THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS

SOME CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS ARE
STRANGE TO THE REST OF THE WORLD

www.washingtonpost.com - Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world. But it's also among the most diverse and varies from country to country. In central Europe, many towns set up cozy Christmas villages. Many European towns and cities set up Christmas markets and small Christmas villages that attract visitors and locals alike. They're typically open from the beginning of December until Dec. 24. Some of them exhibit stages, merry-go-rounds and other attractions for children. But there's usually plenty to fascinate adults, too, such as mulled wine, beer and food specialties. 
Some Portuguese people open presents twice - This is a custom in Portugal and many people open presents twice: First, parents give their children a selection of gifts on Christmas Eve. But the excitement is far from over: The next morning, more gifts await, ready to be opened.

Russians, Greeks and Bulgarians prefer the cold and jump into rivers and lakes - This tradition is common in Orthodox Christian countries. Young men (and sometimes women) jump into cold rivers and lakes as soon as a priest throws a cross into the water. The aim is to be the first person to reach the cross. They believe that those who win the contest will be lucky in the new year. In Germany, children collect money for charity - In the more Catholic south of Germany, it is common that children (called Sternsingers) collect money for charity by knocking on people's doors to perform songs. They are usually dressed as the three wise men. 
In Argentina, lit paper decorations are sent into the sky on Christmas Eve - This colorful celebration lights the sky over Argentina on Christmas Eve. Many people in the South American country make their own paper decorations, sort of like balloons and equipped with lights. The so-called 'globos' are usually released into the sky shortly after midnight.

This article is about traditions which seem quite strange to the rest of the world. It was written by Rick Noack, from Washington, D.C. Buth there are many other examples: South Koreans like money as a present. It's true that money might not seem like a very elaborate Christmas gift, but many South Koreans prefer it over more creative presents. The South Korean version of Santa Claus (Santa Haraboji, which means Santa Grandfather), sometimes wears a blue suit instead of a red one. Winter in Finland is dominated by the cold temperatures and thick layers of snow that cover forests and houses. For this, many Finnish have a solution: They celebrate Christmas in saunas.  And in Nova Scotia, in the southeast of Canada, some locals dress up as Santa Claus, then they walk to their neighbors' houses and make them guess their real identities. As we all know, the celebration of Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus, and the Western Church celebrates it on December 25. Many countries around the world follow this tradition; however, no one is really sure of what day Jesus' birth was, and it is little that we know about His historical being; however, more important is the message that he came to deliver to all humankind. (Editor's note).

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

Jesus has shown the power of love, and He became immortal because He was such a great example. It is a pity that there are so few people following him. Many people repeat the name of Jesus, but they are not vegetarians; they even do not admit that the animals have a soul, and in reality not themselves also, because they do not live for the good of the soul. It is not easy to follow a pure devotee of God. ... Let’s hope that on the day of Jesus, more than one soul remember him and not give most attention to the ridiculous Father Christmas. It is a great sadness to see how this day, which should be so sacred for the Christians, has become more and more profane each year. Who will give a present to Jesus? Who will sing to him on his altar? Just a few people are doing it! But we shouldn’t be surprised, this is the effect of Kali yuga. Well the devotees of Krishna, they certainly do celebrate and sing your glories in your divine and wonderful eternal and progressive immortality.

Śrīla Atulananda Ācārya :
“Jesus and His Message of Universal Love”
http://www.atulanandadas.cl/
http://www.vrindanews.com/nectar/christmas.html

Published by dasavatara das - “Vedic Views on World News”
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar/

PRESIDENT OBAMA'S DIWALI MESSAGE 2014

PRESIDENT OBAMA EXTENDS
WARMEST WISHES FOR DIWALI

www.whitehouse.gov - On Wednesday, October 22, 2014, Barack Obama, President of the United States wished a Happy Diwali to all those who celebrate the festival of lights. It is the sixth time that the Obama administration celebrates Diwali. President Obama wished a happy Diwali to Indians around the world, keeping up a tradition of increased cultural and religious awareness that his administration has been practicing since it took office in 2009. Here  is the transcript of the President’s video message: 
“I want to wish a Happy Diwali to all those who are celebrating the festival of lights here in the United States and around the world.  For Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists, lighting the lamp - the diya - is a chance to remember, even in the midst of darkness, that light will ultimately prevail.  Knowledge will defeat ignorance, and compassion will triumph over despair.”

