OUR EMOTIONS

Our emotions are our companion in distress

Till such time we’re their masters

When these are excited beyond a certain extent

These may upset the apple-cart of our existence

Resulting in confusion and bewilderment

Because of our impaired judgment.

 

Whilst under the influence of heightened emotions

We’re not able to decide anything because of confusion

About what we should or should not do

Because our inner-guide being clouded

Since our intellect taking a big hit.

 

Then there may be prevalence of impiety

Since all our thoughts of reason has got a huge drubbing

And have fallen to the ground with a big bang.

 

Under the influence of heightened emotions

We may commit one mistake after other

Without realizing the consequence of our error

In the emotional upsurge.

 

In heightened emotions, we experience loss of memory

We do anything or everything

Contrary to what we should have done normally

Hence best course of action is good for us actually

Is to be master of our emotions

Remaining unruffled by any divergent situations

Taking charge of our emotions.

 

HEIGHTENED EMOTIONS

Essentially feeling emotionally strong can be made as a habit if we know ourselves fully. This could be done slowly but surely by remaining cool despite some external pulls and pressures. We are aware that all face adverse situations –undoubtedly everyone is having; difference is of degree. Need is to learn how to maintain self control or equanimity by reining in our mind and senses when crunch time visits us. If we are miserably swayed or swept by our emotions, we are in for trouble. Under the influence of heightened emotions, we would not be able to perform our job in hand efficiently, not behave rationally or reasonably since we would not be able to use our mental faculties fully due to non-focus. We may sometimes experience memory loss when under the heightened emotions.

The trigger for emotional upsurge may be on being affronted by somebody unfairly or when we are not given our due share by somebody intentionally just with the intention to pull us down.

In Bhagwat Gita it has rightly been said that when in heightened emotional-upsurge, or in anger or in bad mood, it leads to impairment of our judgment which results in loss of memory. It may also result in bewildered due to non-functioning of our intellect and we may ultimately get ruined. Especially, when our faculty of judgment gets busted we get negatively oriented. Any decision taken while under heightened emotions would be counter-productive.

 While Arjuna saw all his nears and dears including his Guru Dhrona Acharya etc arrayed in the battle field, the ones who taught him everything, he felt emotionally upsurge, his judgement got impaired and hence he did not want to use his Gandiv agaist his own near relatives. Lord Krishna reminded  Arjuna and advised him not to get swayed by his emotion and to see reason and fight since it was his duty as a Kshtriya and exterminate evil in the form of Kaurvas.

In fact, we are in for a huge trouble because emotional upsurge. It can lead us to problems of highest dimension. We also become prisoners of our own emotions – a situation wherein we want to come out but our emotions do not let us. This is because we have become obsessed with our emotions. Rather than maintaining balance despite uncontrolled situation, we go off the tangent in everything that we think or act,

I shall relate an incident of a few days itself. In an organisation where my friend is working, had their yearly raise/increment. My friend is proficient and conducts well in all the sphere of activities — the one who has total control over his emotions. Whenever there is problem in the organization, he comes with the solution and not making the problem still more confusing. Despite that my friend got less yearly raise than his colleagues reason may be any but it was too bad. What how my friend conducted himself that is the moot point.

Now, my friend could have three options:-

1. Control over his emotions and conduct himself well under the circumstances.

 

2. Request the authorities that be for adopting balanced or reasonable yardstick on the basis of merit and job performance during the preceding year under review.

 

3. Get swayed by the emotions because of the provocation of his superior authorities with mala-fide intent and leave the organisation for which he had sweat to the maximum.

 

WHAT DO YOU THINK MY FRIEND MUST HAVE DONE?

I have mentioned that my friend is a man who has strong emotional control hence he opted for maintaining a balance and conducted himself with aplomb and with self-confidence or highest order as though nothing had happened and kept his cool knowing well that that was the only suitable option under the circumstances.

He did not react emotionally because of the consequence it would have entailed

An emotionally surcharged individual must have resigned from the post straight away but a strong willed like my friend acted just the opposite. Nobody has ever conducted with dignity when under the influence of emotional upsurge. The lesson that I garnered from such an episode was that when such a contingency arises keeping cool is the only option.

Controlling our emotions is easily said than done. It is possible by:-

1. By exploiting our potential energy and learn how best to maintain calm despite provocation. This could be achieved with difficulty in the initial stages but slowly but surely we shall be able to be calm at all occasions. In all the contingencies, we shall be contributing something positive for others rather than being liability.

 

2. Having self-control means we’ve control over our senses.These senses should serve us from time to time rather than controlling us.

 

3. When in piquant situation, try to come out of the problem unscathed rather than being taken over by the fear psychosis – be the master of situation at all occasions. It should always be kept in mind that everybody has different problems but one thing is sure, a strong determination can deliver us.

• Always keep in mind that ‘time’is a great healer – always bear in mind that today’s can be forgotten after sometime but the impairment that we cause to our body and mind cannot be retrieved easily.

 

5. It should always be kept in mind that we are the controller of our own destiny and having control and being master of our mind is the first requirement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GODDESS DURGA – THE MAHASHAKTI

Durga means the One who is impenetrable

One who is invincible

Who is undefeatable

By any demonic force imaginable

In Vedic literature we find Her narrative

Even in epics such as Mahabharta and Ramayana

In both these epics, She was invoked for elimination of evil from the earth

In the form of Kaurva in Mahabharta and Ravana in Ramayana

Legend has it that Durg a ferocious Asura

Sequel to his severest meditation

God had granted him the boon of invincibility

But killed only a Devi Shakti – feminine nature of the God

Due to which he was filled with ego-centric tendencies

Started killing the hapless gentry

Even the Gods did not remain unaffected by his cruelty

A meeting by the Trinity – Lords Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva

Thus came into existence the Mahashati in the form of Durga

The warrior Goddess for fighting demonic forces for establishing Dharma

Mahashakti Durga appears in various manifestations

All put together, She helps the Gods and populace to attain liberation

From the demonic forces which prevailed then

And even now general masses pay their reverence

Such as remembering Her every time they face difficult moments

And pray for deliver them from their enemies within and without

Goddess talks to us in the language of silence

When mind is in peace

And is away from the desires numberless

Her music could be heard

Everything in the universe is created

Sustained and finally destroyed

To be again Created

That is everything that we make out

Has been created by the Mother Divine, so benevolent

With Her prowess so unlimited. 

