KANYAKUMARI FOR SPINAL ALIGNMENT

 

                                                          GODDESS KANYAKUMARI

The convergence of 3 oceans ( the Triveni Sangamam of Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea) at Kanyakumari has to be viewed as a microcosmic merging of the Ida, Pingala and Sushumna Nadis of a human being. Just as Kanyakumari is the very base or root of India, the kundalini energy resides in the 'mooladhara chakra' or the 'root chakra'. Kundalini energy lies dormant (till it is awakened through spiritual practice) at the base of human spine near the mooladhara chakra.  When kundalini energy is awakened and activated, the energy surges up the Sushumna nadi, suspending the Ida (left side of the spine from base to left nostril) and Pingala ( right side of the spine from base to right nostril) nadis.

Meditation and yogic practices performed in Kanyakumari are aided by the spiritually charged atmosphere there. Apart from one of the most powerful Shakti Peethams of Goddess Kanyakumari residing there, the natural atmosphere and vibrations of the confluence of 3 Maha Samudrams (high seas) exude high macrocosmic energies forming instant connection with Ida, Pingala and Sushumna nadis which are microcosmic representatives of the union of 3 oceans.

In 1892 Swami Vivekananda swam 500 meters to reach a mid-sea rock at the point of the convergence of 3 oceans in Kanyakumari. There he meditated for 3 days and 3 nights which activated His kundalini enenrgy leading to His spiritual awakening.

SPINE ALIGNMENT - On a physical level, people suffering from spine related problems find natural relief in just breathing the air in Kanyakumari. Instead of holidaying in hill resorts or any other luxury resorts, it is ideal to spend a few days in Kanyakumari for simply breathing in the atmosphere.

There are many Siddha ashrams and healing centers there, but naturally! Plannig a trip at the earliest, Goddess Kanyakumari has to take me there.....

Number 18

Photo-Lord Krishna and Arjuna surrounded by Akshauhini Sena during Gita Upadesham in Kurukshatra.

No. 18 is said to vibrate spiritual-material conflict according to celebrated author and spiritualist Linda Goodman. In her book Star Signs the author has stated that persons with name numerical adding to 18 faced bitter quarrels within family circle, along with wars, social upheaval, and revolution.

Those born on the 18th day of any month have chosen themselves (on the level of the Higher Self), between incarnations, this channel of birth as did Jesus (JESUS 15363 adding upto 18, CHRIST 352134 adding upto 18) whose name has double 18 vibration, as the greatest of all testings of the soul for worthiness.

If name vibration is 18, for example - GAYATHRI - 31114521 adding upto 18, it is recommended to add or delete alphabets to work up a total 6 vibration. Many years ago I had added an 'A' (Gaayathri) to my name. But pronology (sound vibration of name - applicable through multi-languages) made it "Gaaya" (Gaayam-wound, injury) and I became prone to sudden cuts, bruises and even a surgery! I realized on my own that the reason was the addition of "A" to my name. Alphabet addition or deletion is a tricky affair. One has to take into consideration lexigram as well as pronology.

I recently got hold of a 1962 Bhagavad Gita publication (authored by Pujya Sri Vidyaprakashanandagiri Swami) in which No. 18 has been hailed as a divine and most fortunate number!

The great author has cited following facts -

In Mahabharatha Kurukshetra war lasted for 18 days.

In the "Akshauhini Sena" (battle formation) there were 21, 870 (adding to 18) chariots, 21, 870 (adding to 18) elephants, 65, 610 (adding to 18) horses, 1, 530, 900 (adding to 18) Pandava warriors and 1,09,350 (adding to 18) foot soldiers. The Kaurava army had 2,405,700 (adding to 18) warriors.

Further the author Pujya Sri Vidyaprakashanandagiri Swami states that 18 practices are required to attain liberation (moksha). Namely

Anthah Karana Chathushtayam -the four-fold of mind which are manas, buddhi, ahamkara and chittha (1)

Pancha Pranas - Five vital energies prana, apana, samana, udana, vyana (5)

Pancha Gnaanendriyas - Five sensory organs which are ears, eyes, skin, tongue and nose (5)

Deham - physical body (1)

Drishyam - Insight, perception and clarity (1)

Total - 18

Age till when a person is a minor -18

Number of temple steps -18

Number of Ritviks in Yagna -18

Number of mantras in the foremost Upanishad known as "Ishavasya Upanishad" -18

Number of slokas in Bhagavad Gita's 2nd Chapter about "Atma Varanana" (description of soul) -18

Number of slokas in Bhagavad Gita's 2nd chapter describing qualities of "Sthithah Pragna" (person who has equanimity of mind) -18

Number of arms of Goddess Durga Devi -18

No.18 resonates "Aham Brahmasmi" and "Soham", which are the key words for liberation of soul.

GANAANAAMTVA, DURGA SUKTHAM

        Posted in my YouTube channel- VeenaaGayathri Official

ATTRACTING ABUNDANCE (Power of Affirmations)

My favourite pastime is to watch videos of  Gayathri Reddy modelling her own creations of delicious looking rich colours splashed across yards of pastry-smooth silks. Her descriptions of the sarees she is modelling while draping it across her shoulder, ("Idi entha baagundo cheppalenu, chaalaa ante chaalaa chaalaa baagundi. Antha baagundi...!") ooze innocence and genuineness. Her hearty appreciation of each and every saree she models (she probably would have modeled thousands of them till now) are not mere salesman tactics, but seem more like ardent love for the beauty of the sarees. Every saree of hers has her gushing "Chaalaa chaalaa baagundi", from the bottom of her heart.