“Diwali is also a reminder that we must each do our part to achieve that victory, by dedicating ourselves to service to others. If we affirm our commitments to one another and strive to lift each other up, then together, we will continue moving closer to that brighter future we all seek. America is a great and diverse nation, strengthened by the contributions of all our people.  I was proud to host the first Diwali celebration at the White House back in 2009.  Since then, we’ve continued to mark this holiday to honor the rich traditions that define the American family. ” 
“And I know Michelle and I will never forget the wonderful time we had celebrating Diwali in Mumbai with food, dancing, and the company of friends.  So, to all the families gathering together this Diwali to reflect on all the blessings of the past year, I wish you a joyous celebration and Saal Mubarak.”

As in previous years, United States President Barack Obama has greeted Indians, especially Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists, celebrating Diwali this weekend in the US, India and across the globe. This year President Obama gave his greeting on the Observance of Diwali, saying “lighting the lamp - the diya - is a chance to remember, even in the midst of darkness, that light will ultimately prevail.” This article is an official publication from the White House, written by Kiran Ahuja, Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and Ashley Allison, Associate Director at the White House Office of Public Engagement. On October 14, 2009, President Obama expressed, “the Festival of Lights symbolize the victory of light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. And while this is a time of rejoicing, it's also a time for reflection, when we remember those who are less fortunate and renew our commitment to reach out to those in need.” And in his last year greetings, President Obama said, “Here in the United States, Diwali also reminds us that our nation is home to many faiths and traditions, and that our diversity makes us stronger.” This marks the sixth time that the Obamas have celebrated Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights. Our spiritual teachers have taught us that during this holiday season, people clean their homes and wears new clothes, and similarly, we must clear our minds of harmful thoughts, grudges and past hurts, to bring renewed air and new light into our hearts, site within us where the Supreme Lord resides.  (Editor's note).

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

Diwali also marks the New Year. For some, the day of Diwali itself is the first day of the New Year, and for others the new year's day is the day following Diwali. But for all, this season is one of heralding in the New Year. In the joyous mood of this season, we clean our homes, our offices, our rooms, letting the light of Diwali enter all the corners of our lives. We begin new checkbooks, diaries and calendars.  It is a day of "starting fresh." On this day we clean every room of the house; we dust every corner of the garage, we sweep behind bookshelves, vacuum under beds and empty out cabinets.  But, what about our hearts?  When was the last time we swept out our hearts? When did we last empty them of all the dirt and garbage that has accumulated throughout our lives? That is the real cleaning we must do. That is the real meaning of "starting fresh." We must clean out our hearts, ridding them of darkness and bitterness; we must make them clean and sparkling places for God to live.

Dr Stephen Knapp (Śrīpad Nandanandana dasa) :
“Hindu Festivals”
http://www.stephen-knapp.com/hindu_festivals.htm
http://www.stephen-knapp.com  -  http://www.stephenknapp.info/

 

Published by dasavatara das - “Vedic Views on World News”
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar/

DIWALI 2014

DIWALI: WHAT IS THE FESTIVAL OF 
LIGHTS AND HOW IS IT CELEBRATED?

www.independent.co.uk - What is Diwali? Diwali is the five-day festival of lights, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world. The festival, which coincides with the Hindu New Year, celebrates new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. The actual day of Diwali is traditionally celebrated on the festival's third day, which this year falls on Thursday, October 23. 
The festival usually falls between the middle of October and the middle of November, although this is decided upon by the Hindu lunar calendar. While each faith has its own reason to celebrate the festival, one of the most popular stories told is the legend of Lord Rama and his wife Sita returning to their kingdom in northern India from exile after defeating the demon king Ravanna.

How is Diwali celebrated? The festival is marked by large firework displays, to remember the celebrations which, according to the legend, took place upon Rama's return as locals set off their own version of fireworks. Those celebrating the festival also light traditional earthen diyas (candles) and decorate their houses with colourful rangoli artworks - patterns created on the floor using coloured rice or powder. During Diwali, families and friends share sweets and gifts and there is also a strong belief in giving food and goods to those in need. 
It is also traditional for homes to be cleaned and new clothes to be worn at the time of the festival. The food most closely associated with the festival is Indian sweets, which come in a range of colours and flavours. The celebration however features various rich savoury and sweet dishes, and while eating out is popular, families will mostly prepare food at home for when guests arrive to exchange gifts and watch fireworks. 