NAVRATRI

Navratri is a festival with a difference

The Nine Days have got its own importance

Truly speaking in a Nine days’ wonder

Which helps us to look within

And introspect

About our own faults

And seek ways to rectify

The way we can to add to our growth spiritually

By observance of strict regime of fasts

Which helps purify our thoughts

And thereto our deeds

Thus purifying our body, mind and soul

And with it enhancing our Karmic credit

Navratri is the festival of repute

Wherein the devoted disciples

Of all shades celebrate this festival

Twice in a calendar year

First, it is in the March – April, as Chaitra Navratri

Thence October – November as the Shradha Navratri

This festival is related to  Durga Goddess

The ‘Shakti’  with her immense prowess

Who overpowered  and killed the ferocious 

Demons who killed the hapless Sadhus

Even while performing their sacred Yajunas and meditations

And also defiled the sacredness of Yajna fires.

Goddess Durga in her red attires

Mounted on the lion, so fierce

With all the weapons at her command

Which could inflict havoc on the adversary

Legends abound about the Navratri festival

Demon king Maheshasura worships Lord Shiva

The penance was so severest

That Lord Maheshwara had to grant him a boon of invincibility

That nobody, not even the Gods could kill him

Thereafter Maheshasura starts killing innocents with impunity

Then forcefully

Conquered the Seven Lokas

Including the throne of Indra.

To eliminate demon Maheshasura

Then there was confabulation between the Trinity

Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma

Along with Demi-Gods too in the company

To defeat and kill this demon turned killer and usurper 

Maa Shakti was thus created

The Mother with a boundless prowess

Or The Durga, the Warrior Goddess

The war between Maheshasur and Mother Divine

Which lasted for Nine Days

On day 9^th  she killed this evil demon

Navratri symbolizes the victory of good over wickedness

On day ninth which is termed as Mahanavami

Nine young girls are worshipped

Personifying Nine Forms of Durga Goddesses

                                   These venerated young girls’ feet are washed

With fresh water and given clothes and food

Navratri too is linked with fertility of land
Folks observe the fitness of earth
By testing seeds germination in earthen pots.
Another legend tell us
King Daksha the King of Himalayan Kingdom
Was blessed with a daughter named Uma
A most beautiful one
She worshipped Lord Shiva immeasurably
So that He may accept her in marriage easily
Having pleased Lord Shiva
Thus she marries Uma
Against the wishes of his father King Dhaksha
One day King Dhaksha held a grand Yagna
All Gods except Shiva were invited
Uma wanted to attend Yagna
With Lord Shiva’s reservation 
And against His wishes even
King Daksha reprimanded her for coming uninvited
In rage, she jumps into Agni Kund (Fire-grate) and perished
And was termed as Sati
Madev as Virbadhara took King Daksha to task for this
On rebirth (as Parvati) she marries Lord Shiva again
She comes to Her parents to stay for Nine Days
And thus we celebrate these Nine Days as Navratri.
Legend also has it that Lord Rama
Worshipped Goddess Durga’s
Nine Forms for nine days
On day tenth He was able to kill powerful demon king Ravana
Thus day tenth is celebrated as Vijayadashami or Dussehra
First three days are dedicated to Goddess Durga
In the form of child; young girl and mature woman
The three varied stages of womanhood
Symbolizing victory of evil over falsehood
Next three days are dedicated to Goddess of Wealth & Prosperity
Her name is Goddess Lakshmi
She symbolizes wealth; peace and prosperity
Last three days are commemorated in the name of Goddess Saraswati
The Goddess of knowledge
In snowy white dress
Mounted on a white swan
Thus Navratri is termed as the sign
Of purity and well-being

Let this Nine Days wonder 

Be the game-changer 

And engenders peace and prosperity

And enough Wellness for all and sundry 

This is my the most sincere prayer to thee, my Mother Divine

 

NAVRATRI – THE FESTIVAL FOR USHERING PURITY OF BODY, MIND AND SOUL

MEANING OF NAVRATRI

The word NAVRATRI is composed of two syllabuses; NAVwhich means NINE and RATRI mean NIGHTS. Meditation/prayers and fasting are observed by devout during these nine days.

PURPOSE IS TO PURIFY BODY, MIND AND SOUL

A lighter refreshment of milk made products besides fruits, if taken at all, to keep light and pure in body and mind thus helping an individual to keep the body and mind pure. This also provides the devotees’ freedom from adulteration and contamination both in body. mind and soul pure.

A lighter refreshment consisting of milk made product, fruits, and nuts, keeps the body light and the digestive system gets improved thus there is a spread of fragrance of Satoguna and alleviation of Tamoguna and Rajoguna traits. Freedom from contaminated thoughts purifies our mind. Thus observance of fast or vrat (also means resolve) continuously for nine days brings about the stability of our mind and helps in enhancement of our concentration. Besides these, we exercise maximum restraints in our thoughts and deeds and behave in a dignified manner by remaining within confines of decency. All these facilitate generation of the feeling of love and affection for others, enhances peace and tranquility, a feeling of compassion for others and above all a Godly feeling. 

