Ramanisblog

Tag: Yagna

  • Prayer Resolution Auto Suggestion Sankalpa Suktam

    One of the rare and little known Suktas of The Vedas , is the Sankalpa Suktam.

    Sankalpa means, Right Determination.

    The power of determination and auto suggestion play a vital part in ensuring the success of any endeavour.

    Though there are various factors determining the results of any action, the individual plays a vital part.

    The effort of the individual is not to be assailed by self-doubt or negative thoughts on the performance or the result that may accrue.

    The Dhruda or strong determination is required.

    If the Determination is Right favourable results will ensue.

    The Vedas have a Sukta devoted to this aspect, called Sankalpa Sutkam.

    It is traditionally recited before the beginning of any new endeavor, enterprise,Going to work and it is also recited on waking up and before going to bed.

    Sankalpa Suktam has Six stanzas, two lines each.

    Scroll down for Video Recital of The Sankalpa Suktam

    ‘Om,

    Yath Jaagratho Dhooramubaidi Daivam,

    Thadhu Soopthasya ThadhaivedhiI

    Dhooramgamam Jyothisheshamm Jyothirekam,

    Thanme Manah, Siva SankalpamasthuII –1

    The Reality, Ataman.embodiment of Light energy,which goes out while awake, goes inward while asleep.

    That which is the Light of Lights,that can reach unimaginable distances, That which is One,

    May That Reality kindle my Mind to Right Determination.

    Yena Karmanyapaso Maneeshino ,

    Yagnye Grunvandi Vidadeshu Dheerah!

    Yatha Poorvam Yakshamantha Prajanaam,

    Thanme manah Siva Sankalpamasthu-2

    That by which the learned perform Karmas likes Apas,

    That which is Prayed first by them,

    That which is praised by them,

    That which resides in everything,

    May That Reality kindle my Mind to Right Determination.

    Yath Pragnyanamutha Chethodrudhithichcha ,

    Yagnyadhrantharam Amrutham PrajaasuI

    Yasmaanarithe Kinchana Karma Kriyathe,

    Thanme manah Siva Sankalpamasthu-3.

    That Self which is Self Aware,

    That which is the embodiment of Memory,Determination,

    That which is in Life as Immortal,

    May That Reality kindle my Mind to Right Determination.

    Yenetham Bootham Bhuvanam,

    Bhavishyath parikgruheetham Amtuthena SarvamI

    Yena Yagnyasththaayathe Saptha Hotha,

    Thanme manah Siva Sankalpamasthu-4.

    ThroughThat World(where we perceive) is Gone,

    What Is, What is yet to come,

    That which is Immortal,

    Through which  the Seven who perform the Yagnas,

    May That Reality kindle my Mind to Right Determination.

    Yasmin Richah Saama Yajujshumji,

    Yasmin prathistithaRathaBhaavi vaarahI

    Yasmin Chitaakmam Sarvamoodham PrajajaanaamI

    Thanme manah Siva Sankalpamasthu-5.

    To which are fixed to Rik, Yajur Sama,

    As The radials are are linked to the Axis in a Chariot

    Into which Consciousness Mind flows,

    May That Reality kindle my Mind to Right Determination.

    Suksharathiaswaniva Yanmanushyaan

    Neneeyathebeesubir Vaajina eva  I

    Hruthprathishtam Yathajiram Javishtam,

    Thanme manah Siva Sankalpamasthu-6.

    That which Like

    A good charioteer  controls, directs the Horses,

    which is resides permanently in the heart,

    is ever youthful,swiftest,

    May That Reality kindle my Mind to Right Determination.

    Allusion to Sun God Surya is found here.

    * This is also called the Siva Sankapla Suktam.

    In explaining the text, I have followed the general meaning of Siva, Auspicious, rather than Lord Siva.

    So there is bound to be differences in some other translations.

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  • Place Of Water In Hinduism Mantra Pushpam

    Hinduism accord the highest respect for the Elements of Nature, Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether,Prithivi,Appu,Theyu, Vayu and Aakasa.