India is in the midst of the five-day Diwali festival marking the New Year. The festival is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains for a variety of reasons, although the main theme which runs throughout is the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Diwali or Deepavali means “row of lamps” in Sanskrit. Clay lamps, or diyas, traditionally filled with mustard oil, are lit and placed around the entrances to Hindu homes on the night before the new moon in the Hindu month of Kartika, which this year falls tomorrow, on Thursday, Oct. 23. To celebrate, houses are decorated with candles and colourful lights and huge firework displays are held while families feast and share gifts. Unlike traditional roast turkey at Christmas, which is eaten in many Western countries, each Hindu family celebrating Diwali will more than likely prepare for the festival the finest vegetarian cooking in the world, such as Gobi pakora, crisp cauliflower fritters jacketed in chickpea flour; Mutter paneer, made from peas and from cubes of fresh paneer curd cheese studding a Garam masala and tomato broth; and of course, many sweets, for example Laddu, Gulab jamun, Coconut burfi, etc. Our spiritual teachers have taught us that the festival celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and the return from exile of Lord Rama to his home, Ayodhya. We should understand that Ayodhya is our heart, and Lord Rama is the Lord of our hearts. Due to being very confused in this material world, we have banished the God of our hearts. So, as we light the earthen lamps during this Diwali, we must also illuminate our hearts with divine love and ward off the darkness of so many negative and evil thoughts that keep us away from our true position as well-wishers children of our Heavenly Father. (Editor's note).

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

After defeating Ravana, Rama gave back the kingdom to Vibhishna, the brother of Ravana, thus establishing an eternal legacy for the Hindus that they might not usurp any possession that does not belong to them.  Winning a war does not alter this principle.  After winning the war and releasing Sita from the wicked Ravana, the period of fourteen years was over.  It was time to return to Ayodha.  The people of Ayodha were most eagerly waiting for this day.  They welcomed their beloved Rama, along with Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman, by lighting candles to welcome them. [...] Diwali, or Deepawali, as it is often called, is the Festival of Lights.  Undoubtedly, it is the most popular festival of Hindus. Nearly one billion Hindus celebrate this auspicious event with gusto and religious sentiment in all parts of world. Diwali signifies the return of Lord Rama, after completing his fourteen years of exile in the forest and winning victory over the wicked King Ravana.

Dr. Hiro Badlani:
“Hinduism - Path of the Ancient Wisdom”
Chapter 20 - “Victory of Righteousness over Unrighteousness”
Chapter 54 - “Hindu Festivals”
http://hinduismpath.com/

Published by dasavatara das - “Vedic Views on World News”
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar/

2014 DUSSEHRA

TODAY, 03 OCTOBER 2014,
DUSSEHRA OR VIJAYADASHAMI

www.calendarlabs.com - Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashmi, is a major Indian festival celebrated on the tenth day of Ashvin month according to the Hindu calendar. This day falls in the month of September or October. The day culminates a 9 day fasting period of Navratri in the Hindu culture. The day also coincides with immersion of the idol of Goddess Durga. The day is celebrated to commemorate the killing of demon Ravana by Lord Rama. The day also celebrates the killing of demon Mahishasur by Goddess Durga.
Dussehra celebration spreads the message of the victory of good over sin. It is believed that the celebration of Dussehra started in the 17th century, when the king of Mysore ordered the celebration of the day on a grand scale.

Ever since, the day is celebrated with great fervor and energy. There are a lot of mythological tales associated with the day. According to Ramayana, demon Ravana was killed by Lord Rama on this day as revenge against the cruel act of kidnapping Goddess Sita by the former. Mythology also has it that Goddess Durga killed demon Mahishasura after a long spell of cruelty and oppression by Mahishasura. Largely, the day is celebrated to commemorate the prevalence of good over evil. The day is celebrated on a large scale in India as well as in Bangladesh. 
The most famous Dussehra celebrations in India are those in the city of Mysore. Goddess Chamundeshwari is worshipped on this day and a grand procession of her idol is taken out across the city. Major buildings are decorated with lights and color across the city.

Today, Friday, 03 October 2014,  is Dussehra (Vijaya Dashami). The Vijayadashami or Dussehra festival is of a tremendous cultural significance in India and it is celebrated with gaiety and love. In Nepal, Dussehra or Dasara is celebrated as Dashain.  After Navaratri, the tenth and final day is Vijayadashami, the day of victory. Vijayadashami or Dussehra festival is celebrated as victory of Lord Rama over Demon Ravana and also triumph of Goddess Durga over the buffalo Demon Mahishasura. There are also other events that mark the celebrations on this day, such as the end of the exile period of Pandavas and their coming back to their kingdom.Other famous Dussehra celebrations in India take place in Kolkata and Orissa, where the festival is preceded by week long celebrations. People visit the Pooja Pandals wearing new clothes, prepare traditional food at home and celebrate the festival with their friends and families. In most other parts of India, plays are organized across cities depicting the story of Ramayana which culminates in the killing of Ravana on this day. Statues of Ravana are burnt everywhere in India on Dussehra and in Delhi, the event is attended by political dignitaries in the Ramlila Maidan, which is a large ground traditionally used for staging the annual Ramlila. In short, it  is a celebration of the victory of good over evil, and when people burn in a huge bonfire the effigy of Ravana, the ten-headed demon, it also represents the destruction of the false ego and the process by which we can purify ourselves of the ten sins, meaning the sins committed by the ten active senses (the senses of perception and organs of action). (Editor's note).