INTENTION IS TO LIVE A SPIRITUAL ORIENTED LIFE

Navratri is one of the most sacred festivals that the devout celebrate. It is not merely celebrated by observing some particular rituals but the devotees live a spiritually oriented life in all manifestations. The purpose is to follow the way of life which puts more stress on the subjective experience of sacred dimension. We undertake those karmic deeds during Navratri which transform some of the debit-karmic-deeds to credit-karmic-deeds which makes our personal growth and development individually and also collectively who celebrate this festival with religious fervor and enthusiasm. Moral and ethical values when followed sincerely could be imbibed as permanent habits to be followed in future too thus Navratri could prove to be a life-evolving.

All these traits enhance the credibility of an individual devotee who observes the fasts and also offers sincere prayers during these nine days with utmost devotion. The fasts help us to purify our mind, provides lightness to our body provides us an opportunity to devotees for prayers to Goddess Durga Maa – an embodiment of SHAKTI or reservoir of energy.

GODDESS DURGA WHO KILLED THE FEROCIOUS DEMON KING DURG

Mention of Goddess Durga has been found in Vedas and Puranas. Durg was a ferocious demon and Durga, the invincible warrior who killed Durg with her immense prowess. She is the warrior Goddess since she fought evil and forces which spread death and destruction. She works for demolishing demonic forces who want to establish their writ and establish the reign of terror and mayhem amongst the society besides spreading prosperity and goodwill in general masses. She defeats mythical buffalo demon – Meheshasura who had obtained a boon of invincibility from Lord Maheshwara. She is Goddess Parvati, also termed as Durga Saptashati – the consort of Lord Shiva. With her prowess, she proved herself to be unbeatable with limitless mystical powers.

SINGING OF DEVOTIONAL SONGS IN PRAISE OF THE GODDESS

Besides observing fasts, devotees organize congregations in the form of fairs and also enact programs and cultural functions in the form of group dances and devotional songs in praise of Goddess Durga and beseech her blessings  and She being such a benevolent Mother comes to their succor.

FESTIVAL IN ALL THE STATES OF INDIA CELEBRATED DIFFERENTLY

Different states in India celebrate Navratri differently but the spirit of all the celebrations is similar in nature. For example, famous ‘garva dance’ is organized in the state of Gujarat and devotional songs and dance competitions are organized in West Bengal besides prayers in the specially erected and decorated pandals is a usual phone. People visit the famous temples of Vaishno Devi in Katra (in Jammu province) besides all the temples of Goddess Durga in its different forms/manifestations attract devotees in these nine days.

The main driving force of the Navratri is to purify our thoughts and deeds thereof. During these nine days, the devout observe strict fasts; remain chaste and desist from telling lies or do anything which may tarnish their Karmic deeds. My fond wish is that  people should always behave like these NINE DAYS WONDER.

NAVRATRIS ARE THE FORERUNNERS DUSSEHRA FESTIVAL WHICH TELLS US ABOUT THE WIN OF TRUTH OVER EVIL

The Navratri festival is the forerunner for Dushera festival wherein the effigies of demon king Ravana, his brother Kumbhkaran and Meghnath (Ravana’s son) are consigned to flames to showcase to the general public as a lesson that evil, in all its dimension comes to an end and truth wins ultimately.

The first three days are celebrated on the name of Goddess Durga Mata – Goddess with immense power. For next three days she is worshipped as possessing spiritual wealth – Mata Lakshmi.

Subsequently, for next three days, she is Goddess of wisdom – the Goddess Saraswati. It bestows spiritual enlightenment besides showering an individual with success in life.

It is useful for our benefit to know the importance of each day.

1. First Day. On the first day, Mata Durga is termed as Shailputri – the daughter of Himalaya and the consort of Lord Shiva.
2. Second Day. Mata Durga on the second day is called as Brahmacharini which represents worship. She is the embodiment of huge reserve of power – Shakti.
3. Third Day. On the third day, the Goddess is venerated as Chandraghanta. She is the embodiment of power and beauty.
4. Fourth Day. On the fourth day, Maan Durga is worshipped in the form of Kushmanda – the creator of the whole universe by the power of her laughter.
5. Fifth Day. Here on this day, Skandha – the main warrior of Gods’ army.
6. Sixth Day. On the sixth day, Mataji takes the form of Katyayani with three eyes and four hands – all powerful and with immense grace.
7. Seventh Day. On this day, Maan Durga takes the form of Kalratri – she is shown as black as dark night with four hands and makes the evil doers fearless.
8. Eighth Day. On the eighth day, the Mata Durga takes the form of Maha Gauri – with beauty besides having calmness and exhibits immense wisdom.
9. Ninth Day. On a ninth day, Maan Durga is worshiped as Siddidatri – with all the eight siddhis. In this form, she is worshiped by all.

Benefits of observing Navratri with devotion:-

• Strict observance of fasts keep our digestive system in order and helps maintain our body healthy.
• Fasts help in purifying our mind because we pray Goddess continuously for nine days/nights. It also enhances our focus on the subject we contemplate for completion.
• Purification of body and mind means spiritually directed conscious mind thus a shift from negativity to positive thinking. 
• Congregations in melas and group processions help the people to people contacts thus animosity, if any, gets obliterated and a feeling of fellow feeling and cooperation sprouts. Contact with each other enhances our outreach in the society.
• Group dances and spiritual song competitions enhance competitive spirits in the youth and also help them direct their latent energies to productive use.
• Devotees, in their zeal to show earnest desire to have total connectivity with Goddess Durgaji, offer singular devotion to Her during these auspicious days, reap the harvest of getting their problems solved and get ETERNAL PEACE  in their lives as a reward of this worshiping. 

 

 

 

 

I SHALL CARE TO……..

I shall care to be a student perpetually

While being student we add-on more knowledge actually.

I shall care to follow the precept: ‘ a stitch in time saves nine’

Since if it will go out of control then we’ve to justly lament.

I shall care to follow the precept that it is always living in darkness

Which gives us value of light and with it happiness

I shall care to follow the truth that we meet others needs

Simply to remove our own misfortunes.

I shall care to act as the situation demands

Since uncaring will lead to rock the boat even before it’s just started.

I shall care to love our Super-Soul

Since I’m part of Him as a Soul.

I shall care to pay homage to my parents

Since I’m due to them on this beautiful planet.

I shall care to keep my eyes off anything harmful

Since it can lead me to astray or lure me into a trap – most dreadful.

I shall care to save my character

Since once it is lost it cannot be retrieved with ease.

I shall care to accept our mistake

Then we can make amends in time.

I shall care to keep myself away from greed

Since greed makes me still more greedy.

I shall care to see behavioural changes in our youth of today

Since they are the custodians of our country.

I shall care to build the ecosystem for an appropriate change in mindset

So that negativity is eliminated from our system.

I shall care to not to be angry

Since anger makes me animal-like for nothing.

I shall care to take care of my karmic deeds

Since we cannot ignore its affects.

I shall care to meet others’ needs

Since giving gives me more joy than anything.

I shall care to be selfless

Since selfish man serves neither to others nor to himself.

Also it makes us ineffective and haughty.

I shall care to give a smile to others

Since distributing smiles give us smiles in return.

I shall care to change somebody else’s negative thoughts

Since it amounts to inculcating life’s best traits.

I shall care to think positive and imbibe wonderful thoughts

For positive oriented life-style gives us joyous life.

I shall care to pay homage to my elders

Because they have contributed to our well-being.

I shall care to stay cool despite provocation

Because consequence of it all cannot give us solution.

I shall care to multiply others happiness by dividing love

Because love creates love in return.

I shall care to be of use to others

Because somebody else will be of use to us too.

I shall care to keep my environment clean

Because clean environment leads to good health and wellness.

I shall care to integrate others too for realising the dream of cleanliness a reality

I shall care not mess-up the surroundings and exhort others to realise this dream

I shall care to have brainstorming session with my neighbours for cleanliness drive.

I shall care to imbibe right thoughts

Because right thoughts lead to right living.

I shall care to transact right karmic actions

Because ku-karmic deeds destroy us.

I shall care to keep myself away from violence

Because violence breeds more violence.

I shall care to keep in my mind that knowingly commit blunder is a sin

And its consequences would be disastrous for us.

I shall care to keep my promise

Because broken promises creates ill-will for us.

I shall care to be of use to others

Then only we can expect from others too.

I shall care to take care of purity of my body, mind and soul

For adding the Karmic credit to my account.

I shall care to keep in mind the consequences of malice

It cannot bring in its wake goodness.

I shall care to remove ignorance and spread love and light

To enhance enlightenment in us for our deliverance.

I shall care to earn my living earnestly

And shall not earn that by adopting corrupt practices.

I shall care to follow spirituality

By following right course of action.

I shall care to be a student ever

So that I learn from others at every opportunities.

I shall care to be disciplined in words and deeds

So that I obey all the norms of behaviour.

I shall care to remove tears from others eyes

So that someone else may do so for me too.

I shall care to be compassionate to the extent possible

So that others may also be so when I need it the most.

I shall care to lead a righteous lifestyle

So that it purifies my mind and soul.

I shall care to be upright, sincere and honest in my demeanour

So that my character is not tarnished in any manner.

I shall have right and positive attitude always

So that negativity does not touch me at all.

Animals are our best friends is an indisputable reality

These tender ones render us all the services in different ways

Cows, buffaloes and goats provide us milk in plenty

Which is in fact protein rich aplenty

Which is used as food

From which we make milk-products too

Of various varieties and delicacies of palatable value

Elephants, bulls, horses, mules,donkeys and camels help us

Transport heavy loads

From the places where vehicles do not ply

Thus contribute making our life so easy

Animals help maintain Nature’s balance

By eating rodents and many other poisonous insects

Which otherwise must have eaten all our produce

And must have made our life a virtual hell otherwise

Dogs are our best friends – the best one at that

Which bestow us the best protection we need

From the inhuman elements among humans

Cats give us company

When we are at home feeling bored and lonely

The sheep, goats, camels, rabbits, musk oxen etc. provide us wool

Used for making woollen clothes so warm

Which protect us from the severest cold

The animal’s meat meet the need

Of some of us non-vegs amongst us

Thus can say  

Life without animals would be as dull and dreary.

When we as humans

Get so many things from animals

It is thus our thus our bounden duty 

To protect the animals which require our protection

Then why we show instincts worse than the wildest animals?

The animals are not apart from other creations

Which our dearest Creator has created.

ANIMALS & THEIR IMPORTANCE FOR HUMANS

In essence, among all the bounties and creations of our Creator, animals are the most useful of all but for this creation of our Creator, humans must not have growth and development as has been done presently. These animals not only give fillip to our economy but also give us sense of security when these faithful animals are with us.

Animals play most important role in human life. The animals like cows, goats, buffaloes etc,  provide protein rich diet of milk and its dairy products. Bye-products like wool/fur/hair of animals like  sheep, goats, hare etc are used for making woolen cloths which protect us from winter cold, some medicines / drugs are made from the extracts / parts of some animals, non-vegetarians can get meat from some animals and finally at the demise of animals, their hide is used for making shoes or other articles for the use of humans.

I reminisce my childhood days, when everybody used to go for work to different places, my pet dog used to give me company, protect me from other dogs and hooligans etc. I also remember a day when I was down with high fever during my long train journey, during my return back to my residence, due to a feeling of disorientation due to high fever, I lost my way after climbing down the cab. Two stray dogs of my neighbourhood to whom I used to give some food, came to my rescue and guided me to my home. I shall not forget that that till I live! This proves that even the humans to whom you render any sort of assistance may stab you on the back but animals will not?

Not only this, animals like camels, bulls, elephants etc are employed for carrying loads from one place to other. Bulls/camels are being used for tilling fields for enhancing agricultural produce. Dung of animals like cows, buffaloes  etc is being used as manure for increasing the fertility of fields for  he use of humans and other living beings.