So why am I blogging this?! Gayathri Reddy's positive affirmation, "chaalaa chaalaa baagundi (very very nice)" is unwittingly her pathway to success. Her hearty declarations of "how beautiful, so nice".... are mantras for attracting abundance in life. But shouldn't fake it, must feel passionately when you utter the positive affirmation "chaalaa chaalaa baagundi!!"- like the entrepreneur Gayathri Reddy.

Subtle body.... a foreign view....

"In the terminology of certain Eastern teachings the first body is the 'carriage'
(body), the second body is the 'horse' (feelings, desires), the third the 'driver' (mind),
and the fourth the 'master' (I, consciousness, will).

"Such comparisons and parallels may be found in most systems and teachings
which recognize something more in man than the physical body. But almost all these
teachings, while repeating in a more or less familiar form the definitions and divisions
of the ancient teaching, have forgotten or omitted its most important feature, which is:
that man is not born with the finer bodies, and that they can only be artificially
cultivated in him provided favorable conditions both internal and external are present.
"The 'astral body' is not an indispensable implement for man. It is a great luxury
which only a few can afford. A man can live quite well without an 'astral body.' His
physical body possesses all the functions necessary for life. A man without 'astral
body' may even produce the impression of being a very intellectual or even spiritual
man, and may deceive not only others but also himself." A famous Russian philosopher.

Chandrama Manaso Jaathaha

Moon-like face of the Goddess Durga

Moon was closest to earth on the full moon day of March 20th, 2011 ( sometime between 19th midnight to 20th sunrise) in approximately 18 years or so. Even if the moon was still 356,577 kms. away, the size of the moon was 14% bigger than its usual size and 30% brighter than usual!!
Sri Adi Sankaracharya's Soundarya Lahari clearly conveys that the Goddess who is the Divine Spouse of Lord Shiva is the embodiment of moon. Her moon-like lustre and moon-like countenance are described most poetically by the great saint in almost all the 100 slokas of Soundarya Lahari. The day when Super moon happened was a full moon in the constellation of Poorva Phalguni (the nakshatra of Goddess Kamakshi/ Sri Bala Tripura Sundari)."Chandrama Manaso Jaathaha", this verse from Purusha Sooktham conveys that the moon is born out of the mind. The approach of the Goddess closer to earth could be felt in the instant cooling of the mind.

TIME

"Bhgavad Gita (11th Chapter-32nd Verse)

"Kaalosmi Lokakshayakruth Pravrudhdho
Lokaan Samaaharthumiha Pravruththaha.
Rutheypi Thvaam Na Bhavishyanthi Sarve
Ye 'Vasthithaah Prathyaneekeshu Yodhaaha"


Meaning: Lord Krishna stated: Time I am, the great destroyer of the worlds, and I have come here to destroy all people. With the exception of you (the Paandavaas), all the soldiers here on both sides will be slain."Kaalosmi" (I am TIME), Lord Krishna stated in Bhagavad Gita. Any mantra yields sure and fast results when recited at the same time everyday. As God and Time are one and the same, a time-conscious mantra becomes power-packed due to the grace of God and yields amazing results. Time is God and the needles on a clock are to be regarded as the representatives of God!
Timing of the mantra is very important, if somebody is able to recite the mantra only at 8.00 am everyday, it is advisable to maintain the same time everyday for the enhancement of the mantra-power. There are people who recite mantras at 12 noon sharp when all the three needles on the clock join together. Late Sri.Kama Sastri, music director and conductor of Vadya Vrinda, All India Radio, Chennai used to bring work to an abrupt halt at 12 noon to observe a minute's silence for offering prayers. There are many who keep awake at 12 midnight to repeat the recitation for further power-inducement into their mantra (it is best if the mantra is given by a spiritual Guru or a Srividya Upasaka if it is a Devi mantra). I have known few devotees who recite the same mantra four times in 24 hours, at 12.00 midnight, 6.00 am, 12.00 noon and 6.00 pm everyday.

Spiritual action!

Above is a photograph of a snowboarderDr. Frederick Lenz's conversations with Master Fwap in "Surfing the Himalayas" are so awe-inspiring, which is not the only reason why I read the book so many times! This book literally transports me to the Divine Himalayas, I can almost feel the air turning chilly around me every time I read it!
Master Fwap is a Buddhist monk who identifies Dr. Frederick Lenz as 'the chosen one' for enlightenment. In all the preachings of Master Fwap, the best one was about the practice of perfection towards 'samyoga' through one's profession or constant job.
According to Master Fwap, in Tantric Buddhism even inanimate objects possess inherent knowledge (which the Buddhists term as 'emptiness'). Buddhist believe that all things, experiences and people are inherently empty! Tantric Buddhism further states that all physical and nonphysical things have another side, a side that is not visible to the senses or accessible to the reasoning mind. This different side can only be known and experienced intuitively by emptying one's own mind of thoughts, judgements and predispotions about life and how it works.
Master Fwap further describes Dr. Frederick Lenz's snowboarding as 'samyoga' ( the act of uniting), in which the action aimed at perfection (of performing the act of snowboarding) synchronises the doer (Dr. Frederick Lenz) and the object (the board) to a state of 'oneness'!
According to Master Fwap, the first step is to allow the action of an activity or an event to take precedence over one's point of view. That is the Tantric Buddhist way. To allow the emptiness inherent within actions and experiences to guide and shape one's choices thereby letting the actions to direct us, the actors, and not the other way around.
The Tantric Buddhist way - before beginning an activity one must always empty oneself of thoughts regarding what is to be done. Then allowing the inherent emptiness within to act as a guide instead of one's ego directing and making innumerable mistakes. One should allow oneself to be guided by the invisible principles of the Universe WITHIN one's actions! At that time there will be a perfect flow of energy in whatever one chooses to do, and there will be a grace and power present in all of one's movements. Tantric Buddhism hails such an act as perfect!