    Water is Sustains Life.

    Mantra Pushpam Text and meaning.
    The Mantra Pushpam image from http://sanskritdocuments.org/doc_veda/

    Water transmits mantra Power by carrying the Blessing and Curse.

    Hinduism lays down that water is not to be kicked/splashed at Will.

    It has to be given respect.

    There are rules for Drinking water.

    Water should not be sipped directly from the Glass or Tumbler by touching it with the lips,

    It has to be drunk by taking in from a vessel(small one) directly into the mouth and be absorbed in small gulps.

    Nor should one slurp water, nor should one lick the water in the  lips .

    Water should be drawn from a well in the house.

    Preferable to keep the water in a Copper vessel.

    Water is used for Daily oblations and there are procedures in procuring , storing and using the water  for the Idols for bathing them.

    In Yagnas and Poojas water is purified by Mantras, there are Snana Mantras and Sukthas to be used.

    For Idols, Sri Rudram, Chamakam Purusha Suktha, Vishnu Suktha, Narayana Suktha, Laksmi Suktha,and Durga Suktha are to be recited.

    Water is used for purifying the food by performing Parishichana, the act of purifying food with the Mantras.

    One should keep water in storage for a maximum period of six hours.

    No Pooja or Yagna is complete with out the Mantra Pushpam, where water is revered and worshipped .

    The Mantra Pushpam.

    Mantra Pushpam Text, Meaning.

    “Yopam puspam veda
    Puspavan prajavan pasuvan bhavati
    Candramava Apam puspam
    Puspavan, Prajavan pasuman bhavati
    Ya Evam Veda

    Yopa mayatanam Veda
    Ayatanam bhavati.

    He who understands the flowers of water,

    He becomes the possessor of flowers, children and cattle.

    Moon is the flower of the water,

    He who understands this fact,

    He becomes the possessor of flowers, children and cattle.

    He who knows the source of water,

    Becomes established in himself,

    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 this,

    Becomes established in himself,

    Water is the source of fire,

    He who knows this,

    Becomes established in himself.

    He who knows the source of water,

    Becomes established in himself,

    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 this,

    Becomes established in himself,

    Water is the source of air,

    He who knows this,

    Becomes established in himself.
    He who knows the source of water,

    Becomes established in himself,

    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 this,

    Becomes established in himself,

    Water is the source of scorching sun,

    He who knows this,

    Becomes established in himself.

    He who knows the source of water,

    Becomes established in himself,

    Candrama 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 this,

    Becomes established in himself,

    Water is the source of moon,

    He who knows this,

    Becomes established in himself.

    He who knows the source of water,

    Becomes established in himself,

    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 this,

    Becomes established in himself,

    Water is the source of stars,

    He who knows this,

    Becomes established in himself.

    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 this,

    Becomes established in himself,

    Water is the source of clouds,

    He who knows this,

    Becomes established in himself.
    He who knows the source of water,

    Becomes established in himself,

    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 this,

    Becomes established in himself,

    Water is the source of rainy season,

    He who knows this,

    Becomes established in himself.

    He who knows that there is a raft is available,

    Becomes established in that raft.

    {This stanza is included in some versions of mantra Pushpam

    Om thad Brahma,                 Om it is Brahma

    Om Thad Vayu.                     Om it is air

    Om Thad Athma                    Om it is the soul

    Om Thad Sathyam                 Om it is the truth

    Om That Sarvam                    Om it is everything

    Om That puror nama              Om salutations to that Purusha

    Anthascharathi bhootheshu Guhyam Viswa Murthishu

         That which is inside all beings secretly is that Universal God

    Thvam Yajna             You are the fire sacrifice,

    Thwam vashatkara   You are the the personification of Vedic sacrifice

    Thwam Indra             You are the Indra

    Thvam vayu               You are the air

    Thvam Rudra            You are the Rudra

    Vishnus thvam          You are the Vishnu

    Brahmasthvam          You are the Brahma

    Thvam prajaipathi     You are the Lord of all beings

    Om Thadhapa apo jyothi raso amrutham brahma bhur bhuvasuvarom

    Om water is light, the essence is the nectar and the concept of Brahma is in all the seven worlds.}

    Rajadhi rajaya Prasahya Sahine|
    Namo Vayam Vai Sravanaya Kurmahe
    Samekaman Kama Kamaya mahyam
    Kamesvaro Vai Sravano dadatu
    Kuberaya Vai Sravanaya
    Maha rajaya Namah.