It is also a fact that animals contribute hugely in increasing the economic development of a country in variety of ways: like export of finished products (woolen clothes, leather products, meat, dairy products, extracts of some animals for medicines etc) besides meeting internal demands of a country.

The use of some animals like monkeys etc for testing the efficacy of newly made medicines and for research purposes. This may sound unethical, but these medicines cannot be administered directly on humans.

Animals have been useful for maintaining the eco-system besides keeping a balance in the population of rodents and insects which are otherwise dangerous for humans. The animals which are domesticated and kept as pets are of much help to the mankind in many ways than one besides these are very useful for entertainment.

Description of some of the important domesticated animals / pets is given as under:-

COW

Cow is a domesticated animal. It gives us milk  with which we make varieties of milk products. In Hindu culture and traditions, cows are held in highest esteem. Its milk which is sattvic in nature is used for drinking  and also for making milk products (hot-milk, cold-milk, curds, ghee, varieties of sweets). Its dung is used for manure for fields for enhancing agricultural productivity and also for making dung cakes for fuel purposes in the villages. Cow thus is revered as gau mata or mother because it feeds us and its milk is very useful for us. Even its urine has medicinal value. Bulls are being used as bullocks for tilling fields.

Lord Krishana (also called Balgopal), the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, tended herds of cows and partook cow’s milk and its products. Its mention is there in Rig Vedas. Cows are mentioned as symbols of wealth and compared with river Goddesses. There is a mention of Kamadhenu (mother of cows) in Hindu mythology and also called as the source of prosperity. She is the also called the ‘mother of piety’; as cows in general are venerated in Hinduism.

In Bhagwad Gita Lord Krishna reveals that amongst cows He is manifested as the kamadhuk meaning kamadhenu the original wish fulfilling cows known as the surabhi cows. Just who and what are the surabhi cows and how the surabhi cows attained such an elevated and exalted position that they are able to represent a portion of the energy of the supreme One.

ELEPHANT

There are two species of elephants; African and Indians, have distinctive features – having a long trunk which is used for breathing, lifting of heavy loads, logs of wood etc. Elephants were used to carry the warriors and their weapons on their back because of its endurance and bulk.  Elephants are also trained and disciplined to act in circuses and other shows for entertainment purpose though this practice is now opposed by the animal lovers.

In Hinduism, elephants are held in high esteem because it symbolizes Lord Ganesha.

In the battle of Hydaspes between King Parus and Alexander the Great, the great armies of Paurus consisted of elephants which showed their mettle in the battle field.

HORSE

Horses have the unique characteristic of carrying loads, used for recreational purses, games (like polo, races, hurdle race etc), for their well developed balance, requisite training is a must for harnessing and channeling their energies when required partly for enhancing their endurance and usefulness in multifarious roles. Even now horses are being used variously.

Horses live a lifespan of 24-30 years. Before the advent of fuel run vehicles, horses proved its mettle their utility both for carrying loads to far flung otherwise inaccessible areas or during bad climates. They are saddled properly for performing its functions both in carrying loads in the far flung inaccessible areas. Generally, horses are of three categories of horses; hot blood (have speed and high endurance), cold bloods (useful for carrying loads) and warm bloods (These are trained to be developed from crosses between cold and hot breeds for riding purposes. There are more than 300 species of horses. There are domesticated horses, wild horses and sea horses.

The chariot of Arjuna with Lord Krishna as a Saarthi had two well-trained horses which had the unique qualities of fight-or-flight response in tune with their masters.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji famed horse which was affectionately called Neela,  was trained and disciplined in such a manner that it obeyed and understood each and every requirements of Guru Ji.

The horse of Maharana Pratap Singh, nick-named Chetak, proved its services and bravery in the battlefields. It obeyed its master’s command – lived for him and even died for him finally.

DOG

Dog is one of the best friends of man because of its unique qualities of behavior (being faithful to the person who domesticates and keep as pets), sensory traits (for which it is used by police and military) and its physical features. Dog is uniquely attuned to human behavior and its food habits (starch-rich); much related extent to humans dietary habits. Its sensory characteristics are really exclusive to it; that is the reason that it is employed as ‘sniffer dog’ duties. With its special training, it is used in tracking crimes by the police.

There are many species of dogs bull terrier, rajapalyam, poodles, ariege, American white shepherd etc. It is used for hunting, pulling loads (are group of dog breeds which are trained for pulling dog sledge on arctic regions to carry loads or used in areas which are inaccessible), it is extensively used for protection of households and organizations at odd hours.

Amongst dogs too, there is great feeling of love and care. This was evident, many a times, when I witnessed peculiar type of behavior. There are some stray dogs in my neighbourhood, whenever I keep something as a feed for the young one, and if suddenly, the older dog comes, the young one just stops eating. This is, I think, as a love for the older member! Can we find such love and care amongst humans?

DONKEY

Donkey is a domesticated animal. It is a beast of burden. It can track long distances with load to inhospitable terrain like mule. Otherwise a docile animal but sometimes it behaves obstinately, therefore, it has to be trained properly. Also, because it is a passive animal, it should never be exploited but given due consideration as far as  its needs for proper diet and should never be unduly burdened.

CAT

CAT is a domesticated animal and that is why it is also called as house cats when kept as pets in the houses. There are wild cats too. These provide us company when we are alone. There are about 70 breeds of cats. The main characteristics of cats is; flexible body, quick reflexes, adaptability in catching and killing prey. Nature has provided cats quick hearing power, can see even in darkness, have good sense of smell. Cats are having cat specific body language. It preys on small insects, birds etc. It is domesticated for companionship and removing the loneliness of some people.

The above are some of the animals but there are many others land based animals like lions, tigers, hares/rabbits, monkeys, hyenas, deer, etc which are equally or even more useful for establishing equilibrium in the eco-system besides performing other valuable balancing acts. Some are kept as pets, others live under the forest cover for their sustenance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The goal of this new editor is to make adding rich content to WordPress simple and enjoyable. This whole post is composed of pieces of content—somewhat similar to LEGO bricks—that you can move around and interact with. Move your cursor around and you’ll notice the different blocks light up with outlines and arrows. Press the arrows to reposition blocks quickly, without fearing about losing things in the process of copying and pasting.