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

Dussehra Vijaydashtmi is one of the most important Hindu festivals; it celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over wicked Ravana. In many places large effigies of Ravana are burned to symbolize the ultimate victory of goodness over evil. It follows another festival of nine nights of worship of goddess Navratri, culminating in victory on the tenth day. (Vijay means victory, and dashtmi is tenth day.)  [...] The philosophical and symbolic concept of Navaratri points out that the demon Mahishasura is our own ego within, and the goddess to destroy is the all-powerful Shakti of spiritual internal meditation, through which the energy is moved from the lower chakras of violence, lust, and greed to the higher chakras of goodness, knowledge, and charity.

Dr. Hiro Badlani :
“Hinduism - Path of the Ancient Wisdom”
Chapter 54: “Hindu Festivals”
http://hinduismpath.com/

 

Published by dasavatara das - “Vedic Views on World News”
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar/

COLOURS FOR NAVRATRI

9 SPECIAL COLOURS
FOR 9 DAYS OF NAVRATRI

www.boldsky.com - Navratri is a festival that last nine days during which we worship Goddess Durga in nine different forms. Each of the Navdurga avatars has their own significance and style of worshipping. Also, the colours for Navratri are designated to each of these nine Devis of Navratri. Navdurga avatars are all parts of Goddess Durga. However, these Devis are worshipped separately because each of them has a particular significance and 'vidhi' or procedure for their puja is different. The Goddess is dressed in a particular colour but it is not necessary that her devotees must be dressed in the same colour. 
For example, Goddess Chandraghanta wears orange but her devotees must wear white on the third day of Navratri. If you want to please the Goddess Durga, then wear the right colours on the respective days. First Day: Yellow Colour - The first day of Navratri is called the 'pratipada'. On this day, Devi Shailapurti Mata who is the first Devi of the Navdurga is worshipped.

Second Day: Green Colour - The second day of the Navratri is called the Dwitiya. Green is the colour of nature and Devi Bramhacharini commands that her devotees be decked up in green. Third Day: Grey Colour - Devi Chandraghanta is the Goddess of peace and serenity. She is dressed in white and her devotees should wear grey on the tritiya of Navratri. Fourth Day: Orange Colour - Goddess Kushmunda is worshipped. She is dressed in red and her devotees must wear read. Fifth Day: White Colour - Skandamata is worshipped on this day. She slays all demons and you must wear white to please this goddess. Sixth Day: Red Colour - Katyayani is worshipped, you must wear red coloured clothes in her honour. 
Seventh Day: Blue Colour - Mata Kaalratri is worshipped on this day. Her devotee must wear blue coloured clothes so that she protects them from evil. Eighth Day: Pink Colour - Mata Saraswati is worshipped. One must wear pink on this special day of the Navratri. Ninth Day: Purple Colour - On the last day of the Navratri, Diddhidatri Mata is commemorated. Her devotees must be dressed in purple to attain 'siddhi' on this holy day.

In 2014, Navratri started on September 25 and lasts until October 3. Nava means nine and ratri means nights. Navratri is the Hindu festival of nine nights dedicated to the glorification of Shakti, the feminine form of the Divine. During this time, the supreme cosmic power is worshipped in the female aspect in the form of the three main goddesses of Hinduism - Parvati (Durga), Lakshmi and Saraswati. During these nine nights, the mother goddess is worshipped in nine different forms. Navratri colours increase the happiness that is related to the festival and there are nine colours for nine days of Navratri. Ms Anwesha, editor in Boldsky and author of this article, explains the colours are very special and each of them must be worn on the stipulated day. This year the Navratri colours for the nine days are as follows: September 25: Yellow. September 26: Green. September 27: Grey. September 28: Orange. September 29: White. September 30: Red. October 1: Royal Blue. October 2: Pink. October 3: Purple.  Navratri culminates on the 10th day with the festivities of Vijayadasham, also known as Dusshera. Our spiritual masters have taught us that in Navratri, Durga, due to her destructive aspect, is worshiped in the first place as She destroys the anarthas or unwanted barriers that hold us back from our true spiritual potential. She reduces the evil tendencies in the mind, and relieve us of our destructive desires of lust, passion, greed, anger, etc. Without removing these obstacles, the spiritual unfoldment cannot take place. Then we should worship Lakshmi as She gives us the true wealth: Virtue or good qualities, such as love, goodness, compassion, forgiveness, cooperation, nonviolence, devotion, purity, and the like. After that, we worship Sarasvati, because She gives us the intelligence, knowledge and wisdom by which spiritual realization is possible. She represents the highest knowledge of the Self. The celebrations of Navaratri are held at night because it represents our overcoming the ignorance of the mode of darkness, the night of tamoguna. (Editor's note).

