Thursday, February 2, 2012

Spiritual Calendar, February 2012

Lord Krishna, Narada & Yudhishtira

3rd February, 2012: Jaya Ekadasi is on a Friday. It is observed on the eleventh day of shukla paksha in Magh. Though Magh is an auspicious month for propitiating Shiva, this Ekadasi is also auspicious for Vishnu Puja. On this day, Lord Vishnu and Shiva are both worshipped. Keeping the Jaya Ekadasi Vrat gives devotees an opportunity to get rid of their sins and attain salvation.The legend of Jaya Ekadasi Vrata is explained in the Padma Purana as a conversation between Lord Krishna and Yudhistira.

Ekadashi comes twice a month, about four days before every amavasya and purnima. Devotees wake up early in the morning and offer arghya (water) to the Sun God, Lord Shiva and the tulsi plant. No cereal or rice is cooked and just milk and fruits are taken. Sadhakas chant at least 16 malas of the mahamantra

hare ram hare ram ram ram hare hare
hare krishna hare krishna krishna krishna hare hare


Lord Shiva

5th February, 2012: Lord Shiva's Pradosha Fast in the auspicious month of Magh. Pradosh means dusk and this fast is kept for propitiating Lord Shiva. With His blessings all desires are fulfilled and one attains spiritual enlightenment. People generally observe the Pradosha Vrata on every trayodashi tithi (13th lunar day falling in Krishna and Shukla Pakshas) in the evening. Please offer plain water and bel patra to Lord Shiva. The bel patra or leaf of the wood-apple tree represents the three eyes of Shiva and the three gunas.


Kindly bring your copy of 'The Bhagavad Gita' and join us in recitation/Kirtan from 5 pm onwards at revered Bharti ji and Vikasji's residence under the instructions of Prabhu Dhananjay ji.


Devotees Bathe at the Triveni in Allabhabad

7th February, 2012: Magh Purnima is on a Tuesday. Magh Purnima is the full moon day in the month of Magh (January – February) during which the famous Kumbh Mela and annual Magh Mela take place at the Triveni Sangam in Prayag, Allahabad. Thousands of Hindu devotees converge to take a holy dip at the confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati in Allahabad. It is an important day to bathe and for some Hindus, the last date of Magh Snana. Please take a dip in the Ganges, Yamuna or any other sacred river. There will be a great rush at Goverdhan/Vrindavan and Kamad Giri at Chitrakoot for parikrama or circumambulation.


It is believed that Vishwamitra II performed a ritual bath during the Kumbh Mela on a Magh Purnima in 2382 BCE. Maghi Purnima usually falls at the end of Magh and signals the end of the Kumbh Mela. Most Kalpvasis start their return journey from the Sangam on this day.


Saint Usha ji fondly Known as Bobo

9th February, 2012: Saint Ushaji's Punya Tithi (anniversary of her death) falls on a Thursday and will be observed at Gaura Nagar Colony , Vrindavan. Born on 30th July,1925, Usha Bahenji gained entry into Gauloka (where Lord Krishna forever dwells) in 1992 after Basant Panchami but before Sri Shivrtari. In this way both the festivals were unaffected, a truly sublime happening! Highly revered Susheela Bahenji requests everyone to reach Vrindavan in time as the program starts sharp at 9 am.


Chaitanya Mahaprabhu & Swami Ramakrishna Paramhansa were secular saints of India and inspired Saint Usha ji fondly known as Bobo. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu embraced Haridas sji, a Muslim whereas Swami Ramakrishna Paramhansa though a great devotee of goddess Kali, actually practised Islam and Christianity for some months.


Lord Brahma & Narada

18th Februay, 2012: Vijaya Ekadasi is on a Saturday. It is observed during the krishna paksha of the Phalgun Month as per the North Indian calendar. Those who observe this Ekadasi are said to triumph. This fact is highlighted in the Skanda Purana and narrated by Lord Brahma to Sage Narada.


Lord Rama Wanting to Cross the Ocean

Legend has it that Lord Rama and his army comprising of monkeys and bears was searching for a means to cross the ocean to reach Lanka.That is when Lakshman spoke of a great Saint living nearby, who could provide them with a solution. It is this sage who raved about Vijaya Ekadasi and said that observing it would make Lord Rama victorious.

It is said that demon Mura found a place to dwell in grains of rice and Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Ekadasi to annihilate Mura. Therefore devotees who fast on the day of Ekadashi, avoid food made from grains and rice


Swami Ramakrishna Paramhansa Worshipped Goddess Kali

18th February, 2012: Jayanti of Swami Ramakrishna Paramhansa He was born on 18th Feb 1836 in West Bengal in Kamarpukur, some 70 miles from Calcutta. Later Swami Vivekananda, Brahamanada and others became his disciples and set up Ramakrishna Missions, Ramakrishna Maths and hospitals all over India and the world. He lived in this mundane world for 50 years and worshipped Goddess Kali. Swami Ramakrishna also practised Christianity and Muslim rituals to endorse that all religions lead to one God if one is sincerely unbiased, in his commitments.


A great saint inspired by Swami Ramkrishan Paramhansa to renounce this world was Sri Sri Balkrishan Das ji Maharaj of Vrindavan. He had experienced the highest ideal of religious rapture by relishing Shri Radha-Krishna's madhurya or sweet romance.


Lord Krishna

18th February: Lord Krishna leaves earth A truly interesting fact is that about 5100 years ago, Lord Krishna left this material world and scholars have found that the date in the English calendar was 18th February, 3102 B.C.! The period after his disappearance marks the beginning of Kaliyuga.


20th February, 2012: The Maha Shivratri Fast is on a Monday.


The Festival of Mahashivratri

Maha Shivratri, the night of the worship of Shiva is celebrated every year on the 13th night/14th day of the krishna paksha or waning phase of the moon in Phalgun. Along with keeping a fast, cold water and bel patra (leaves of the wood apple tree) are offered to the lingam during the day. The festival is celebrated by traditional offerings such as bathing Shiva in milk, panchamruta (milk,curd,ghee,sugar and honey [the symbols of sustenance]),one after the other in succession; or anointing the lingam with vermilion (kumkum), white consecrated rice and askshata, (symbols of fertility or creation), when Shiva is worshipped as the god of dissolution.


The three principal reasons for Shivratri are:

Sadashiv, the Cosmic Form of Shiva

1] Sadashiv, the cosmic form of Lord Shiva, appeared as 'Lingodbhav Moorti' precisely at midnight on Maha Shivratri. That is why all Shiva devotees keep vigil during the night of Shivratri and do abhishek of the Shivalingam (the form in which Shiva is worshipped). It is the night when Shiva performed the tandava nritya or the dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction.


Lord Vishnu is Born as Krishna

It is believed that Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as Krishna, was born in Gokul in the middle of the night on Janamashtami, 180 days after Shivratri. Amazingly the circle of one year is divided into two by the festivities of Shivratri and Janamashtami.


Marriage of Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati

2] Lord Shiva was married to Goddess Parvati on Shivratri. Shiva without Parvati is an absolute 'Nirgun Brahman' (formless static God), whereas with Parvati, or purna-shakti, the most complete form of divine feminine energy, He becomes the 'Sagun Brahman' for his dedicated devotees.


Shiva as Neelkantham

3] On Shivratri, Lord Shiva became 'Neelkantham' or the blue-throated one by swallowing the deadly poison, halahala, that came up when the devas and asuras churned the sea to obtain the nectar of immortality. Even a drop of the poison would have annihilated the entire world but Shiva held it in His neck, which turned blue with its impact.Ever since Shivratri is celebrated as a day of thanksgiving to the Lord for protecting us from destruction.