What you are reading now is a text block the most basic block of all. The text block has its own controls to be moved freely around the post…

… like this one, which is right aligned.

Headings are separate blocks as well, which helps with the outline and organization of your content.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Handling images and media with the utmost care is a primary focus of the new editor. Hopefully, you’ll find aspects of adding captions or going full-width with your pictures much easier and robust than before.

Try selecting and removing or editing the caption, now you don’t have to be careful about selecting the image or other text by mistake and ruining the presentation.

The Inserter Tool

Imagine everything that WordPress can do is available to you quickly and in the same place on the interface. No need to figure out HTML tags, classes, or remember complicated shortcode syntax. That’s the spirit behind the inserter—the (+) button you’ll see around the editor—which allows you to browse all available content blocks and add them into your post. Plugins and themes are able to register their own, opening up all sort of possibilities for rich editing and publishing.

Go give it a try, you may discover things WordPress can already add into your posts that you didn’t know about. Here’s a short list of what you can currently find there:

• Text & Headings
• Images & Videos
• Galleries
• Embeds, like YouTube, Tweets, or other WordPress posts.
• Layout blocks, like Buttons, Hero Images, Separators, etc.
• And Lists like this one of course 🙂

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Visual Editing

A huge benefit of blocks is that you can edit them in place and manipulate your content directly. Instead of having fields for editing things like the source of a quote, or the text of a button, you can directly change the content. Try editing the following quote:

The editor will endeavor to create a new page and post building experience that makes writing rich posts effortless, and has “blocks” to make it easy what today might take shortcodes, custom HTML, or “mystery meat” embed discovery.

Matt Mullenweg, 2017

The information corresponding to the source of the quote is a separate text field, similar to captions under images, so the structure of the quote is protected even if you select, modify, or remove the source. It’s always easy to add it back.

Blocks can be anything you need. For instance, you may want to add a subdued quote as part of the composition of your text, or you may prefer to display a giant stylized one. All of these options are available in the inserter.

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• 

• 

You can change the amount of columns in your galleries by dragging a slider in the block inspector in the sidebar.

Media Rich

If you combine the new wide and full-wide alignments with galleries, you can create a very media rich layout, very quickly:

Sure, the full-wide image can be pretty big. But sometimes the image is worth it.

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• 

The above is a gallery with just two images. It’s an easier way to create visually appealing layouts, without having to deal with floats. You can also easily convert the gallery back to individual images again, by using the block switcher.

Any block can opt into these alignments. The embed block has them also, and is responsive out of the box:

You can build any block you like, static or dynamic, decorative or plain. Here’s a pullquote block:

Code is Poetry

The WordPress community

If you want to learn more about how to build additional blocks, or if you are interested in helping with the project, head over to the GitHub repository.

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Thanks for testing Gutenberg!

BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF MAHATMA GANDHI  (GANDHI JYANTI)  ON

2^ND OCTOBER 2018

Birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi – also called with love Bapu Gandhi (Gandhi Jyanti) is celebrated in India as a National Festival on 2^nd Oct 2016 – observed as the Gazetted Holiday. On this day, an Inter-Faith Prayer is being held at Gandhi Smriti, Tees January Marg, New Delhi. Prayers and floral tributes will also be conducted for him at Raj Ghat where Gandhiji was cremated. In various colleges and schools various competitions in the form of debates on Gandhian Thoughts and painting competitions too are held. While I was studying in a village school, I also used to take part in Inter-District debates etc.

Even UNGA (United National General Assembly), in its resolution on 15^th June 2007 adopted a resolution, declaring this day as the International Day of Non-Violence- a rightful and just tribute to a great personality known for his simple living and high thinking.

Gandhiji’s contribution for the independence struggle, through non-violence is well-known to us all.

PRINCIPLES WHICH ENDEARED HIM TO THE PEOPLE

He firmly believed that hatred should not be met with hatred, violence with violence, greed with greed, evil with evil, but should love even our enemies. For in real sense, they were not our enemies. He was opposed to use of force, hatred and vindictiveness. He was a great innovative and a visionary, a great fighter for cause of poor masses. He believed that no tangible solutions could be brought about by. On the other hand, through violence we complicate the problem, he asserted. That is why he was loved by all.

GANDHIAN RELIGIOUS PHILOSOPHY

The world have only a few chosen few who have made their mark to change the destinies of general masses through their thoughts and actions. The Gandhian thoughts based on the universal love and tolerance, entirely on profound love and affection without regard to any religion, caste, creed, colour or any other narrow-minded considerations.

GANDHIAN PHILOSOPY OF RELIGION

 It would be in the fitness of things to infer that distinctions based on race, caste, creed, colour, region etc have no place in Gandhian thoughts. He admired and respected all the religions of the world. He did not like racism, fanaticism, intolerance, selfishness, etc. He propounded God consciousness, religious minded without any discrimination for other religions.

According to him, God  was kind, just and loving and always responded to prayers and love. Gandhiji was influenced immensely by  Bhagwad Gita and its preaching contained in it. For him, God was truth and love. His faith in God was not shaken. He thoroughly believed in principle of Karma and believed that we get reward for our good karmic deeds and punishment for the bad deeds.  He believed in the percept that man was responsible for his own destiny which could be shaped by an individual.

Essentially, humanity was the foundation or cornerstone of his philosophy.

UNIVERSAL LOVE AND BROTHERHOOD

Gandhian philosophy is based on the universal love and tolerance including reverence for all the religions. He disliked any distinction based on race, colour, nationality and sect. While following his own religious beliefs to the hilt, he respected all religions equally. His belief in the secularism was unparalleled. He considered humans of all hues the same and saw untouchbility as the sin as he thought that God has created man without any bias.

