramanuja Darshanam recognize the duration that an eclipse occurs as a very auspicious time, when the powers of mantras are heightened 100-fold and can lead one to higher spiritual fulfilment. To achieve these spiritual benefits, the following is recommended: 1. Take a shower just before the eclipse starts (For some of us, this may not be possible, as we may be at the office during the time that the eclipse begins. In this case, sprinkle a few drops of water on your head, while meditating on the Lord and meditating on His Holy Names) 2. During the time of eclipse, meditate on Gayatri, ashtAkshari, or another good mantram into which you have been initiated. You may also just chant Vishnu Sahasranamam or other stOthrams, or sing bhajans. 3. Do not take any food or water during the time of the eclipse. 4. Once the eclipse ends, take another quick bath or shower. If you are intending to have food after the eclipse, please make sure to light the lamps in your altar, and offer the food to the Lord before taking it yourself. It is important to note that followers of Ramanuja should seek nothing from this spiritual practice other than a greater desire to Serve Him and His Devotees through service to all living beings. The above is my unqualified attempt to provide information on what should be done during an eclipse based on what I could piece together from other web sites, discussion groups and my recollections of what my family has done in the past. I humbly seek forgiveness from all devotees for any unitentional errors on my part. For information on when the eclipse will be taking place in your area, please click: http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/LunarEclipse.html Here is the info for devotees living in the Denver area (Mountain Standard Time): Moon rises: 4:40 PM Maximum eclipse: 6:46 PM Moon leaves penumbra: 8:01 PM Moon sets: 7:23 AM Nov 20 adiyEn rAmAnuja dAsan Mohan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 20, 2002 Report Share Posted November 20, 2002 Jai Sriman Narayana, One more point about the eclipse which I had heard a long time ago. It seems that the moon has effects on our mind. So, chanting the Lord's name during the time of eclipse will give proper mental strength. Also, moon is considered to be in difficulty during the eclipse. So, we should pray to the Lord, to protect the moon who keeps serving all of this world continuously with his cool & pleasant light in the nights. Praying for such a bhAgavatA's protection is the least we could do, to say that we too belong to the list who would like to serve the Lord. Jai Sriman Narayana Maruthi Ramanuja Das Web Hosting - Let the expert host your site Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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