At this juncture, Master Fwap instructs Dr. Frederick Lenz,"Now you will go on your board down the mountain. But first you must make your mind still. Then allow the emptiness within your BOARD to guide you. Let it become your will. Remember, YOU are the BOARD!!! Then your ride down the mountain will be perfect action!"

To achieve the above, the aim should be towards nothing less than perfection! In the quest for perfection, man loses himself in the job at hand to the extent of naturally blending/ merging ('samyoga')with the action as well as the inanimate object he is handling! Many great instrumentalists, engineers, doctors, accountants, carpenters, electricians, mechanics, sportsmen, ......................the list includes everybody belonging to various fields, are eligible for this yoga. The bottom line is to discard ego and turn into the object ( it could be a musical instrument, sports equipment, or any gadget in relation to one's profession) towards which your actions are directed, thereby inducing power of action into the inanimate object, creating the 'samyoga' of the actor, action and the object. It is therefore not surprising that the actions of experts handling various gadgets in different fields are natural and almost involuntary! Such experts take their natural skills for granted without realizing that they have merged themselves with whatever they are handling!

Prayers as Affirmations!

Above is the photograph of Lord Vishnu (jalashayanam) at Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu, Nepal.(This temple has devotees from Hinduism and Budhism sects. The entire idol is carved out of a single stone. This temple is one among the 108 Sri Vaishnavite Divya Kshetrams).
Rhonda Byrnes' "The Secret" is all about the well-known law of attracting whatever we think. OUR THOUGHTS BECOME THINGS! So think positively!!!! Simple but tough! For instance, when someone abuses us right on our faces, we not only have to smile at them warmly in return, the warmth (here is the crux of the matter) has to originate from the bottom of your heart to fill your being, (better still if the warmth overflows!!!!). Now we know how tough it is!!!!!! We would be incensed and nothing would deter us from getting the final word or having the 'last laugh'?!
Modern philosophers and self-help experts (like Louise L.Hay)advise the practice of affirmations for the implementation of positive thinking. It goes like this-
Take a book and pen, sit down to write what you desire the most in present tense (at least 10 times a day).
A few affirmations,
1) I am beautiful
2)I am slim and I have a great body
3)I am surrounded by love
4)Divine energy flows through me to attract the best of people and opportunities.
5)The Universe is my home and everything belongs to me
6) I have a great life
and blah, blah, blah.......

Our "nithya parayanam" of slokas are nothing but affirmations and we know that the phrases mentioned above are no match to the slokas that sing the glories of God!
Whenever a paaraayanam (sloka recitation) is performed, it is important to visualize God in the centre of our heart region. Once this is accomplished, each and every naamam (name) of the ashtotharam or sahasranamam is automatically directed to the divinity within us, thereby strengthening and enhancing the Divine within us ( as consciously visualized and practised by us), transforming our prayer into an affirmation!!
The power of vedic affirmations :-
"Om Vishvam Vishnurvashatkaaro
Bhoothabhavyabhavathprabhuhu
Bhoothakrudbhoothabhrudbhaavo
Bhoothaathmaa Bhoothabhaavanaha!"

(Meaning:1)Vishvam-Universe or cause of Universe orOne who is full in all respects (Om Vishvaaya Namaha)
2)Vishnu-One who permeates everything, One who is inside every sentient and non-sentient being. One who surrounds everything (Om Vishnavey Namaha)
3)Vashatkara-One who controls and directs (not merely permeates)
4)Bhootha-Bhavya-Bhavath-Prabhuhu-The Lord of all things that exists in the past, present and future.
5)Bhootha-Krud-The Creator of all beings.
6)Bhootha-brud- The Supporter of all beings. One who supports all.
7)Bhavaha-He who exists in all splendour, always independent of everything else.
8)Bhoothaathma- The soul or life of all beings.
9)Bhootha-Bhaavanaha-One who nourishes and nurtures all beings He has created.

Sri Vishnu Sahasranama or Sri Lalitha Sahasranamam or the other ashtotharams/sahasranamams (slokas or stothra parayanam like Sri Subrahmanya Bhujanga stothram, Lingashtakam, Soundarya Lahari, Devi Khadgamala, Vinayaka Agaval, Srimad Bhagavatham, Sri Venkatachala Mahathyam, Srimad Narayaneeyam, Bhagavad Githa, Sri Venkateswara Suprabhatham etc. etc.............the list of our rich slokas are endless) if understood and implemented correctly as affirmations (because the Divine is within ) yield results beyond the proportions of nature!!!! It is important to understand that it is God we are invoking here and not merely a few material benefits for the sake of our jivaathma like the english affirmations mentioned above!
Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam combined with Sri Lalitha Sahasranamam are the most mind-blowing affirmations one could ever think of in our present times!
Likhitha japa (written affirmations like "Sri Rama Jayam", Sri Maathrey Namaha" etc. are absolutely potent too!)
If one has the time and energy, 'aakarshana mantras' of Lord Sudarshana or Goddess Raja Mathangi could also be used as written affirmations. The results are absolutely instantaneous and magical!
The western author, Thomas Ashley-Farrand has mentioned many mantras in his book, "Healing Mantras".
For health:
1)Rama Mantra-"AAPADAAMAPAHARTHAARAM DAATHAARAAM SARVA SAMPADAAM
LOKAABHIRAAMAM SREERAAMAM BHOOYO BHOOYO NAMAAMYAHAM."
2)Ganapathy Mantra-"OM GUM GANAPATHAYE NAMAHA"(to remove energy blockages and obstacles).
The above two mantras are two examples out of the innumerable mantras given in his book that has mantras for health, wealth, prosperity, peace, joy, love and marital relationships.

Soup for the sole!

Vishnu PaadamOur lives have become so conditioned that we spend most of our time without letting our feet come into direct contact with the ground. Most of the people (especially women ) after crossing their 30s suffer from foot pain that demands the usage of footwear even inside their homes. Many live in wall to wall carpeted houses/apartments. Outside our houses we use footwear made of all kinds of material. As a result we miss out on the most vital of energies derived from the magnetic field of Earth. Earth sends out magnetic energy through the soles of our feet, this energy not only enters and infuses our bodies, it also releases stagnated and stale energy. All kinds of material used as footwear not only deprives us of the magnetic energy from Earth, the footwear by itself could be a carrier of negative energy!
Pranic healing states that Earth Prana is one of the most vital pranas (others are, divine prana:_derived from through meditation, air prana:-derived from the atmosphere, solar prana:- derived from sun and earth prana:- derived from the ground beneath our feet). By walking barefoot, the soles of our feet draw the pranic energy from the earth.
Walking barefoot in sand draws the purest of energies closest to the ocean. It also acts as a great reflexology massage. By walking unconstrained without footwear in the sand results in the stimulation of relevant reflexology points in the soles of the feet and their correlated organs throughout the body.
Standing on grassy or muddy ground with feet wide apart and visualising roots growing from the soles into the earth is a form of meditation. The practitioner inhales deeply, taking in all the vital energies through the roots of his/her soles all the way from below the earth. This practice is a tremendous energizer, simultaneously aiding in releasing the body-toxins.
Allowing bare feet to wriggle in lush, green and moist grass is absolutely rejuvenating. One could do that for hours together, feeling increasingly fresher by the minute!
Water is an equally pure and natural agent that aids in energizing the bodily chakras through our feet. We all know the magic of standing by the sea shore. Ocean waves, big and small, gentle and forceful, as they wash our feet magically rejuvenate us. A person in a state of depression or turmoil should try spending a few minutes alongside the sea shore with feet in sea-water. He/she would experience an immediate release from tension and negativity, feelings of hope and sheer positivity following closely on the heels! I remember the time when I dipped my feet in Holy Ganges in Haridwar, it felt as though I had taken a rebirth. It was such an overwhelming experience which I am not likely to forget!
At home it is best to immerse our feet in a basin of warm water. Adding a handful of rock salt and healing oils like eucalyptus energizes, cleanses and soothens tired feet, simultaneously removing all the negative energies which feet tend to absorb from public places. Keeping feet immersed in hot water activates Swadhishtana Chakra.
By walking barefoot in temples, ashrams and jeeva-samadhis of liberated souls, feet absorb great energies from the spiritually charged earth around such places.

Solely soul!

Goddess Radha's feet.

I had always wondered about the importance given to the feet of a person. We touch the feet of our parents, Gurus and elders. We meditate on the feet of God/Goddess. The famous "Paduka Sahasram" by Sri. Vedantha Desikar is all about the footwear ("padukas") of Lord Ranganatha. All the vaishnavite temples have "Vishnu Padam" (Feet of Lord Vishnu).
This subject about feet brings to my mind an incident-In 1993, (just a year before Maha Periyava's Brahmaleenam) I had been to Kanchipuram for the darshan of Maha Periyava. His Holiness was seated in an easy chair, His gaze blankly surveying the overwhelming crowd of devotees thronging the place around Him. Devotees were craning their necks over each other to catch a glimpse of Maha Periyava. The two men flanking His Holiness bent down towards Maha Periyava to whisper something in His ears. Maha Periyava listened to them intently and nodded His head ever so slightly. The two men bent down to lift His legs and placed Them on a stool in front of Him. Placed in that angle, the soles of His Feet were pointed upwards, and the naked soles of His feet were clearly visible to all of us. The devotees standing around me gasped in open wonderment and awe! They started pushing each other for a good view of Maha Periyava's feet, chanting aloud while doing so, "Paada Darshanam, Paapa Vimochanam, "Kamakshi Paadam!" I tried to hold the view of the smooth and glistening soles of His feet with my gaze, intending to store the image in my heart. It was a moment of great significance that left a deep impression in my heart!
That was the beginning of my contemplation on "feet". Due to my habit of interpreting words (lexigram or similar-sounding words), I felt there had to be an authentic theory behind the similar sounds of 'feet' and 'feat' . Feet / 'feat', thought-provoking indeed!
There is always a scientific reasoning behind every religious belief and based on this fact I had studied a little about feet reflexology and acupressure. The subjects are all about applying pressure on minute areas of the feet for healing. This pressure actually stimulates important points on the foot that transfers energy throughout the body to stimulate balance throughout the body.
Reflexology also states that the body is divided into five longitudinal zones on either side of the body totalling to ten. Every part or organ of the body is connected to the feet of the body. Ailments are diagnosed by feeling the feet and to treat the ailment, the corresponding pressure point in the foot is massaged. This also stimulates the flow of energy, blood, nutrients and nerve impulses to the corresponding zone thereby relieving the ailment in that particular zone.
Since feet contain the key points to each and every zone in the human body, the 'sole' of the foot could be described as the 'soul' of the body!
For maintaining the purity of the body temple, it is essential to keep the feet clear from bad energies that are mostly transmitted through footwear. These bad energies are absorbed by our footwear from various places outside our homes. Also the reason why we wash our feet as soon as we enter our homes!
Monks wear wooden 'padukas', probably because wood resists the invasion of negative energies! It is also understandable why we do not wear our footwear inside our homes.
A couple of months back, I fell sick with imaginary fever. The thermometer would read normal temperature, but I would still be feeling feverish. I tried various medication, but nothing worked. A reiki healer and clairvoyant who is a good friend told me that the shoes I used for treadmill were polluted with bad energies which was causing the ailment. As I threw my shoes away I gradually experienced a release from my feverish condition! Shoe is not merely footwear, bad energies are shooed away by shoes!
Our souls are in our soles - the sole reason being that, feet are not just about pedicure!