TEACHING OF SATYAGRAH (NON-USE OF FORCE)

He always preached the policy of non-use-of-force (Satyagrah, non-violence). He firmly believed that non-violence is not a weapon of weak but of the strong men who would not tolerate any manifestation of evil or injustice and would reasonably suffer while fighting non-violently. He was of the view that man was a spiritual being, and love and non-violence were the part of his life. It is a lofty weapon.  It is considered as a morally superior weapon but through its use, it could do wonders when used judiciously. Even Nehru agreed that this weapon could do great service if used sensibly.

A REALIST ALONG WITH IDEALIST

Gandhiji was a great realist with idealistic mindset. His thoughts were always on the higher plane. He believed that Satyagrah was possible – with the power of which he made heroes out of men of no consequence in real life that is the reason that we call him as a great reformer with vision.

 IDEA OF WORLD GOVERNMENT

Ganghiji was of the view that World Government could eliminate injustice and oppression prevalent in all the societies of the world. This type of Government could establish the rule of law among nations and exploit world resource on a scientific basis for the use of mankind. It could have armed forces to control the law and order problem, if and when required.

GANDHI BELIEVED IN SIMPLE LIVING AND HIGH THINKING

Gandhiji was in favour of simple and noble way of living and lauded the role of cottage and small scale industries, village and self-sufficiency, respect for manual labour and self-labour. He was not for materialism as a way of living but simple way of living through richness in thoughts.

HE WANTED THAT ALL SHOULD EARN HIS/HER EARNINGS WITH SELF RESPECT

He wanted everybody to be employed and assured of the basic conditions of good life. He viewed that everybody should get food, clothing and shelter as per his/her needs. He was not opposed to the use of machinery to serve man but this machinery should not enslave man to the machine. He loved and respected manual labour. He opined that everybody should be self-reliant in the moral and spiritual sense of terms.

PLACE OF WOMEN IN GANDHIAN THOUGHTS

He never subscribed to the idea that women were in any way inferior to men or less intelligent or less in her wisdom in comparison with men folks. He opined that widows have as much right to marry again as the widowers. He was the proponent of education of girl-child. He was against child marriage. He did not like the use of intoxicants and drugs because these weaken humans.

GANDHIAN THOUGHT ON EDUCATION AND CASTE SYSTEM

Gandhiji’s views on education were also inspired by the consideration for forming a sound character based on simplicity and high thinking. He rejected the caste system based on birth as morally wrong. He was strongly against exploitation of the labour class but he was against strikes and unrest for getting their demands fulfilled.

GANDHIAN THOUGHTS ON VILLAGE LIFE

He was aware that 70 percent of the population lived in the villages. He advocated village autonomy, independent and self-governing through panchayati system (choosing their own Surpanchs and Panchs through voting and a loose federation of villages for the satisfaction of their daily needs. He opined that the general masses should be free and not slaves of a centralized authority.

We should consider Gandhi views on autonomous village, his advocacy of cottage industries, charkha and khaddi, his general opposition to mass production are worth emulation for raising the standard of the village life. He opined that we cannot ignore the villages for inclusive /holistic development of India.

The main ideas of Gandhian philosophy are enumerated below:-

• Simple living and high thinking was the core of his philosophy.
• Villages are the mainstay of India because more than 70% of people lived in villages only therefore we have to raise the standard of villagers through Panchayati Raj and giving autonomy to the villagers to form their own methodology of governance. For this, cottage and small scale industries are to be given fillip.
• Non-use of force or violence (Satyagrah) could make difference in our life.
• If India’s development is to be ensured then villages development should be done with concerted efforts.
• He believed that man was responsible for his own destiny through his work ethics.
• Gandhiji believed in Hindu religious philosophy without any discrimination to other religions. He respected all the great religions of the world.
• In his scheme of things, women should be given a high pedestal as they are not less in any sphere. They should be given equal opportunity in education for their upliftment and growth and development.
• He was realist and idealistic in real sense of terms.
• He disliked any distinction based on race, colour, nationality and sect.
• He did not like racism, fanaticism, intolerance, selfishness, etc.
• He propounded God consciousness, religious minded without any discrimination for other religions.
• He believed in the philosophy of non-violence for getting things done.
• He thoroughly believed in principle of Karma and believed that we get reward for our good karmic deeds and punishment for the bad deeds. 

 

 

 

OFFERINGS OF SHRAADDHA TO OUR DEPARTED SOULS (PITRS)

{FROM 25^TH SEPT 2018 (PURANMASHI – FULL MOON DAY) TO 8^TH OCT 2018 AMAVASYA – DARK NIGHT}

SHRAADDHS – A SCARED RITUAL

 

Shraaddhas are the vital rituals most dearly observed

By the offspring of the (Pitr) deceased

For those deceased relatives of ours who have departed

From us to the lands unknown

 Thus presently are not with us

To bestow us guide and to offer solace

And deliver us from our present state.

Now, as they have turned to Pitr domain

It is our duty, the bounden one

To remember their contribution

For our present wellbeing and condition

In which we’re placed presently.

Besides recollection of their role

We are duty bound to repay the debit

For bringing to this world

And showing us the dawn of the day

By observing Shraaddhas

With complete faith and full of emotion at our command

So that our (Pitras) ancestors

Who might be in the dark regions

After their deaths

Are able to move from dark recesses

To the lights of the heaven

By attaining liberation or Moksha

By the performance of Shraaddhas.

Shraaddha or Shradha is the Sanskrit word which literally means Shradha of faith/belief and any act that is transacted with all the honesty and sincerity at our command according to pre-determined goal besides it has got sanctity faith/belief attached with it. Our emotional faith (Bhav) is a must for getting full benefits of the Shraaddas. Shradhas are observed for 15 days (in the Hindu month of Ashvin) termed as the Pitra Paksh Period is very auspicious to offer Pinddaan so that the departed souls may get liberation from births and deaths. Mention of this has been in the ancient scriptures like Upnishads.