    (This last stanza is normally recited by priests while giving back prasada after performing an Archana in all temples)

    King of kings , we praise thee,

    Who is the giver of all victories,

    Who is the fulfiller of all desires,

    Please bless me with wealth,

    To fulfill all our  desires,

    Oh,  Kubhera*, we praise thee,

    Salutations to the king of kings.

    * Kubhera is the Lord of wealth.”

    Source.

    http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/ve8.htm

     

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  • Since When Were Brahmins Barred From Drinking

    Contrary to popular conception Brahmins did not Drink, it is a fact that Brahmins , Sages, Rishis and Munis drank liquor.

    Soma plant.
    Indian troops deployed in the drastic terrains of the cold desert in Leh may look forward to get a new item in their menu, as the defense researchers find that Soma (Rumex patientia), a common plant found in high altitudes, can be used as a vegetable. According to researchers at the Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), a division of the Defence Research and Development Organisation ( DRDO), Soma is fit to be used as a vegetable in cold desert areas where cultivation of common vegetables are not supported.

    Even Lord Ram and Krishna drank

    I have posted articles on this with references.

    But there is a view , including from Mr.Cho.Ramaswamy that Soma and Sura bana were different  and that the consumption of Soma Bana does not amount to Drinking Liquor as it is not an intoxicant and it  is used in the Yagnas.

    Soma bana is assumed to be a non intoxicant which was used in the performance of Yagnas and as such does not constitute drinking.

    Sura bana consumption is of course accepted ad a Drink and blamed as such.

    Facts seem to be other wise.

    if Soma was to be drunk why should it be drunk when one does not perform Yagna?

    It is stated in the Rig Veda that it leads to Immortality and it tastes as Nectar.

    ”

    The Rigveda (8.48.3) says:

    a ápāma sómam amŕtā abhūmâganma jyótir ávidāma devân
    c kíṃ nūnám asmân kṛṇavad árātiḥ kím u dhūrtír amṛta mártyasya

    Ralph T.H. Griffith translates this as:

    We have drunk Soma and become immortal; we have attained the light, the Gods discovered.
    Now what may foeman’s malice do to harm us? What, O Immortal, mortal man’s deception?

    Soma Bana was served in Social functions and Government councils

    This sounds strange for a group which abstains from any intoxicating stuff whatsoever and is choosy about what they eat.

    The answer is that the Vedas and the Indian Society recorded facts without bothering whether it would affect the Image of Hinduism.

    It also records the Sins that will accrue by Drinking.

    I have been curious that if Gods were shown to be drinking along with Sages and others, why ban it for Brahmins.

    Some Sages were Brahmins too!

    Answer is in the Mahabharata Adi Parva.

    The Preceptor of the Devas.s, (Bruhaspati) son( Kusa, (was sent by Indra and the Devas to go and serve Asura Guru Sukracharia , get into the good books of Devayani, Sukra’s daughter so that Kusa learns the Sanjeevini Mantra with which Sukra was making the Asuras rise from the dead, against whom the Devas were losing heavily.

    Kusa served Sukra as a Brahmachari for 1000 years in total.

    After 500 years the Asuras, having learnt that he was the son of Bruhaspati, killed him and fed him to animals twice.

    In both the instances Bruhaspati resurrected him.

    Exasperated the Asuras killed Kusa,burnt him , dissolved his ashes in the Drink which they made Sukra drink.