At highly revered saint Sushila Bahinji's Gaura Colony the festival is celebrated with Thakurji. At our residence that is 'Hari:Vrinda Dham', chanting of Om Namah Shivay and Lord Shiva-Parvati vivah from Baalkand doha 88 to 103 ( Goswami Tulsidassji's Sri Ramcharitmanas) given on pages 28 to 37 of the new edition of the Sankirtan & Stuti Dhara will be read from 2 to 4 pm. Due to my Dialysis on the same day from 4 pm onwards, co-operation is requested and all are cordially invited.


Shri Banke Bihari in Vrindavan

21st February, 2012: Phalgun Amavasya On this amavasya or new moon day, devotees throng to the Sri Banke Bihari Temple and since this is the holy month of Phalgun, the rush will be much greater. It is the last day of krishna paksha or waning phase of the moon. The Amavasya is also popularly known as the Maha Shivaratri Amavasya as the day prior to Amavasya is celebrated as the festival of Maha Shivaratri.




21st February, 2012: Gaulok Gaman Diwas of revered Kamda Bahen ji (mother of Sri Piyush and Shalini Aggarwal). As Bobo was being taken for union with the divine, Shri Kamda Bahen a devout recipient of Usha Bahenji's grace, made an obeisance and prayed, “Bobo! Do take me along too.Take me along.” And Kamda Bahenji also departed when Bobo was being taken to be consigned to the Yamuna's water, as if she had come readily prepared in advance.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

' Lokpavan Bhaijee Shri Hanuman Prasad ji Poddar '-VI


Storehouse of Bhaijee's Spiritual Wealth-II


Lord Krishna Resides in Everyone

Keep in Mind: God resides in everyone. The Almighty is manifest in all living beings. Therefore whichever form of His needs any object at any time and if you have it, then sans arrogance hand it over to Him with loving tenderness with this feeling ' I am offering God's possession back to Him'.


Serve Mankind with Loving Tenderness

Do Remember: The one who does true service, forever perceives the Almighty in every being, everywhere in this mundane world. It his innate nature to attend to the needs of others. He is not affected by the superior and inferior, one's own and another's, friends and foes. He considers it his good fortune whenever he gets an opportunity to serve.

Keep in Mind: There is neither any publicity nor any shop which opens for seva or service. Attending to others' needs is an instinctive nature of the servitor. The purpose of seva is—whatever resources-stock-body-wealth, knowledge-wisdom one is endowed, and whatever energy one has, is intended for seva. Having no sort of personal desire, humbly use these assets in attending to others.


Be the Thread & Not the Needle

Do Remember: Arrogance distances us from God whereas humility transports us to the feet of the Supreme Being. Instead of highlighting others sins be good-hearted and conceal them. A needle makes a hole but thread gives a portion of its body and fills that gap. In the same fashion offer your body to fill the cavities (drawbacks) of others and do not excavate them. Become a thread and not the needle.


Soothe the Wounds of Others

Keep in Mind: Speaking in a haughty voice and treating a poor person, in a harsh and uncouth manner is akin to offending God; because the Almighty is present in front, in the form of that needy person. Thus speak to everyone in a sweet voice and tenderly; 'Through your humbly tender nectarine voice and behaviour, make the sweet cool flow of ambrosia gush forth. Pouring ambrosia into hearts burning with the poison of sorrow, make them cool, calm, sweet and stripped of venom. And do all this for the sake of serving God and considering it to be his energy, motivation and possession. God will be very pleased with your seva which is sans pride and so generous, and His pleasure will make your life supremely fruitful.