This year these are observed with effect from 25^th  September 2018 (Puranmashi – Full Moon Da to 8^th Oct 2018 (Dark Night – Amavasya). On these days, we Hindus reminisce our dead forefathers/ancestors due to which we are there on this earth. In other words, it is expression of our gratitude to our dead (Pitras)  and pay them due homage for their contribution towards them. In other words, it is expression of gratitude to our ancestors (Pitrs) due to whom we are on this planet. Today, I am conducting the Shraaddha rituals for my father today, partly for the expression of my gratitude to him and partly to remember him for giving me the first lesson to me the purpose of life.

It is based on the date on which our parents or grand-parents have left for their heavenly abode. The date for the shraadhas are observed based on the death anniversary – on the Shraadha Paksha (Fortnight of ancestors).

These Shraadhas are also observed after the death of an individual (after the left out ashes are immersed in the holy water of river Ganga). These Shraddhas are performed accompanied with chanting of Mantras for the departed soul. The Sharaaddha ceremonies are also performed at Kurukeshtra (A Holi place in Haryana) in a waterbody where there was a huge battle between Pandavas and Kauravas and Holi Song of Bhagwad Gita originated.

The Shraaddha rituals could be performed in Gaya (Bihar) the waterless river containing Phalgu (A type of sand) but water could be extracted from any spot by digging 2-3 feet at any part of this waterless river. While I visited Gaya and offered prayers at the famous Lord Vishnu temple and performed Shraaddhas for the departed souls of my parents, my brothers and grand-parents, and of course, for my relatives and friends who had left for their heavenly abode. I was spellbound by the air of Godliness everywhere there. It is believed that Sita Maa had performed her Shraaddha rituals for her father-in-law Dhashratha at Gaya. It has been mentioned in Purana in great details.

The Shraddha rituals are performed not merely for our deceased parents, grand-parents but also our close relatives including small children who departed from this earth suddenly due to sickness or due to some unfortunate accidents. As these Pitrs (departed souls) have departed to their heavenly abode or may be not got Liberation or Moksha, due to one reason or other, the Shraddha performed with wholeheartedness will help liberate these departed souls.

Shraddha rituals are conducted during Shukla Paksh and Krishna Paksh in the following way:-

• Place where these rituals are held. First of all, it is essential that the rituals are held at a place which is known for performing these sacred rituals. It could be places like banks of river Ganga, Yamuna, Gaya, Baranasi etc. For these, there is no need of appropriate time like Shraddha Period (15 days).

• Pinddaan. This constitutes the offering consisting of baked rice, cow’s milk, desi ghee, honey, barley flour. All these are mixed together so as to make balls of contents as mentioned. This should be done with intense faith and belief with emotional attachment.

• Tarpan. It is the offering of clean water mixed with sesame, barley, and flour; in these, Kusha (grass) forms an important part. By adopting right approach besides absolute faith and belief, our ancestors could get the benefits for their onward journey from dark or negative region to brighter one.

• Offering to the Animals and birds. Before offering meals to the priests (Brahmins), it is considered a good omen or auspicious to offer the prepared vegetarian meal, prepared without use of onions and garlic, khir (prepared with cow milk, rice, sugar, dry fruits etc.) to the cows and birds. If the offering of Khir is taken by the crows, it is consider auspicious.

• Feeding to the Brahmins. Subsequently, the prepared meal is offered to the priests (Brahmins) with utmost reverence and emotional faith.

• Clothes and donation. After Priti-Bhoj to the Brahmins, they are offered clothes and cash so as to cover their expenses to reach the place of Shraaddha rituals.

Benefits of performing Shraddhas

It is axiomatic that anything performed with utmost devotion and singleness of purpose, it will surely and without any doubt give us benefit; it may be anything or everything. Its main benefits are:-

• In essence, what happens to the departed soul depends on the karmic deeds or misdeeds the particular individual has done while living in flesh and blood on this earth. It has been mentioned in scriptures that after the death the purvaj may not get final deliverance (antim mukti), for this performance of Pinddaan while observing all the steps in the rituals will help the Mukti of Atma of Pitr; if it is not done already according to the Karma or deeds/actions while ling.

• When we perform all the rituals in connection with the observance of Shraddha rituals like invoking God with spiritual emotion, the connectivity with God and our Pitras (Ancestors for whom rituals are being performed). Not only the person performing such rituals are benefited but also the deceased soul.

• Shraddhas are the re-payment of debt for what they (Our Pitrs departed souls) have done for us by showing us the path including transferring the family traditions and value system to us. This is also an opportunity to offer gratefulness to our ancestors, family deities and the God including our Gurus who have shown us the purpose of life to us.

• Shraaddhas help the Pitrs (deceased relatives) to move from Pitru areas (which are considered as negative regions) to higher plane for them. For this reasons may be any – may be lesser Karmic Credit during their life-time.

• When the departed souls get their share of Pinddaan along with other important ingredients like black sesame seeds, Kusha, rice floor balls etc. including the emotionally surcharged faith/belief.
• Bhagwad Gita has rightly enunciated that nobody should not commit any mistakes in the performance of duties towards our ancestors’ soul and the God. Those Pitrs for whom no Pinddaan is given, they remain in the negative region. Therefore, a person with intellect who knows the difference between right and wrong should not abstain from performing Shraaddhas for their ancestors.
• When Shraaddhas are not done for a deceased soul (Pitrs), then that Pitr remains trapped between real world and the heavenly abode.
• It should never be forgotten that the benefits of conducting Shraaddhas not only to the deceased Pitrs but also to the person perform the rituals in a systematic and with complete devotion and singleness of purpose. It should be construed as the responsibility of the offspring to offer Shraaddha to his/her deceased ancestors for their ultimate liberation (Moksha).