    When Sukra tried to resurrect Kusa, Sukra learnt from Kusa who was in Sukra’s stomach the story of his killing and how he was drunk by Sukra along with the Drink.

    Immediately Sukra declared,

    ‘May all  the Devas, Rishis and Brahmins learn this.

    From this day any one who drinks will lose his identity as a Brahmin and will suffer both her and after Life.”

    Thus came about the ban on Brahmins Drinking.

    Sukra taught Kusa the Sanjeevini Mantra to enable him come out of his stomach.

    For more please read the Mahabharata.

    Reference.

    Adi Parva , Mahabharata, Sambhava Parva.

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  • The Definition Of Brahmin,Duties.

    The Motto of Brahmins.
    The Motto of Brahmins.

    This is in continuation of my earlier posts on Caste.

    I had explained how the word caste is not of Indian origin and the fact that these concepts are not be found anywhere in the Religious or philosophical texts of the Indians.

    Also how Gandhi muddled the waters by inventing a new term Harijans to segregate them by another name.

    Ambedkar tried in vain to prove that Untouchability began with the yard stick of Cow eating and meat-eating.

    As indicated earlier, the Society was organised on the basis of dispositions and tendencies, both genetic and shaped by the environment.

    Basically , on the basis of the three Gunas and their interplay,Sathva, Raja and Tamas, three tendencies and dispositions were noted.

    The calm, knowledgeable and ascetic and selfless-Sathva

    Active’ Go-getters, protectors, emotional and Compassionate at the same time-Rajas.

    Dull, Mentally not sharp,lacking in initiative, can do a job assigned,Indifferent, bordering on Amoral,Tamas.

    All the three qualities are present in every man and these keep on changing in the individual every minute and one has to strive to keep the right balance.

    Based on the predominant disposition observed for a reasonable period of Time the Society was grouped as under.

    The Brahmanas.

    The real word denotes’ one who has realized Brahman, The Reality”

    Later this was used to denote a group that practiced Compassion, selfless service and was knowledgeable.

    They were entrusted with the responsibility of teaching the Community of Value systems and pray for All.

    They were not paid.

    The Society took care of them in kind, grains. cloth,shelter, land by the Kings.

    Those who have these characteristics are Brahmanas , not every one who calls him self a Brahmana..

    Brahmins were not expected to save, nor hod properties of their own,.

    This sloka tells us who a Brahmin is.

    ”

    “Adhyaapanam Adhyayanam
    Yajanam Yaajanam Tathaa
    Daanam Pratigraham Chaiva
    Brahmanaanaamakalpayaat”

    Adyayanam-Pracctice of reciting the Vedas, with meaning.

    Adhyaapnan-Teaching of the Vedas along with the Astras(scientific Arms) and Satras(Ordinary weapons of war)

    Yajanam-performance of the Yagnas and Yagas.

    Here there is a small difference between a Yagna and Yaaga.

    While a Yaaga is performed with a specific wish to be fulfilled, as a Puthra Kameshti for begetting a Good offspring, Yajna is performed expecting no results, performed because it has to be performed as sanctioned by the Vedas.

    This one can take as the modern equivalent of the Categorical Imperative of Immanuel Kant.

    Yaajanam-Performing these for others.

    Dhaanam-Donating to others, Philanthropy without expectations.

    Pratigraham-acceptance of Dhaana from others, here one is not expected to anticipate of ask for Dhaana.

    Acceptance of Dakshina is mandatory so is non demand of Dakshina.

    A Teacher is expected to accept what the parents of the children offer, they are forbidden to ask.

    In certain case, like Santhipani asked of Lord Krishna , it is to demonstrate the valor his ward.

    Those who ask a specific Dakshina are treated with contempt, like Drona who was  called a Kshatriya for having demanded Dakshina from Ekalaiva( This is one of the reasons)

    On top of this, a Brahmin is expected to have realized Brahman, The Reality.

    This is how the Brahmins are defined in the Sastras,

    Nowhere a Brahmin is called a Brahmin because he is born of Brahmin parents.

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