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

Navaratri is a nine-day festival, followed by the tenth day of victory, vijayadasmi. This festival is celebrated in honor of three most important Hindu goddesses. Only the combined force of all three divine deities, manifested as the female form Mahishasura Mardini, was able to destroy the powerful demon Mahishasura. During the first three days, goddess Shakti, in her aspect as Parvati, is worshipped as the personification of power and vanquisher of evil. During the next three days, she is worshipped in the form of Lakshmi, signifying wealth and beauty. In the last three days, she is worshipped as Saraswati, signifying knowledge. Hence, the three most important qualities - power, wealth, and wisdom - are represented as the female form of goddess Shakti. [...] In this festival of Navratri, devotees dance and pray to the goddess to triumph over the demon of ego (Mahishasura). In the defeat of their own ego, they finally emerge victorious!

Dr. Hiro Badlani :
“Hinduism - Path of the Ancient Wisdom”
Chapter 54: “Hindu Festivals”
http://hinduismpath.com/

Published by dasavatara das - "Vedic Views on World News"
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar

THE JEWISH NEW YEAR 2014

ROSH HASHANAH 2014 - HOW IS THE JEWISH
NEW YEAR TRADITIONALLY CELEBRATED?

www.ibtimes.co.uk - Today marks the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, the first of the High Holy Days which in occur in the early autumn of the northern hemisphere. There are a number of ways the festival is celebrated. “We celebrate with our clients in the traditional Jewish ways, dipping apple in honey, eating honey cake, enjoying a festive meal, lighting candles for the festival, hearing the Shofar and giving them the opportunity to go to a synagogue service if they'd like to. 
For many Rosh Hashanah is a special time of year to share with family. Some of our clients live alone with few family networks so we work hard to make them feel part of our wide reaching Jewish Care family,” says Simon Morris, chief executive of Jewish Care, the UK's largest social welfare organisation.

Shofar - A shofar is an ancient musical instrument made from a horn, traditionally from a ram. It is played in Jewish synagogue services on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, which is the holiest day of the year for the Jewish people. Wearing white - When attending the synagogue, white or light colours are traditionally worn to symbolise new beginnings and it represents purity and renewal. 
Observing Tashlich - Tashlich, meaning "casting off", is the process of going to a flowing body of water and emptying your pockets. Apples dipped in honey - One of the most popular and well-known customs on Rosh Hashanah is dipping sliced apple into honey, an age-old tradition to express home for a sweet new year. Candle lighting - Candles are lit to bring in the Jewish holidays with warmth and light. As Jewish days begin with the setting sun, a lit candle is believed to create a sacred space. 

Yesterday, at sundown on Wednesday (Sept. 24) began Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Rosh Hashanah is one of the most important festivals in the Jewish calendar. If you are Jewish, it’s the time of year to do some serious soul-searching. On this day, Jews ask how they could have lived up to their better selves during the previous year, and for forgiveness from God and those they have wronged. The first day of the 48-hour celebration is called Tishrei, and is believed to be an anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve. As regards the traditional ways to celebrate it, the shofar is mentioned frequently in the Hebrew Bible, the Talmud and in rabbinic literature, and it is sounded just before, during and after the Musaf prayer on Rosh Hashanah. As regards Tashlich the book of Micah, says: "You will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea." In modern times, many throw breadcrumbs, and Tashlich is normally observed on the first day of Rosh Hashanah to symbolise casting off your sins. According to Jewish mythology, the apple represents the Shekhinah – the feminine aspect of God. As regards the candles, the number of them depends on preference and tradition and some light one candle for each member of the family. Our spiritual masters have shown many similarities between Hindu and Jewish Traditions. During the first Hindu-Jewish Leadership Summit, held in New Delhi in 2007, Mr. Oded Weiner, Director General of the Rabbinate of Israel, said: "It is not surprising that there is little difference between the words “Hodim,” Hindus, and Yehodim, Jews. The words are nearly identical, separated just by the letter “yod,” the “y”. This is significant in itself because the “yod” is the tiniest letter in the Hebrew alphabet. These two letters, “yod” (Y) and “heh,” (H) spell God in the Hebrew language (YHVH - yod-heh-vav-heh). It is all really quite profound." (Editor's note).