Decoding Cosmos!

"Enthamaathramuna Evvaru Thalachina Antha Maathramu Nuvvu", the opening lines of the famous Annamacharya Krithi is translated as:- "O Lord, You assume whatever form that is attributed to You by Thy devotee!"

Fantasy plays a big part in our lives. We fantasize about material and emotional fulfillment in our day to day life. Fantasy, is a powerful form of meditation as the mind is focused on the desired object/relationship. Over a period of time many of us attain our desires as a result of the intensity of our thoughts and wishes. Even God is realized through fervent thought-practice and staunch conviction that He is in and around us. As the famous saying goes, "God is in faith"! To fantasize about God, the practitioner needs to have a chosen deity. Since God responds only to emotional appeal, it is mandatory to choose a specific relationship with Him/Her (in case of a Goddess). A clinical approach to God does not work. Love and faith gradually train mind and eye to become vigilant for identifying messages from the cosmos.

I started this practice many years ago, I vividly remember the time when I used to take my daughters for their swimming classes in Savera. I used to sit by the pool and imagine God, Lord Venkateswara, in all His finery streched out as Lord Ranganatha on the other side of the pool. I alternate between Lord Venkateswara and Goddess Durga whenever I spin yarn out of my fanciful thoughts about God's presence in my day to day life.

Then comes observation, this part is absolutely blissful and exciting! It may take a while for the trained eye to figure out messages from God. When curious messages, occurrences and coincidences (hinting at the presence of God )are recognized by the psychic core of our minds (call it premonition or intuition!) we can be convinced that we are finally THERE! The messages could come in the subtlest of forms or manner, it depends upon the ability of the practitioner to interpret the message from God. The understanding manifests itself into Truth or God! For a practitioner who is not convinced by cosmic messages, God remains in His Nowhere Land and would not budge! For the non-believer God remains as inaccessible as ever!
To invoke God, the best thing would be to develop feelings of love and kinship towards Him.
A clinical approach to God is a big no-no! God responds ONLY to emotional appeal! Love and belief gradually train the mind and eye to be vigilant and alert for grasping messages from God.