The Supreme Soul Dwells in Everyone

Do not ever let the feeling of revenge creep into your mind. Even if someone does wrong to you, abuses you, defames you and hits you, do not either harm anyone, wish for their downfall, or be thrilled to see them hurt. Forgive them, deep within your heart. Just as one does not want to punish oneself for any fault he has done—and wishes to be pardoned. In the same manner, considering that our soul exists in everyone like us, pardon every being. Harbouring revenge is very evil. A person who wants to take revenge does not ever get peace, joy and love in this material world and becomes a fiend after death. He drowns himself and spreading the evil atoms of enmity in the atmosphere, brings harm to others, as well.

Sorrow is the means from which humaneness evolves. A true human being's life blossoms in grief just as the sheen of gold shines when it is heated.


Fruition for Our Deeds has Been Ordained by the Supreme Being

Do Remember: Whatever fruition we attain whether it is most wanted or least desired by us, has been auspiciously ordained by the Supreme Being, for certain. Do not wish for anything which is contrary to this fact, do not ever be discontented but regarding it to be the sacred prasad of the Almighty, exalt it. In case you want anything from God or desire anything from Him just ask and wish for 'O auscipicous God, may your wish be fulfilled. May I have no desire apart from what you wish and in case I do at any point of time, do not fulfill the same.


Be Kind to Lepers & the Disabled

Keep in Mind: When anyone hurts you even slightly, you are so grieved or suffer so much. In the same way the other person also suffers. Therefore do not harbour a feeling of causing harm to others even a bit. Forever keep praying to God that 'O God! Grant me such good sense that I do not became the reason for bringing sorrow or hurting any child of yours in the material world which is your creation.' Always work and long for the true well-being of others and adopt the conduct of serving others, as far as practicable. Seeing lepers, the disabled, wretched-poor understand--' they are bearing the bhoga (fruit) of their karmas (deeds). You reap exactly what you sow.' Do not scorn them, hate them and do not ever hurt them by being rude. However great a sinner he may be because of his past deeds, your task is not to look at his sins, your duty is to work for his good and serve him as per your energy.


Attend to the Needs of Others

Forget About: If any living being is served through you then do not be proud of the fact that you have been of help to him. However certainly consider that the joy he has got by the seva which has been done by you is certainly the fruition of some virtuous deed of his. You have just been used as a medium for this reason. Be grateful to the Almighty, who made you a medium for bringing happiness t youo someone and be thankful to that living being who accepted your service.


The Law of Karma

If any harm comes is wrought to you by someone, do not be miserable on this account and regard it to be the fruition of some earlier deed done by you. Do not ever let this thought come to mind that a certain person has wrought harm to you. Firmly believe that in the durbar (royal court) of the Supreme Being there is never any injustice. Believe that the adversity which has struck you is surely the fruition of some deed done by you in the past.

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

' Lokpavan Bhaijee Shri Hanuman Prasad ji Poddar '- V

Storehouse of Bhaijee's Spiritual Wealth


Shri Hanuman Prasad ji Poddar

Three things are predominant in what I (Shri Hanuman Prasad ji Poddar) gained spiritually, apart from the grace of saints:


Have Implicit Faith in the Supreme Being


Seeing God in everyone

Having implicit faith in mercy of the Almighty

Taking absolute refuge in the Name of God


Precisely this is my 'immeasurable wealth' and it is so very vast that even on being grasped by countless people it is not diminished. If any of you wish to become my representative, perceive God in everyone, respect and work for the well-being, joy and accomplishment of mankind. Be deeply absorbed in the gushing flow of the Lord's infinite grace which is forever showered, for no particular reason. And continue to due the japa and kirtan (congregational singing of devotional songs) of God's Name with dedicated devotion and faith. Once you follow these three steps, spiritual gain is inevitable.


Mirabai Seeking Refuge in Lord Krishna

Have Faith—God is the supreme refuge; though the entire world may forget you, all family members may turn away their face from you and you may forever be without shelter. Just once having faith in His supreme protection, do His smarana (intense recollection) deep in you heart. Soon enough, you will find that you get such a madhur or sweet and definite support of the Almighty.


God is All-Powerful

Believe In—God is All-Powerful. However dire your sorrow may be, however dreadful your misfortunes may be and your adversity may not be avertable by anyone, all of them are diminutive in front of God's power. Having faith, call out to the All-Powerful One—his energy will promptly help you and instantly you mountaineous grief and troubles will fly away like a heap of lampblack.


Lord Rama Showers His Grace on Us

Remember—God's grace is being showered on you, every single day and constantly, it is forever bathing you from all angles. Not a single moment passes when you are deprived of God's mercy. How is that possible, anyway? You happen to be His own most lovable creation! What mercy can he have on you when love gushes forth in His heart every second. Believe me, he has truly or actually taken you in his lap ever since you were born one never knows from which unknown age. He has not distanced you for even a single moment. His propitious hand has always been on your head and you are constantly receiving his cool-sweet touch.


The Energy of the Almighty Resides in You

Believe In—You are not needy and deficient but are pure and enlightened. You are immortal and great, the energy of the Almighty abounds in you, and you can do whatever you want. The only point which is lacking, is that you do not believe that you are so dear to the Lord. Have implicit faith and finding God's grace to be so very evident, become supremely joyous. Always keep in mind that faith in oneself is the key to success, is the main mantra of triumph and the magnet which draws the grace of the Almighty.


Have Faith in Krishna & You Shall Triumph

Have Faith—There is no such object, no such rank, no such learning, no such situation in this world—which you can not attain. Have confidence in your inner or spiritual strength, be absolutely determined and then watch, success will fall at your feet. Those things which you long for, consider that life has been successful when they come to you. Virtually nothing is impossible in front of your inner strength.


Renounce Worldly Goods & Sensual Pleasures

As long as you will regard worldly objects to be your own and be attached to them, you will never be free from anxiety. They are perishable and ephemeral goods which will not let you rest in peace. Abandon fondness and infatuation for them, and hand them over to whoever they belong. And that's it! As soon as you entrust them to the Almighty, you will be free of all worries. Thereafter, there will be neither be any fear of their ruin, nor any worry of their absence and nor any ardent longing of their likes.


Makes others happy if you want happiness, if your desire honour respect others, you wish to gain then work for the well-being of others, and in case you want evil to befall you, then hurt other beings. Do not forget that you will reap what you sow. Deficiency or excess of the fruition will depend on the soil.


Jagjanani, the Mother Goddess, Loves Her Children

The poor-deficient, simple and helpless children happen to be more dear to the mother. Needy children are much dearer to *Jagjanani, the Mother Goddess,who is a form of the Supreme Being. Therefore if you wish to get the love of the Mother Goddess, become fond of those children of hers, and bring joy to them. The Mother Goddes will be instinctively pleased and keep Her hand which gives blessings on your head. Thus you will easily accomplish your spiritual purpose.


Hanumana Makes the Bridge for Lord Rama to Lanka

Keep in Mind—Whatever is your own, actually belongs to God and is for serving the Almighty. Considering it to be your personal property and using it just for gratification of your senses, is being dishonest. Safe guard yourself from this dishonesty, and earmark the resources for attending to the needs of God.

Jagjanani: According to Hindu mythology, Adi Parashakti—the Goddess, Devi—is the Supreme Being and recognized as Para Brahman. Parvati, the goddess of power, is the truest material form of the Goddess, possessing the three qualities (Sattva, rajas, or tamas).

Monday, January 30, 2012

'Lokpavan Bhaijee Shri Hanuman Prasad ji Poddar'-IV

Shri Hanuman Prasad ji Poddar, Fondly Known as Bhaijee

Union with the Divine


On Vaishakh Shukla 4, year 1984 (4th May, 1927), Bhaijee said in front of seven to eight loving devotees that it was imperative for sadhakas (spiritual aspirants) to make some fixed rules and dedicatedly follow them for sadhana (striving for union with the divine). One can not get peace without the proper means. Therefore if you people are ready we can make a sadhan-samiti and chalk out some religious observances for its members. The religious restraints should be respectfully followed with austerity, through which the goals of human life can be attained. All the people joyously agreed to the proposal. After discussion, fifteen restrictions and twelve sub-rules were laid out.

The Main Regulations of Bhaijee's Sadhna Samiti:
  • Food Intake—All spices were to be given up, apart from salt. The meal had to made up of five ingredients at the most. Like (1) flour or rice (2)ghi or clarified butter (3) lentils(4)salt (5) spinach or some milk product.
  • Clothes—At the most four outfits made of hand woven local yarn (apart from langota or loin-cloth and angocha or towel for drying the body)

Japa or Incantation
  • Japa or incantation—One must definitely chant three malas (string of beads) of the sixteen-word Maha Mantra every single day before eating anything. And one must complete 14 malas of this mantra before going off to sleep.
  • Virtuous Conduct—One must not ever get angry and certainly not do any action because of anger.

Brahmacharya
  • Brahmacharya or chastity—See to it that you do not have sexual intercourse with your wife, more than once in a month.

Upasana
  • Upasana or a prescribed method for worshipping God—You must definitely be present for an hour to pray at a fixed time and at a fixed place, as a part of your daily regime.
Instructions—Attend to a problem, keeping the restrictions of the Samiti in mind
a) Do penance according to regulations of the Samiti.
b)Never reveal matters of the Samiti to anyone, without its permission.

Lord Vishnu & Arjuna in The Bhagavad Gita
  • Shrimad Bhagavad Gita—Do paath (read this sacred text)while understanding the meaning of one chapter, every day.

Sandhya Vandanam
  • Sandhya Vandanam: Follow the religious observances of sandhya (which is perhaps one of the best daily routines of prayer, thanksgiving, and mantra meditation ever offered to mankind) gayatri (chanting the gayatri mantra) and svadhyaya (self-study or introspection) in accordance with the prescribed rules. There must be at least half an hour of sitting in one aasan (posture) between sandhya and tarpan (offering of libations of water to the gods). With implicit faith and reverence one must sandhya through the panch patra ( a wide-mouthed glass used for worship. At the most auspicious time of sandhya when the sun and the stars are visible together, offer water. In the morning begin before sunrise, give arghyam (respectful offering of water to God) during sunrise and finish just after sunrise. In the evening, begin before sunset, give arghyam during sunset and finish later.

Pray to the Lord at a Fixed Time
  • Stay in isolation for prayers, for at least half an hour every day.
  • Speak the Truth—Abiding by the promise of past and present times, one must not tell lies.
  • Do physical exercise for at least five minutes every day.
  • Forever strive to see the Supreme Being. Thus perceiving God in whoever one has to interact with, in particular.

Smarana of Lord Krishna
  • Do smarana (concentrated recollecting) of the Divine, every fifteen minutes, and try not to forget Him after recollection.
  • Fill the dairy of these fixed rules, every single day before sleeping.

Sub-Regulations
Apart from the main restraints, the sub-rules of the Sadhna Samiti were as follows:
  • Not being deceitful

Be Pure in Thought, Word & Action
  • Not harming anyone by way of thought, word and action.
  • Abandoning the practice of ridiculing others.
  • Not talking excessively.

Get Rid of Intoxicants
  • Giving up intoxicants

Lord Krishna Sporting with His Gopas
  • Loving everyone


Dump Casteism
  • Not hating anyone because of their caste, colour, religion, national views or ailments.
  • Not seeing others faults
  • Doing bodily hard work
  • Doing one's work oneself, as far as possible
  • Not letting anyone serve you or attend to your needs


Be Steeped in Lord Krishna
  • Intensively recollection of God on the occasions mentioned below—while getting up early in the morning,while going off to sleep, while bathing, while rinsing your mouth, while eating food and while sipping water.