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

Shalom to acharyas, and revered guests. I shall speak on similarities in our traditions. [...] Both our religions are revealed. Hinduism does not have a beginning. It was never started. Dharma was always there. The Vedas are not books, they are revealed facts by Rishis: Rsayastu mantradrstarah, not mantra-kartarah. Rishis are the seers of the mantras, not its authors. Vedas are revealed. Similarly Moses did not create the Holy Books. They were revealed. God is the source of both the Jewish and Hindu traditions. Moses did not create the religion. Similarly in our tradition we say even Rama or Krsna didn’t create the religion. We have four Vedas, you have five Holy Books. We have smritis, you have midrash. [...] You keep Kosher, we have what is called “achara” - both refer to strict codes about internal and external purity. We are pure in our food habits. We do not mix certain types of food, or eat old food. We purify ourselves before going to the temple. During the menstrual period, both Jewish and Hindu women abstain from worship.

HH Mahamandaleswar Sri Swami :
Gurusharananandaji Karsni Peeth of Mathura
“Similarities Between Hindu and Jewish Traditions”
First Hindu-Jewish Leadership Summit - New Delhi - 2007
http://www.harekrsna.com/sun/editorials/05-08/editorials2960.htm

Published by dasavatara das - “Vedic Views on World News”
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar/

2014 VAMANA JAYANTI

TOMORROW IS VAMANA JAYANTI 
BIRTH DAY OF VAMANA INCARNATION

http://astrobix.com - Vamana Jayanti is celebrated every year on Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapad month.  Lord Vamana is one of the significant forms of Lord Vishnu. It is the fifth avatar or incarnation of Vishnu. As per the legends, King Bali performed austerities and became more powerful than Devas. He would be able to conquer heaven in this battle once he completes his 100 yagnas; therefore, Indra Deva went to Lord Vishnu and asked for his help. 
In order to protect Devas from the wrath of Asuras, Lord Vishnu incarnated into Lord Vamana and took birth from the womb of Aditi, wife of Saint Kashyapa. Lord Vamana adopted the form of Brahmachari. Soon after he grew up, Vamana went to see King Bali  on the day of his 100th Ashwamedh Yagna (in order to prevent it from taking place).

King Bali asked Brahmin Vamana to ask for anything he desires. Vamana asked for three paces of land that he could measure from his own feet. Since he had made a promise, he could not deny it and had to fulfill the Brahmins wish. Vamana took the first step, encompassing the whole earth, and the second covered the heavens. In this way, he conquered two of the three worlds. There was no place to keep the third step on, and then Bali offered his head to Vamana. Vamana accepted it and placed his last step on Bali’s head.
Lord Vishnu was pleased by the integrity of Bali of fulfilling his promise. He blessed Bali with one desire. Bali asked Lord Vishnu to be present in front of Him day and night, so that he is able to worship him. To keep his promise and to fulfill Bali’s desire Lord Vishnu had to become his gatekeeper.

Tomorrow, 6th September 2014 (Saturday) is Vamana Jayanti (also known as Vaman Dwadashi ). It is the birth anniversary of Lord Vishnu. Vamana was the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu during Treta Yuga. Special Puja is organized in Lord Vishnu temples on the occasion of Vamana Jayanti. This is one of fabulous religious days of Hindu religion in India and celebrated each of years with great joy and enthusiasm in northern parts and southern parts of India. People performs various types of religious acts regarding to the importance of this day. People from various communities offer worship to lord Vishnu on this day and performs various type of ritual acts to make happy the Supreme power of world. They offer pooja fruits, flowers and prasad to lord Vishnu at various temples. On this day devotees worship Shri Hari early in the morning with proper rituals. Donating  rice, curd etc is considered to be auspicious on this day. In the evening, the devotees should listen to Vamana Katha along with the family members and distribute prasad among everyone. Devotees should observe fast and perform puja with proper rituals to please Lord Vamana and to get all wishes fulfilled. This Vedic story shows us that no one owns anything in this material world, even if we conquer planetary systems, there will come a time when we will be forced to abandon all wealth and position and surrender our pride at the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord. (Editor's note).

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

The fifth among the Dasavatara is Sri Vamana-avatara. There are innumerable lila-avataras. Among them are twenty-five chief lila-avataras of which Sri Vamanadeva is the eighteenth. [...] The Deity of the month of Ashadha is Sri Vamanadeva. Vaishnavas wear holy marks of twelve hari-mandiras (temples of the Lord in the form of markings known as tilaka) on different parts of the upper body. Among them, the hari-mandira on the left side of the abdomen is fixed for the Presiding Deity Vamanadeva. [...] In the 8th Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam, Srila Krishna Dvaipayana Vedavyasa Muni has given detailed accounts of Lord Vamanadeva’s pastime of appearance, the capturing of the three planetary systems from Bali Maharaja (on the pretext of asking for only three steps of land) and the eventual awarding of the Sutala planet to Bali. [...] Sri Sukadeva Gosvami has mentioned the pastime of Bali and Vamanadeva, which took place during the reign of Savarni Manu of the eighth manvantara.