I couldn't help but notice a few coincidences of late. I found that whenever I checked my mobile for missed calls or messages, the time would read as 12:12, 10:10, 03:03, etc.,always showing even hours and minutes on my mobile. My instinct would nag me that God was making His presence felt ("KAALOSMI"- "I AM TIME" as Lord Krishna stated in Bhagavad Gita)! After convincing myself that it was indeed God Himself who was revealing His divine presence through the even hour/minutes that showed on my mobile, I started treating my mobile reverentially. My observation has further led me to believe that when the time showed as 10:37, 12:48, 09:36, 06:24 etc. (the minutes adding up exactly to the sum of the hour), even that implied God! At times when the time (during my random check for missed calls or messages) showed one or two minutes lesser than 10:10 or 07:34 etc., I would wait for the one or two minutes to pass to feast my eyes on God!
During instances like travel by car, flight or train or while stationed in some place, my gaze would casually encounter messages like "Sri Kamakshi Thunai", "Do not fear, I am here" etc. on lorries, buses or cars. When I look at pictures of fierce looking lions (representing Goddess Durga), elephants (for Lord Vighneswara), monkeys (for Lord Anjaneya) etc., I recognize them as my guardians .
Way back in 1994, I had a terrifying experience while flying from Coimbatore to Chennai (returning from a holiday in Ooty). The air turbulence was so intense that I thought I would not survive the flight! It took me a very long time to get over my phobia for flights. In the midst of my fear of flying, I had to take up a journey to London for a veena concert. I prayed fervently to Lord Ranganatha to make my journey pleasant without air pockets and turbulence. Despite all my prayers, during the flight my knees were shaking and my palms wet and sweaty due to fear. After sometime I heard the captain of the flight announce that we were flying across Madurai (close to Trichy, Srirangam) and I got goosebumps listening to the announcement. I recognized it as God's way of declaring that He was protecting me! I was simply thrilled! As though the assurance was not enough, another miracle took place just then!
Sensing somebody occupying the empty seat next to me. I turned to notice that he was an elderly Indian. It was obvious that he sat next to me to strike a conversation. He asked me curiously, "Are you Veena Gayathri?"
Small talk was the last thing I needed, at the same time I was glad to have company to be able to keep my mind off the flight! I replied with a tired smile, "Yes".
He introduced himself,"I am Rangarajan"! His name made me jerk my head towards him, my eyes growing wide in awe and wonder!
All through the journey, the gentleman discussed music and the temple rituals in Lord Ranganatha's temple in Srirangam (he told me that one of his relatives worked as a priest in the temple!). Time flew and I hardly noticed the flight. In London Heathrow Airport, Mr.Rangarajan refused to leave my side till the organisers came to meet me. Walking along with the organisers I turned to look behind. Mr.Rangarajan was still there, waving goodbye to me with a smile!
On my return to India I knew it would be too much to ask God for a repeat performance, but somehow I couldn't shake off the premonition that He would once again escort me back to India. While I was pondering about the curious ways of the Divine, I heard a voice from behind, "Gayathri! Neeyaa!!". I turned back to find ghatam vidwan, Sri. T.H.Subashchandran looking at me in surprise and delight. I had known Sri.Subash from my childhood as he had accompanied me on mridangam as well as ghatam for many of my concerts.
"Subash Anna! How nice to see you!" Being in the company of any member of Sri. T.H.Vinayakram's family feels like being in a religious discourse about Maha Periyava. The members of the entire family are staunch devotees of Maha Periyava of Kanchi Mutt. I was simply thrilled to know that my premonition had come true and that God would be with me on my way back to India too.
On the way to London if the conversation between Sri.Rangarajan and myself was all about Srirangam temple and Lord Ranganatha, on the way back to India the conversation between me and Subash Anna was all about Maha Periyava and the miracles He performed in the lives of His devotees!

God is within our grasp, it is simply an art of decoding cosmic signals!

Ojas And Tejas

David Frawley, in his book Yoga and Ayurveda has given valuable information about Ojas and Tejas (Chapter 7-Prana,Ojas and Tejas).

He defines "Ojas" as 'Primal Vigour'. The subtle energy of water as the stored -up vital reserve, the basis for physical and mental endurance; the internalized essence of digested food, water, air, impressions and thought. On an inner level it is responsible for nourishing and grounding the development of all higher faculties.

David Frawley defines "Tejas" as 'Inner Radiance'. The subtle energy of fire as the radiance of vitality through which we digest air, impressions and thoughts. On an inner level, it governs the unfoldment of all higher perceptual capacities. 'Tejas' makes a person to attract and magnetise people to himself/herself through radiance and a divine glow.
The functions of 'Ojas':-
It is the latent state of reproductive fluid that provides not only reproductive power but strength in general and nourishes all the bodily tissues from within, particularly the nerve tissue. He also states that Ojas is our power of endurance and ability to sustain us, not only sexually but through all forms of exertion, physical and mental.
The functions of 'Tejas':-
Tejas is the activated state of reproductive fluid when it is transformed into heat, passion and will power. This occurs not only in sexual activity but whenever we are challenged or need to exert ourselves. Tejas gives us valour, courage and daring. In yoga this force is necessary to enable us to perform tapas or transformative spiritual practices.
Increasing 'Ojas':-
1) Right Diet
2)Tonic Herbs
3)Control of Sexual Energy
4)Control of Senses
5)Devotion (bhakthi Yoga)

Right Diet:-This means strictly vegetarian which involves whole grains, seeds and nuts, oils, root vegetables and naturl sugars.Cruder form of "Ojas" is developed through animal products, but hardly of any value for the spiritual path.Basically the diet has to be "sattvik" in nature like whole grains, dairy products, seeds, nuts, oils and sweet fruit.

Tonic Herbs:-They have qualities of enhancing and rejuvenating the system, like 'Ashwagandha' and 'Ginseng' which are taken along with food.

Control of Sexual Energy:-This means reducing the discharge of reproductive fluid. This is crucial for the development of additional 'Ojas'.This can be achieved by reduced sexual activity, or activity devoid of gratification, the type of practice taught in tantric and Taoist sexual yogas. It is not the question of morality, but retention of energy.Sexual energy being the strongest energy of the body, it is necessary as a fuel to carry on with spiritual practices for advancement. Sexual promiscuity is a strict no-no. It has to be done with spiritual aspiration and not as a mere repression, which cannot take the spiritual aspirant very far.

Control of Senses:-This requires reducing the amount of energy lost through sensory indulgence, which includes avoiding most forms of entertainment, particularly through mass media (television-watching soap-operas, serials, film songs, dance and music competitive programmes- eduacational, academic and classical form of music and dance within limits are exempted from the above.Video games, computer usage for meaningless chatting, emailing, browsing wasted and undesirable sites, playing card games out of boredom etc., reading magazines, fiction etc. for pleasure fall under the category of sensory indulgence.)
Much energy is lost through eyes and ears. This is a part of the practice of 'prathyahara' or withdrawal from the senses in Raja Yoga. Over use of motor organs can also deplete 'Ojas', particularly too much talking because the vocal organ is the most important of these. Overwork or overexertion of ny type should be avoided when 'Ojas' is low.

Devotion:-Bhakthi yoga is the best practice for developing 'Ojas'. This means redirecting our emotional energy inwardly through love of God in whatever form or relationship dearest to us. Devotion halps us to control senses and sexuality and transmutes animal emotions into more refined feelings. This can be achieved through various forms of devotional worship, rituals, prayers, repeating divine names, and serice to God and Guru.

Increasing Tejas:- Once Ojas is sufficient, it can be turned into 'Tejas' without depleting it. Tejas is primarily developed through:
1)Control of speech and other austerities
2)Mantra
3)Concentration exercises
4)Yoga of knowledge (Gnana Yoga)

Control of Speech:-
This means avoiding aimless talking and gossiping, also avoiding critical, sarcastic and abusive speech. Periods of silence are very helpful, like avoiding speech for one day in a week or being silent in the evening. This practice helps in enhancing internal energy apart from taking the aspirant into the witness state. Other austerities like fasting or staying awake in the night, are helpful in developing 'Tejas' as they increase the fire of determination.

Mantra:-Mantra is a higher form of control of speech that develops the inner fire. The Goddess Kundalini is said to wear the garland of the letters of the Sanskrit alphabets around Her neck. She is made up of Mantra. Repitition of 'bija' mantras like, 'hreem', 'kleem', 'shreem','om', etc. is one way of Mantra austerity. Longer mantras like Gayathri Mantra are extremely good. Initially it is advisable to recite mantras aloud for a short period of time, then muttered with a low voice for a longer period, and then repeated on a purely mental level for a yet longer period. Incidentally "Shrim" and"Krim" are useful bija mantras for increasing Ojas and Prana respectively.

Concentration Exercises:-They are "dharana' exercises like focussing the mind on a particular object outside, like a flame. Internal visualization of the form of a deity, an element, an idea or truth principle comes in the category of concentration exercises. Concentration kindles th inner fire to come forth. The most important concenration technique for increasing 'Tejas' is visualization of inner light in the region of the third eye. Tejas is what allows the third eye to open.

Yoga of Knowledge:-The yoga of knowledge is fire-predominant, particularly the practice of various forms of inquiry, like Self-inquiry. This consists of contemplation of 'atman' while letting go of other thoughts. Tejas arises out of development of discrimination (viveka), which means discerning the eternal from the transient, the unchanging truth from the changing names and forms. This is the main movement of our inner intelligence (buddhi) as it awakens in us as insight.

Above are excerpts from David Frawley's, Yoga and Ayurveda.

ENERGY BEARERS 1

(Photograph of Moonstone )

Gems are not only precious, they can be semi-precious too! Gems and crystals are terrific energy-carriers. People who believe in the benefits of gems generally tend to overlook the importance of cleansing and energising the gem or crystal they wear on their body. The open-back style (for the rays of the gems to fall on the finger related to the corresponding mount)finger rings are meant for astrological purposes. Such rings are prone to dust and fungus collection between the metal and the gem behind the ring. Bad energies gather around fungus and dust collection, blocking the positive vibrations of the stone! Consequently the gem fails to yield the expected good results and gradually may even bring negativity into the life of the wearer.

Washing the rings with ordinary soap water is recommended. To clean the insides thoroughly, keep aside a new,unused toothbrush, which will ensure that every particle of dust and fungus is removed from the open-set ring. To energise, the rings have to be immersed in a copper glass of fresh water overnight. It is also recommended to wash the same in milk (unboiled). Finally incense sticks are used to energise the rings further.

Even the most beneficial gems operate effectively when they are worn periodically. Constant and continuous wear of the same gem-ring tends to gradually slow down to zero-activity. This could happen for apparently no reason, but the fact remains the same! By using it periodically (alternate between wearing for a month, or two weeks or 10 days to keeping it aside for a week , ten days, one fortnight or even a month!) the wearer gains the added benefit of experiencing a fresh surge of positivity, boosting his morale as well as his prosperity!

In a discussion with a gem specialist, I learnt that the wearer would attain instant wealth (money in the form of a bonus, gift or even lottery) by wearing or keeping a Garnet close to his body! But using the same stone for a longer period than the required amount of time could produce ulcers in the stomach, or any other abdominal problem! He even said the required period of using the Garnet varies from one person to another and it is difficult to determine the exact duration suitable for different individuals.

I also learnt that the usage of American diamond helps in weight reduction! Pearl and Moonstone are the friends of women. These stones set in an open ring (of gold or silver) are best worn on the index finger. Even though the index finger is identified with the mount of Jupiter and recommended for usage of Jupiter related stones like Yellow Saphire or Topaz, this finger is most suited for the usage of Pearl and Moonstone essentially because certain nerves of this finger are directly connected to the brain! The lustre, coolness and tranquility of Pearl or Moonstone when worn on index finger are transmitted to the brain, the effect of which is startlingly evident within just one week of using the stone. The wearer gets sound sleep, there is an added lustre in the countenance and complexion of the wearer and a general feeling of well-being. The negative aspect of continuous usage of either Pearl or Moonstone is hyper-senstivity. It makes the wearer highly emotional and touchy to the point of breaking into tears at the drop of a hat! Moon being the karaka of mind, its stones,Pearl and Moonstone naturally influence the mind.Whenever this point of touchiness is reached, it is advisable to remove the stone and keep it aside for a while. The best way to energise Pearl or Moonstone is by immersing them in a cup of purified water (not tap water) and keeping them exposed to the rays of a full-moon. For that matter, all other gems also benefit from energising in a similar manner. Pearl and Moonstone are representatives of the Goddess Herself! Most of the slokas of Soundarya Lahari compare Goddess to the moon and Her lustre to that of a Moonstone!

Moonstone brings out psychic abilities in people. Moonstone helps in heightening intuition and also fulfills wishes. For people suffering from insomnia, Moonstone is ideal. Even if it is not worn on the index finger, it could be held in the palm of the hand or kept under the pillow to drift into a dreamless slumber!

For anybody into gardening, they would see miraculous results by watering plants wearing a Moonstone pendant or carrying the stone close to the body. It is even better if the water runs down over the Moonstone and onto the plants for abundant growth and fertility!

It is highly recommended to carry a Moonstone in the shirt pocket to one's own business venue or for meetings to ensure maximum productivity!

The Moon Dasa (Chandra Dasa) and natives who belong to Kataka Rasi (Punarvasu 4th Padam, Pushyami, all the 4 Padams and Aslesha, all the four Padams) are generally advised to wear Pearl or Moonstone. This is a safe stone that can be used by anybody!

For people who believe in idealistic stuff, here is the method for wish fulfillment through Moonstone: Place a Moonstone on the palm of your hand and whisper your wish to it.Keep it exposed to the rays of a full moon and let it remain there till the next full moon, the moon will ensure that your wish gets fulfilled!

Diamonds and Blue Saphires are extremely potent stones capable of yielding remarkably good or bad results. It is always advisable to test them before buying them, like placing them under the pillow during night time and holding them close to the body during daytime. Princess Diana lost her precious life within hours of wearing a Diamond Solitaire gifted by Dodi Fayed.

(To be continued.........)

Coffee /Self-Defense!

I had done my first level in Pranic Healing under Master Cliff Saldanha who is a great pranic healer and a clairvoyant. His training had been most absorbing and enlightening! I was fascinated to learn about chakras bearing different names ( there are additional chakras in pranic healing) according to Grand Master Choa Kok Sui's Pranic Healing, the founder of Pranic Healing. A Filipino of Chinese descent, he also holds a degree in Chemical Engineering and is a succesful businessman. He has authored many books and had extensively used his God-given gifts to touch countless lives. He had also conducted many lectures and workshops worldwide on pranic healing.

Pranic healing has eleven major chakras against our 'Shat Chakras' (6)or seven chakras including the Sahasrara Chakra (which are the 1)Mooladhara, 2)Swadhishtana, 3)Manipooraka, 4)Anahatha, 5)Vishudhi, 6)Agna and 7)Sahasrara Chakras).

The eleven major chakras in pranic healing are:-1) Basic Chakra, 2)Sex Chakra, 3)Meng Mein Chakra, 4)Navel Chakra, 5)Spleen Chakra, 6)Solar Plexus Chakra, 7)Heart Chakra, 8)Throat Chakra, 9)Ajna Chakra, 10)Forehead Chakra and 11)Crown Chakra.

Pranic healing is all about cleansing and energising the chakras mentioned above while treating a particular ailment or for general health. Meng Mein Chakra should never be energised, it can be cleansed- BUT NEVER ENERGISED! Energising or over-energising this chakra is bound to cause severe high blood pressure! (Master Cliff Saldanha, during his class joked -"Even if you fight with your mother-in-law, don't energise her Meng Mein Chakra!")

I was fascinated by the chakra-theory behind pranic healing, but all the extensive sweeping and gestures required to carry out a healing session came in way of my veena practice, as a result I do self-healing when absolutely necessary.

In the advanced therapy, colours are used for healing. I remember the time when I had cut my left hand middle finger while I was chopping carrots and I had to perform in The Music Academy the very next evening! Frantic with worry I rang up my musician friend (who has done his basic as well as advanced courses in pranic healing) for some quick colour prana-remedy. He advised me to apply Blue Prana which relieved me of my pain within no time and despite an ugly gash on my left hand middle finger, I gave a pain-free concert on the very next day in Academy!

Apart from healing physical ailments, Pranic Healing also deals with psychic self-defense against attacks by black magicians. Master Choa Kok Sui recommends water, salt and coffee bath for psychic self-defense. The method is as follows:-

Prepare a bath of warm water. Put 2 or 3 kilos of salt in it, then add 250-300 grams of pure instant coffee. Soak in the bath tub for 15-20 minutes. While in the bath, you may invoke for divine help and protection. After this, take a shower to wash the body.

The water, salt and coffee bath has a deep cleansing effect. People usually feel much lighte after taking it. It can also be used for self-healing. Salt breaks down dirty, diseased/destructive energies while coffee has the abiltiy to expel them. Unfortunately, to a slight degree, it also expels some of the healthy pranic energy from the body. This may cause some people to temporarily feel tired after taking the bath. To neutralize this possible effect, it is necessary to take food supplements with high pranic energy content such as juices, powders or tablet of barley grass, wheat grass and other green stuff, ginseng and bee pollen before taking the bath. In severe cases of psychic attacks by black magicians, it is necessary to take the above mentioned bath once or twice a day for the next several days or weeks until the condition in normalised.