Religion, a personal communion

A personal communion with the universe in solitude is the only religion one needs. No middlemen, no preset place or time, no mindless rituals or elaborate accessories.

Just a humbling feeling of awe and an intense feeling of oneness with the universe ..

As if honey could taste itself and all its drops together and all its drops could taste each other and each the whole honeycomb as itself, so should the end be with God and the soul of man and the universe. - Sri Aurobindo

Creation is sacrosanct ...

Sringeri - a snake protects a pregnant frog

Hinduism reveres creation and birth as holiest of holies! The womb or garbha is considered the most sacred place as it houses and nourishes the new life. Where ever new life is ushered, that land is sacred and by that analogy, the entire earth is sacred. The highest duty of man is to protect creation and allow the work of mother nature to flow uninterrupted. 

The legend of Sringeri exemplifies this spirit. Legend has it that when a great sage came to Sringeri, nestled in Sahyadri mountain ranges, he saw an extraordinary sight on the banks of the Tunga river. A cobra with a raised hood was providing shelter to a frog that was about to give birth, providing the mother some shade from the scorching afternoon sun. The sage was struck by this sight where an adverse enemy goes beyond its natural instinct to protect the birth of new life. Here the sage established his first monastery!

The act of procreation is the holy work of nature and not something to be ashamed of. The human body is not considered as vulgar ..instead it is glorified in all its beauty and life giving capability. This spirit is visible in all Hindu temples where sculptures of virile and full-figured humans, pregnant women and all forms of life are equally revered. 

Ten Commandments

Native American Ten Commandments
    The Earth is our Mother, care for her.
    Honor all your relations.
    Open your heart and soul to the Great Spirit.
    All life is sacred; treat all beings with respect.
    Take from the Earth what is needed and nothing more.
    Do what needs to be done for the good of all.
    Give constant thanks to the Great Spirit for each new day.
    Speak the truth; but only of good in others.
    Follow the rhythms of nature; rise and retire with the sun.
    Enjoy life's journey, but leave no tracks.


The Native American commandments recognize the inherent goodness in each one of us and gently guides us to live a life of beauty, harmony and responsibility.

Morning Meditations

I like to rise early and begin the day by reading a few quotes. They set the tone for the whole day and inspire me to enjoy the chance to live yet another day!

"When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light, for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food, and the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies with yourself."

Every time you wake up and ask yourself, "What good things am I going to do today?", remember that when the sun goes down at sunset, it will take a part of your life with it.

When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.

and then chant the Gayatri mantram, the most sacred mantra in Hinduism.

Om Buhr, Bhuva, Swaha (Oh earth, sky and the waters)
Tat Savitur Varenyam (That glorious radiating light of the sun)
Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi (We meditate upon the splendor of the divine)
Dhiyo Yonaha Prachodayat (May this illuminate us with an understanding of reality) 

This mantra is an astounding call to all the life giving forces in the universe to illuminate our intellect and propel us forward with new life and renewed energy. 

Types of Food: Satvik, Rajasik and Tamasik

My father is a veritable repository of Sanskrit shlokams (verses) having learnt alongside his father Subramanian Namboodiri who was a temple priest in my native village Mundur, Kerala (India). My father has a knack for pulling out an apt shlokam for any occasion. Talking about the 'Vitality of Food' in my previous post, I was reminded of one of my father's all-time favorites on the types of food according to Hindu scriptures. 

Ayuh-sattva-balarogya-
sukha-priti-vivardhanah
rasyah snigdhah sthira hrdya
aharah sattvika-priyah
( Food that promotes longevity, virtue, strength and health. Food that enhances happiness and satisfaction. Food that is tasty, smooth, firm and hearty are dear to people of Satvik nature.)

katv-amla-lavanaty-usna-
tiksna-ruksa-vidahinah
ahara rajasasyesta
duhkha-sokamaya-pradah
( Food that is pungent, acidic, salty, excessively spicy or hot. Food that is sharp to the tongue. Such food that promotes sorrow, remorse and regret is called Rajasik and is favored by people of Rajasik temperament)

yata-yamam gata-rasam
puti paryusitam ca yat
ucchistam api camedhyam
bhojanam tamasa-priyam
(Food which is stale or old and tasteless. Food that is putrid and has been castaway. Food that is not palatable. Such food is desired by those of Tamasic nature)

Deeper meaning of Mantra Pushpam

Veda means "understanding" in Sanskrit. Mantra Pushpam is about a deep understanding of nature and all elements in nature. As one ponders on the elements, the interconnectedness of all of creation is revealed to us.

Yopam pushpam veda

The sublime inter relationship between air, water, fire, light and heat from the sun, the moon, stars, clouds, rains is what sustains life and keeps the continuous flow of life energy. In this understanding, we will understand ourselves, our place in the universe and our purpose in life. Only this understanding can bring everlasting peace in us allowing us to sail through life in tranquility

This sacred interconnectedness of all things in the universe was understood not only by the wise sages of India but also by the native, or tribal people all over the world who lived in close proximity and alignment with nature.

Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.  - Chief Seattle
 
These is nothing superior. Like pearls strung on a thread, everything is hooked unto me. ( mattah parataram nanyat| kincid asti dhananjaya | mayi sarvam idam protam | sutre mani-gana iva )  - Bhagavad Gita

When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe. - John Muir 

A human being is a part of the whole called by us as universe - Albert Einstein

Kayena Vacha - An offering to the divine

Kayena vacha manasendriyairva
Buddhyatmana va prakrite swabhavath
Karoomi yadyad sakalam parasmai
Narayanayeti samarpayami


Whatever I do for others with my physical being, through words, thought, senses, intellect, heart, soul and innate tendencies, I offer everything to the divine. 

Meaning of Gayatri Mantra

Hinduism is very deeply rooted in nature. The most sacred Gayatri Mantram is an astounding wake up call to each one of us to meditate everyday on the wonder and splendor of nature. Only the understanding of nature can truly enlighten us.

Earth, sky and waters ..

“OM BUHR, BHUVA, SWAHA
TAT SAVITUR VARENYAM
BHARGO DEVASYA DHEEMAHI
DHIYO YONAHA PRACHODAYAT”

Oh earth, sky and the waters  (ie the 3 worlds bhuh, bhuvaha, suvaha)
That glorious radiating light of the sun 
We meditate upon the splendor of the divine
May this illuminate us with an understanding of reality.  

Mantra Pushpam - the primeval Vedic mantra

Hinduism is deeply rooted in nature. Mantra Pushpam is a beautiful Veda mantra that ponders on the wonders of nature and the inter relationship between all elements in nature. Click here for the deeper meaning of this mantra. Click here for the meaning of Gayatri Mantra.

Hinduism worships nature in its myriad forms

Yopam puspam veda
Puspavan prajavan pasuvan bhavati
Chandramava Apam puspam
Puspavan, Prajavan pasuman bhavati
Ya Evam Veda
Yopa mayatanam Veda
Ayatanam bhavati.

(He who understands the flowers of water,
He is blessed with flowers, children and cattle.
Moon is the flower of the water,
He who knows it to be so,
He is blessed with flowers, children and cattle.
He who knows the source of water,
Becomes established in his Self.)

Agnirva Apamayatanam
Ayatanavan Bhavati
Yo agnerayatanam Veda
Ayatanavan bhavati
Apovagner ayatanam
Ayatanavan bhavati
Ya Evam Veda
Yopa mayatanam Veda
Ayatanavan bhavati.

(Fire is the source of water,
He who knows the source of Fire,
Becomes established in his Self,
Water is the source of fire,
He who knows it to be so,
Becomes established in his Self.
He who knows the source of water,
Becomes established in his Self.)

Vayurva Apamaya tanam
Ayatanavan bhavati.
Yova Yorayatanam Veda
Ayatanavan bhavati|
Apovai va yorayatanam
Ayatanavan bhavati.
Ya Evam veda
Yopamayatanam Veda
Ayatanavan Bhavati.

(Air is the source of water,
He who knows the source of Air,
Becomes established in his Self,
Water is the source of air,
He who knows this,
Becomes established in his Self.
He who knows the source of water,
Becomes established in his Self.)

Asowvai tapanna pamayatanam
Ayatanavan bhavati
Yo musya tapata Ayatanan Veda
Ayatanavan bhavati
Apova Amusyatapata Ayatanam
Ayatanavan bhavati
Ya Evam Veda
Yopa mayatanam Veda
Ayatanavan bhavati

(Scorching sun is the source of water,
He who knows the source of the Scorching Sun,
Becomes established in his Self,
Water is the source of scorching sun,
He who knows this,
Becomes established in his Self.
He who knows the source of water,
Becomes established in his Self.)

Chandrama Vama pamayatnam
Ayatanavan bhavati.
Yascandra masa Ayatanam Veda
Ayatanavan bhavati
Apovai Candra masa Ayatanam
Ayatanavan bhavati
Ya Evam Veda
Yo pamayatanam veda
Ayatanavan bhavati.

(Moon is the source of water,
He who knows the source of Moon,
Becomes established in his Self,
Water is the source of moon,
He who knows this,
Becomes established in his Self.
He who knows the source of water,
Becomes established in his Self.)

Nakshtrani va Apamayatanam
Ayatanavan bhavati
Yo Nakshtrana mayatanam Veda
Ayatanavan bhavati
Apovai Nakshtrana mayatanam
Ayatanavan bhavati
Ye evam Veda
Yopamaya tanam Veda
Ayatanavan bhavati.

(Stars are the source of water,
He who knows the source of the Stars,
Becomes established in his Self,
Water is the source of stars,
He who knows this,
Becomes established in his Self.
He who knows the source of water,
Becomes established in himself.)

Parjanyova apamayatanam
Ayatanavan bhavati
Yah parjanyasya syayatinam Veda
Ayatanavan bhavati
Apovai parjanya Syayatanam
Ayatanavan bhavati
Ye Evam veda
Yopa maya tanam Veda
Ayatanavan bhavati.

(Clouds are the source of water,
He who knows the source of the Clouds,
Becomes established in his Self,
Water is the source of clouds,
He who knows this,
Becomes established in his Self.
He who knows the source of water,
Becomes established in his Self.)

Samvastaro Va Apamayatanam
Ayatavan bhavati
Yassavatsa rasyaya tanam Veda
Ayatavan bhavati.
Apovai samvasara ayatanam
Ayatanavan bhavati
Ya Evam veda
Yopsu Navam pratistitam veda
Pratyeva tistati.

(Rainy season is the source of water,
He who knows the source of Rainy Season,
Becomes established in his Self,
Water is the source of rainy season,
He who knows this,
Becomes established in his Self.
He who knows that there is a raft available,
Becomes established in that raft.)

Disconnected religions

How can one be religious, but waste so much food and consume so much materially?
How can one go to church every sunday and still evade paying taxes?
How can one pray five times a day and still forbid your children from playing?
How can you call yourself pious and yet be so greedy, grabbing for your children, grandchildren?
How can you perform daily pooja's and still verbally abuse and emotionally wound?

Today's religions are completely disconnected with the wellness of the earth and the harmony. It allows us to go on in our insensitive, deceitful, destructive ways without an ounce of remorse. Unless religions reconnect with the earth, there is little hope for us as humans. Pantheism I believe is the true religion of all religions.

Core of Hindu Philosophy

This philosophy lies at the core of a Hindu way of life.

You are born perfect

Hinduism says that you are born perfect. To find who you really are, all you need to do is to undo the effects of the years, civilization, society, education, degrees, ambitions and everything else. At the core you will find the pure and perfect self. Other religions tell us that one is born a sinner and have to strive hard to become good.

Self reliance

Rely on yourself. One is born perfect with all the knowledge and instinct one needs. When you want answers, look within! From there you will find the truth, the wisdom. Nothing external, experts, books, encyclopedias can tell you the truth.

Effortlessness 

We are perfect and we should find the perfection in ourselves. There is nothing to strive for. There is no effort to become something or be anything other than what we already are. All effort is futile. Effortlessness lies at the crux of Hinduism.

Pantheistic

Every bit of nature is God. Be it a cow, tree, rain, sun .. anything and everything in nature. Just as nature accepts everything, so does Hinduism.

Complete freedom 

Hinduism allows complete freedom. Everybody is free to choose their own path. There are no rules and restrictions. Nobody is compelled to read any scriptures, to visit temples. Everything is voluntary.

Nonviolence

Hinduism does not endorse violence of any kind. This includes the subtle forms of violence such as discipline, disapproval, conformance to rigid rules, coercions. One is free to follow any path. Hindus are not involved in converting anybody to Hinduism. 

Being and Doing

Hinduism emphasizes on Being and less on the Doing. Excessive doing is the result of a restless mind. The action that results when the mind is still and the heart is open and receptive is what is called Being. 

 

Essence of Hinduism

I write this for my children when they reach an age to understand and ask questions about the religion of their birth.

When I was at a school going age and studying in a Catholic convent, I was frankly ashamed of my religion. So many gods..elephant god, monkey god, sun god, snake god. The list was endless. The Christians were taught that there is only one God and the son of god is Jesus Christ. There seemed to be a good structure in Christianity. You have to read the bible, go to the church every Sunday. Hinduism had none of it. We were not forced to go to the temples. We were not forced to study any scriptures. We were really free. We occasionally went to the Hindu temples and did the rounds. I asked God for the things that I want. But it never felt true for me. I forced myself to do it because I thought that's how things should be.

I have come a long way. Over the last several years, I have come to believe that "the invisible power in all of nature is what we call god" . We are part of it and hence a part of god. Every bit of creation is god. Animals, plants, sky, birds, trees, snakes, ants - everything!!. That's why Hinduism allows anything to be a god. There is no restriction and that is the beauty of Hinduism. The truth about Hinduism gets masked in all the rituals, mantras, festivals, but the truth is still there, albeit hidden.

Living in harmony with all things in nature, cherishing it, protecting it is the real Hindu way of life!

The Sufi Way of Thinking

I am reading a book about the Sufi's "The Sufis by Idries Shah and Robert Graves". In many ways it tells us how different the Eastern way of thinking is from the Western way. In the west, it is all intellectual, but in the east, there is a lot of instinct and perception involved.  In the west, we rely on experts to tell us everything about the world. The eastern way is for every man to find out for himself the truth. The Sufi way is the same as the true Hindu and Buddist way.