Śrīla Bhakti Ballabh Tirtha Mahārāja :
“Dasavatara - The Ten Manifestations of God”
Chapter 5: “Sri Vamana-avatara”
Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math - www.sreecgmath.org

 

Published by dasavatara das - “Vedic Views on World News”
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar/

HAPPY RADHASTAMI 2014!

TOMORROW, IS RADHASTAMI
APPEARANCE OF SRIMATI RADHARANI

www.indoamerican-news.com - The divine counterpart of Sri Krishna is known as Sri Radha. Together, according to the ancient Vaishnava tradition, this dual-gendered divinity is God-male and female dimensions of the Absolute Truth. Sri Radha is the complete energy, and Sri Krishna is the complete energetic source. They are non-different from each other, just as musk and its scent are forever merged, or as fire and heat are inseparable. Radha and Krishna are one, yet They have assumed two separate forms to enjoy loving pastimes.
Numerous theological texts explain how this is so, but most thorough are the writings of Krishnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami and Rupa Gosvami, great masters in the Vaishnava tradition whose books have been translated and commented upon by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. To understand Sri Radha, then, English readers would do well to turn to Srila Prabhupada’s books.

Srimati Radharani(or Radha, as most people affectionately call her) has a unique position: She is actually the controller of Krishna (who is in fact the Supreme Controller and who cannot be controlled by anyone) because of Her absolute and unalloyed love, devotion, service, and surrender to Him. Being His closest and most intimate companion She has the ability to recommend the most fallen souls for liberation at His merciful feet. 
Lord Krishna is generally hard to approach directly even by the most accomplished of sages as evidenced by verse 7.3 in the Bhagavad Gita, where Lord Krishna says “Out of many thousands among men, one may endeavor for perfection, and of those who have achieved perfection, hardly one knows Me in truth.” Luckily for us Srimati Radharani makes it very easy because Her infinite capacity for compassion for the worst of sinners helps ease the path. Therefore, it is sometimes said that Radharani is even more merciful than the Lord Himself.

Tomorrow, September 2, 2014 (Tuesday) is Radhastami. The appearance anniversary of Srimati Radharani, the eternal consort of Lord Krsna. This article written by Indo American News reminds us the importance of this special day, “It is our duty to fall at Her lotus feet and seek the mercy of Her sublime and healing gaze. It also happens to be the only day of the year where Srimati Radharani’s feet are visible (all other days they are completely covered). This makes it all the more important that devotees make the trip to the temple and sing Her glories and enjoy the ecstasy that comes with worshipping the feet of the most munificent form of the Lord’s internal potency.” IAN further explains: “Of the many, many prayers offered to Srimati Radharani, the eternal consort of the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna, one goes thus: tapta-kancana-gaurangi radhe vrndavanesvari / vrsabhanu-sute devi pranamami hari-priye - I offer my respects to Radharani, whose bodily complexion is like molten gold and who is the Queen of Vrndavana. You are the daughter of King Vrsabhanu, and You are very dear to Lord Krsna.” Vedic Sages have explained that Radha and Krishna are one, as Sweetness cannot be separated from the Sugar or Fragrance from Flower, or Light from Sun; in the same way, they cannot be separated from each other. In this age of kali Lord Krishna’s eternal wish to understand Radha’s love for Him came true when He appeared as Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who is none other than Krishna Himself but in the mood of Radharani. Our spiritual masters have taught us that Radharani’s special qualification is that She is the best devotee of Krishna, and thus, Krishna loves Her the most. It has also been taught that, without the mercy of Radha, we can not reach Krishna. But we must take a step forward and not worry so much about asking the grace of Srimati Radharani to "reach" our liberation or the final goal in our lives. But rather, ask Her to help us work harder every day to make other people be engaged in this spiritual path, underpin the progress of others who are reeling and give new vigor and energy to those who are weakening. (Editor's note).

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

Today we are celebrating the most important day of the universe, the appearance day of Srimati Radharani. Since yesterday we meditate on this supreme love, to be in love with bringing Krishna happiness, to make everyone happy in Krishna consciousness. This meditation leads us to understand who Srimati Radharani is in our life. Who is Krishna? Who are we?  [...] Srimati Radharani does everything to make Krishna supremely happy. I renounced my liberation to help others. In Krishna consciousness we need to understand that the most valuable things are to make others aware of Krishna. Do you want to enter the camp of Srimati Radharani?  Do you want to be part of the intimate group of Srimati Radharani? Then you must want to run to help others. A devotee of Radharani is someone with a strong desire to show others the path of spiritual love to stop suffering. Your task is to work on the spirituality of others. An intimate servant of Radharani is one that is fully committed to the urgent needs of this world.

Śrīla Bhakti Aloka Paramadvaiti Mahārāja :
“Sunday Chat, Radhastam”
September 23 2012 (Sri Radhastami), Colombia
http://www.vrindanews.com/
http://vrindanews.com/category/swami-b-a-paramadvaiti/
http://nimaihuset.blogspot.com.ar/2012/09/srila-ba-paramadvaiti-maharaj-sunday.html

Published by dasavatara das - "Vedic Views on World News"
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar/

VARAHA JAYANTI 2014

TOMORROW IS VARAHA JAYANTI 
BIRTH DAY OF VARAHA INCARNATION

http://astrobix.com - Varaha Jayanti celebration approaches. This year, Varaha Jayanti is celebrated on 28th August, Thursday. This festivity is dedicated to Lord Varaha, another incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who was born to destroy evils. On this day, devotees perform bhajans and observe fasts in order to please Lord Varaha. Lord Varaha is the third incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Worshipping Lord Varaha on this day brings wealth, fortune and happiness to the devotee. Varaha Jayanti Story: Diti gave birth to two demons.
Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakshayapu were born with terrific powers. At the time of their birth, the entire universe was terrified. Earth shook, huge tides aroused in the oceans and stars moved upside down. The scenario of the three worlds was in itself terrifying. Soon, both brothers grew up with strong and huge built.

Both of them performed tough austerities and were able to please Lord Brahma. They asked for limitless powers and that no one should be able to defeat them in any war. Lord Brahma granted them the wish and went back to heaven. Both of them became powerful and started troubling people of all the three worlds to prove their strengths. After acquiring the three worlds, Hiranyaksha dragged the Earth into the bottom of the sea. To end his terror and free the Earth from evil, Shri Vishnu took the form of Varaha, half-boar-half-human. 
Varaha got earth free from abyss of the deep Garbhodaka ocean by holding it with his tusks, and restored the planet earth in its correct position in space. After completing his task, and restore the Earth in a safe place, Varaha and Hiranyaksha fought each other for a long time and then Hiranyaksha was killed by Lord Vishnu.

Tomorrow, 28th August 2014 (Thursday) is Varaha Jayanti. It is the birth anniversary of Varaha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. As per the Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu is the preserver and protector of the universe. He protects us from various dangers and evil powers. It is explained in the Vishnu Purana that whenever Dharma or law and order is endangered, Shri Vishnu will incarnate to eradicate the darkness and win over the evil powers. Varaha is the third incarnation of Lord Vishnu during Satya Yuga that appeared to rescue Earth from Demon Hiranyakasha. Special Puja is organized in Lord Vishnu temples on the occasion of Varaha Jayanti. Among the rituals to observe during this festivity, we can mention that devotees should observe fast throughout the day and organize a Jagran (a way of worship throughout night) reciting stories of various manifestations of Lord Vishnu overnight. Devotees who observe fast on Varaha Jayanti normally establish a deity of Lord Varaha in a kalash (a sacred waterpot), followed by doing Visarjan (immersion of a deity in the water). Once the puja is done the deity is donated to any Brahman or Acharya. It is believed that worshipping Lord Varaha gets one rid of all the problems in life and brings good fortune and happiness. Nowadays, huge industries are drilling the ocean for oil, but they do not care about the imbalance they are creating in the subterranean depths. In order to satisfy their excessive ambition for money, they are putting our Mother Earth in great dangers, just as the demon Hiranyaksha did millions of year ago. We must always remember that when the Lord's creation is in danger, He himself appears to punish the wicked and put things in their proper locations. (Editor's note).

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

When Brahmaji saw the earth submerged in the water, he thought for a long time about how it could be rescued. [...] Even after much effort, Brahmaji was not able to think of any solution. At last, he took shelter of the Supreme Lord Visnu. While Brahmaji was still deep in thought, a small boar the size of the tip of a thumb manifested from his nose. But the most surprising thing is that the small boar expanded in front of Brahmaji and within moments, filled the sky and assumed a form as big as an elephant.  [...] The omnipotent Sri Hari enlivened Brahma and the other highly elevated brahmanas by again roaring with His uncommon voice. The sound of His roar was so sweet that it destroyed all the miseries of the hearer. [...] The Lord of all sacrifices penetrated the water with His hooves, and in the depths of the Rasatala ocean, He saw the earth lying there as it was carried by Him in his stomach during the time of devastation. Lord Varaha lifted the earth on His tusks and appeared very splendid.

Śrīla Bhakti Ballabh Tirtha Mahārāja :
“Dasavatara - The Ten Manifestations of God”
Chapter 3: “Varaha Avatara (The Boar Incarnation)”
Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math - www.sreecgmath.org

 

Published by dasavatara das - “Vedic Views on World News”
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar/