YOGA WORKSHOPS AT CHENNAI, INDIA

CORPORATE HEADS
GO TO PRACTICE YOGA

www.deccanchronicle.com - (Chennai, India) A group of 11 people, all corporate heads above 45 years, are exposed to yoga for the first time at a workshop. Almost all complain of pain in the neck, back and the knee while performing asanas and while sitting on the floor for minutes together. Dr. Krishna Raman, consultant physician, internal medicine, offers tips and changes in sitting position. Yoga is now being widely used for healing purposes too. 
“People learn yoga to improve their health quotient. Most people can’t sit continuously for a long time and feel numb in the legs. It is so because we are not adapted to it. Yoga adapts you to a particular situation. When we sit properly, it gives energy to the mind," Dr. Raman, the medical specialist who combines internal medicine and yoga, explains at the workshop. While sitting, shoulders have to drop down and if so, the neck is also relieved.

Yoga is most often perceived as something for flexibility, breathing and spirituality and we do not appreciate it, says Dr. Farzana Siraj, consultant therapeutic yoga, adding that hot and power yoga are a corruption of yoga.  We have to sit and stand in a proper posture. Leaning forward is ageing and leaning backward is anti-aging, says Dr. Siraj. At 58, K.G. Muralidharan, promoter of G.K. Industrial Park, wants to do yoga to improve his health. “My health deteriorates with age and I want to be fit. I have heard about various benefits of practising yoga and I want to practise it,” he says. 
Yoga instructors say that awareness about yoga and its benefits has been increasing and many young people now prefer attending classes. Given the demand for yoga and naturopathy, the government yoga and naturopathy medical college in the city has increased the seats from 20 to 50 from this academic year.

This article, written by Deccan Chronicle correspondent, explains about the benefits of Hatha Yoga and how the asanas can improve your health. By practising Yoga you will learn to change your sitting position and it may modify a bad posture. Dr R.S. Himeswari, chairman of the medical college in Chennai, says that from the next academic year, they plan to start postgraduate courses in naturopathy and yogic sciences. The only government yoga hospital sees 200 outpatients daily. “Our students visit the Institute of Mental Health and teach yoga to mentally ill people. It’s not just pain alone that can be managed through yoga, even hypertension and diabetes, among others, can be managed with regular practice,” she says. Obviously, it is not necessary to wait till your health becomes deteriorated to change your lifestyle and start the practice of Hatha Yoga. The asanas of yoga are excellent tools in curative and preventive health care. In the last decades, physicians have understood the vast clinical potential of yoga as a non invasive tool and its use in preventive health making health care highly cost effective. We all know that prevention is cheaper than to spend much money in curing. Moreover, more and more Western physicians have found solutions for a variety of medical ailments by combining Western medicine and Yoga. We should care our human body because God has designed it to help us to achieve the transcendence. But it is our responsibility to harmonize and connect our body with our inner self, so in order to be successful in doing it is very useful to follow ancient yogic principles. (Editor's note).

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

The physical body is considered an instrument or vehicle of the soul on its path towards perfection, and it has its own needs that must be met in order to run well.  Right exercise: The asanas, improve blood circulation and muscle flexibility, and help the joints, muscles and other body parts to work correctly.   Correct breathing: Yogic breathing techniques called pranayama, producing a burst of energy that leads to mental and physical rejuvenation of the body.  Correct relaxation:  Relaxation is a natural method of revitalizing the body and mind.  Rigth diet: The yogic diet is a vegetarian one and is composed of pure foods that promote health and vitality.  Positive thinking and Meditation: They purify the intellect and allow to achieve wisdom and inner peace.

Yoga Inbound :
“Yogic Diet”
http://www.yogainbound.org/ws/
http://www.yogainbound.org/ws/hatha-yoga/30-articulos-interes/195-dieta-yoguica

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

STANISLAVSKY’S PRINCIPLES AND BASIC YOGA PRINCIPLES

YOGA WAS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF 
STANISLAVSKY'S STUDIOS (2nd part)

http://in.rbth.com - For Stanislavsky - famous Russian actor and theatre director - the key moment in using yoga’s wisdom was the deep link of outward physical exercises and spiritual upbringing, the path to self-actualization through deliberate work on oneself. Stanislavsky’s use not only of yoga’s terminology, but also of its structural principles, is manifest in his understanding of the development of the creative individual as such. In discussions with actors he spoke about the steps of creativity that were common to everyone, “no matter what the time period or people’s individuality.” 
According to Stanislavsky, the first step was concentration; the second, awareness; the third, fearlessness and courage in creativity; the fourth, creative calm. Just as the first four steps of Hatha yoga are followed by a transition to the higher steps of Raja yoga.

In Stanislavsky’s approach, after the four steps of “working on oneself” there is an achievement of higher artistic goals. The fifth step is “bringing to the greatest intensity all the forces of one’s feelings and thoughts that have overflowed into physical action.” The sixth step is related to the “artist’s cultivation of the stage attraction, the nobility with which he has purified the passions he portrays.” Stanislavsky spoke of the need for the person’s soul to free itself of passions. And finally, the “last step, without which one cannot live in art, is happiness.” 
Of course, it is impossible to say that everything Stanislavsky did followed Ramacharaka’s version of yoga. Stanislavsky’s teaching developed in dialogue with several sources, but it is obvious that yoga was among them and was one of the most important sources.

This is the second part of an interesting article, written by Konstantin Fets, that tells us about the convergence between Stanislavsky’s principles and basic Yoga principles. According to Fets, Stanislavsky’s preoccupation with yoga only rose in the years immediately following the 1917 Revolution, when he studied the connections between actors’ psychological and motor and physical conditions. Like yoga, Stanislavsky points out a path to his students; he stresses that his “system” is a “guidebook.” For the yoga system and Stanislavsky’s teaching, the process of upbringing and training concludes in the ability to use “the subconscious mind, under orders of the conscious mind” (Ramacharaka) or “the work of the subconscious realm of the mind, which is accomplished by commanding the realm of the consciousness” (Stanislavsky).  As in yoga, in Stanislavsky’s approach there is cognition of a “system,” and the Path is impossible without a direct teacher-student link (guru - disciple). The “system” of the great director was based on the conviction that the knowledge of oneself, the path to oneself and “self-construction” free a person and give rise to genuine creativity. Raja-yoga, sometimes called astanga-yoga, is the eightfold path leading to liberation. The process involves calming all mental agitation, which gradually helps the meditator to fuse with the objects of meditation by supraconscious concentration. The process is divided into eight basic steps. It is fascinating to see how the traditional steps of Hatha Yoga and Raja Yoga systems have deeply influenced the famous Stanislavski Method, which has had a huge impact on the art and technique of the modern theatrical performance. (Editor's note).

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

The meditation process begins with the means for calming the mind. That is the first principle of consideration. It is the state beyond the influence of the mind in which a person can first begin to perceive the spiritual dimension. [...]  The basic practice of meditation also incorporates the eight steps known as yama (restraints), niyama (positive developments), asanas (postures), pranayama (breath and psychic energy control), pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), dharana (focused attention), and then comes dhyana (meditation) followed by samadhi (a perfect flow of attention on something that provides a superconscious experience). When we meditate, we want a continuous flow of concentration toward the point or purpose of our attention. This process essentially involves reaching a state of pure meditation in which a person enters an uninterrupted flow of contemplation on God. Then, as one proceeds, the meditator loses all awareness of the body and external or sensual stimuli. Then you can enter the freedom to experience superconsciousness.

Dr Stephen Knapp (Śrīpad Nandanandana dasa) :
“Meditation - A Short Course To Higher Consciousness”
http://www.stephen-knapp.com
http://www.stephen-knapp.com/meditation.htm

Published by dasavatara das - “Vedic Views on World News”
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INTERNATIONAL YOGA FESTIVAL 2013

RISHIKESH INTERNATIONAL
YOGA FESTIVAL 2013, INDIA

Rishikesh, India - International Yoga Festival ran last month, from the 1-7 March at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh, India. There were more than 475 official participants from 41 countries; however, taking into consideration those who came just for a few classes or programs, the total number of participants was nearly 800 people from 50 countries! Parmarth Niketan has been hosting International Yoga Festival since 1999, first in cooperation with Uttar Pradesh Tourism and then in cooperation with Uttarakhand Tourism. The number of participants, the diversity of the countries from which they come and the array of yogacharyas has increased significantly year by year.
This year there were more than 30 yogacharyas who came from a variety of cities and countries around the world including USA, China, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Germany and Australia. There was also a special drumming performance given by Sivamani, the world famous drummer and other cultural song and dance programs.

The concluding ceremony was graced by the presence of the Honourable Governor of Uttarakhand, the Minister of Finance, Smt. Indira Hridayeshji, Respected Imam Umer Ahmed Iliyasiji, the President of the All India Imam Association and many others.  The concluding program included a pledge from all the participants to work to keep the rivers of the world clean. Gabriela Bozic of Germany and Laura Plumb from California, USA, spoke about the importance of working for Mother Ganga and all rivers wherever people live. 
Deepika Mehta of Mumbai, the yoga teacher to the Bollywood celebrities shared her feelings of being so blessed to come and teach at the Yoga Festival. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswatiji, Padmashri Bharat Bhushan, Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, Andrew Cohen of USA, Shri Mooji of Jamaica and Bhava Ram of USA gave divine, inspiring and uplifting spiritual discourses.

Last month took place in Rishikesh, India, the Rishikesh International Yoga Festival, a one week yoga festival organized annually. Highlights of the week were: 1. Awakening the Kundalini with Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa; 2. Satsang and Question-Answer session with Pujya Swami Chidanandji; 3. The true meaning of Yoga with Pujya Swami Dayanandaji; 4. Plenary on Messages of the Kumbh Mela; 5. Spiritual Evolution Lecture with Andrew Cohen, founder of EnlightenNext of USA; 6. Satsang on Advaita by Shri Mooji of Jamaica; 7. Living Yoga for Joy and Health by Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati of USA and Dr. Ranjit Bhogal of Kaivalyadham, Pune; 8. Deep Yoga Lecture by Bhava Ram from USA. Finally, the evening dancing on the banks of Mother Ganga, under the sacred Himalayas, was an unforgettable experience and an absolute highlight. 

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

The word yoga is derived from the root yuj, which means to unite or to join together. ... Yoga is an integral part of the Hindu religion. There is a saying: “There is no Yoga without Hinduism and no Hinduism without Yoga."  The country of origin of Yoga is undoubtedly India, where for many hundreds of years it has been a part of man's activities directed towards higher spiritual achievements. The Yoga Philosophy is peculiar to the Hindus, and no trace of it is found in any other nation, ancient or modern. It was the fruit of the highest intellectual and spiritual development. The history of Yoga is long and ancient. ... It is an integral subjective science. ... The seeds of the yoga system may be discovered in the Vedic Samhita because the Vedas are the foundation of Indian culture philosophy and religion.

“A Tribute to Hinduism” - “Yoga and Hindu Philosophy”
by Sushama Londhe
Published by Pragun Publications, New Delhi, India
http://atributetohinduism.com/contents.htm
http://www.hinduwisdom.info/Yoga_and_Hindu_Philosophy.htm
sushama@atributetohinduism.com

Published by dasavatara das - "Vedic Views on World News"
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EVEN GODS ARE NOT SAFE IN INDORE

THIEVES STRIKE AT THREE 
TEMPLES IN INDORE, INDIA

http://daily.bhaskar.com - Unidentified miscreants struck at three different temples situated under Annapurna area and decamped with booty worth thousands of dollars late on Saturday night. The thieves targeted Sai Mandir and Sri Ram Mandir situated in the vicinity of Bank Colony and also broke open the locks of a Shiv Mandir situated in adjacent, Vishwakarma Colony. The incident came to fore when locals thronged the temples to offer their morning prayers and discovered the theft. Following this, a team of Annapurna police reached the spot and took stock of the situation but found no vital clue about the miscreants. 
The police suspect that the thefts were committed under the influence of drugs or alcoholic substance by some local miscreants, who were aware that the area was quite deserted with inadequate lights arrangement.

As the news of theft spread in the area, local residents gathered outside the temples and registered their protest against the incidents. The residents accused police of negligence as there was no police patrolling in the area. The locals warned police of soon arrest and stern actions against the thieves or they would stage a demonstration against the department. A case was registered at Annapurna police station and further investigation was underway.
Over a dozen temples, gurudwaras and shrines situated in different parts of the city have been barged in last one month. Besides, thefts in eight temples situated in Annapurna, Chandan Nagar, Rajendra Nagar and Hira Nagar have been reported in last five days. The incidents have raised a question mark over the claims of the police about night patrolling. The police even could not ascertain the identity of the miscreants involved in any of these thefts.

A new theft incident of sacred Hindu temple objects took place. This time in Indore, India. Thieves made away with donation boxes and other valuables from the temples Sai Mandir and Sri Ram Mandir in Bank Colony and Shiv Mandir in Vishwakarma Colony. Faithless crimes committed at Hindu temples is not new. In June 2010, two black granite statutes of Jaya and Vijaya, the guardians to the abode of Vishnu, were stolen from the entrance to the prayer hall of the Hindu Cultural Center of North Alabama (USA). In May 2011, thieves desecrated three Kuala Selangor temples in Malaysia and stole gold platelets and navarathinam (precious stones) placed in the sanctum ground before a Hindu deity is installed. In March of 2012 several incidents - a total of 31 burglaries of sacred objects - took place in Hindu temples across the island of Bali. Also last year, in November, a sacred statue of Lord Shiva - worth nearly $ 10,000 - was stolen from the Indian Cultural Society Hindu Temple and Mahatma Gandhi Center in Wayne, New Jersey (USA).  Please, support your local temple! 

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

In Hindu's homes around the world, the center of the home is the family altar, where spiritual values are shared. In America, the center of the home is the family television set, where the favorite fare is sitcoms, where anti-social skills are learned (the favorite source of "humor" in sitcoms is usually insult and sexual innuendo). It is the goal of every devout Hindu to visit the different places of pilgrimage (especially after retirement), such as Varanasi, Vrindavana, Badarikashrama, and great holy places of worship such as the temples of Venkateshwara, Jagannatha and Ranganath. In the United States, the places of pilgrimage are either Reno, Atlantic City, or Las Vegas, the Mecca’s of gambling, meat eating, intoxication, and prostitution. ... Hindu temples, on the other hand, are small islands of refuge for dharma, and are supported by only a small minority of people. They need your help!

Śrīpad Yajnavalkya Dasa :
"Defending Dharma"
http://stephen-knapp.com/defending_dharma.htm
http://es.scribd.com/doc/46973472/DefendingDharma

Published by dasavatara das - "Vedic Views on World News"
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CHANTING THE GAYATRI MANTRA

SIGNIFICANCE OF RECITING
THE POWERFUL GAYATRI MANTRA

www.boldsky.com - Gayatri Mantra is considered to be one of the powerful mantras in Hindu religion. The Gayatri Mantra has been reported in the Rig Veda about 2500 to 3500 years ago, and the mantra may have been chanted for many centuries before that. The significance of Gayatri Mantra is beyond the human reach and whoever chants can feel the power of Gayatri mantra. Gayatri mantra is said to be so powerful that if it is repeated thrice a day, it will confer all the blessings on you in the form of good health, wealth, vitality and beauty. 
Gayatri Mantra in Sanskrit: Aum bhur bhuvah suvaha, tat savitur varenyam. Bhargo devasya dhimahi. Dhiyo yo nah pracodha yat. The interpretation of Gayatri Mantra: Aum, Dear God, Thou are the giver of life, the bestower of happiness and the remover of pain and sorrow. O Lord, Creator of the universe, may we receive your sin-destroying light. May Thou guide our intellect in the right direction.

Here are few benefits of reciting Gayatri Mantra: Makes you strong from within: Reciting Gayatri Mantra brings strength in oneself. Brings positive energy: When one is reciting the powerful Gayatri Mantra, it illuminates the surrounding atmosphere and creates positive vibrations. Successful marriage: If anyone is worried about the delay in marriage, then there is a solution found in Gayatri Mantra. Brings prosperity: Interestingly, Goddess Gayatri is also known as Annapoorani, the Hindu Goddess of food. It is said that any family who worships Goddess Gayatri and recite the Gayatri Mantra find prosperity in their life. 
Gives us health and a sense of protection: Reciting Gayatri Mantra is known to be a particular type of Pranayama. It regulates and channelizes the entire breathing system which in turn makes us healthy. It is also a magnificent hymn or prayer that connects the human mind with the Supreme Being.

The words for the Gayatri mantra are arranged in such a manner that it creates a powerful force. Anyone who chants this Mantra tends to feel relaxed, thus increasing concentration power. Vijayalakshmi, the author of the article, explains that the power of Gayatri Mantra enhances the intellectual level and washes away the sins, purifies the mind, body and soul. "There are few techniques that should be followed while chanting the Gayatri mantra. It is recommended that a person chanting Gayatri Mantra should always close their eyes and try to concentrate on each and every word that are recited," she says. The meaning of the Brahma Gayatri must bring us to the conclusion of Srimad-Bhagavatam. The Gayatri mantra and the Srimad-Bhagavatam are one and the same.

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

What is the meaning of Gayatri ? The word gayatri is a combination of two Sanskrit words: ganat (what is sung) and trayate (gives deliverance). This means, "A kind of song by which we can get our salvation, relief, emancipation. Gayatri is known as veda-mata, the mother of the Veda. If we examine the Vedic conclusion from it's most condensed aphorism to its most extensive expression, we shall find that it begins with omkara : the Vedic symbol OM. That truth is expressed as the gayatri mantra, then it appears in the form of the Vedas, and then as the Vedanta-sutra. Finally, the Vedic conclusion is given its fullest expression in the Srimad-Bhagavatam. Since the meaning, the purpose of Vedic knowledge progresses in this line, the gayatri mantra must contain within it the meaning of Srimad-Bhagavatam - that is, that the Krsna conception of Godhead is the highest.

Śrīla Bhakti Raksaka Sridhara Mahārāja :
"Brahma Gayatri Bhasya - Sri Gayatri Nigudhartha"
http://www.bvml.org/SBRSM/
http://gosai.com/writings/brahma-gayatri-bhasya-sri-gayatri-nigudhartha

Published by dasavatara das - "Vedic Views on World News"
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MINORS' RAPE AND MURDER IN INDIA

RAPE AND KILLING OF 3
YOUNG SISTERS SHOCKS INDIA

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com - In the wake of outrage over the alleged rape and murder of three minor girls in Murmadi-Sawari village in Bhandara district last week, the Centre as well as the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) have reacted sharply on Thursday. "We have asked the Maharashtra government to send a report on the unfortunate incident," Union minister of state for home R P N Singh said in Delhi on Thursday. Taking a suo motu cognisance of a media reports, the NHRC issued a notice to the state chief secretary seeking the report within four weeks. "They belong to a poor family. Quoting the villagers, the media report said that the post-mortem of the bodies was done only when they protested," the NHRC said in a statement. The girls, aged 11, 9 and 6, went missing on February 14. A day later, their brutalized bodies were found in a well three km from their home.

It was only after the villagers staged an agitation by blocking roads and protesting outside the police station that the cops finally lodged a case of murder, kidnapping, rape and other serious charges. Though the police initially registered a case of accidental death, post mortem report confirmed sexual abuse and murder, police said. Additional director general of police Javed Ahmad who visited the village on Thursday said there is no breakthrough yet even after seven days of the incident. The victims' mother met Bhandara superintendent of police on Wednesday and demanded arrest of her mother-in-law and others in the case. Ahmad said the police teams are investigating all possible angles in the case, including the allegations made by the mother of the victims. "Efforts are being made to nab the culprits. Several persons have been quizzed in this connection," Ahmad said.

Police were searching villages in western India on Friday for suspects in the rape and killing of three young sisters. The bodies of the sisters - aged 6, 9 and 11 - were found at the  bottom of a village well in Bhandara district in Maharashtra. Initial medical reports inform the girls were sexually assaulted. The shocking news comes as India is still reeling from the horrific case occurred last December in New Delhi, in which five men and a juvenile are accused of gang raping and murdering a 23-year-old woman. Another heinous sexual attack which shows that during the terrible age of Kali-yuga men are increasingly devoid of good qualities, as described in many Puranas.

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

In Kali-yuga it is seen that women become stronger, bolder, and  more independent. In some cases, women are forced to become strong and independent due to being mistreated or left unprotected by men of little character. The Bhagavatam (1.16.21) explains that  women and children are left unhappy and forlorn by unscrupulous men who often search for young girls with whom they might have illicit sex. ... The Vishnu Purana (Book Four, Chapter 24) also confirms this, stating that union between the sexes will be based on passion alone, and women will be mere objects of gratification.  ... By the time this takes place in Kali-yuga, child pornography, rape, and other sexual crimes will be out of control. Politicians and law officers will be bribed into impotence, some even participating in  and profiting from these perverse activities.

Stephen Knapp (Śrīpad Nandanandana dasa) :
 “The Vedic Prophecies: A New Look into the Future”
Vol. 3 - “Changes During Kali Yuga”
“The Depravity in Family Life ind Relations Between People”
http://www.stephen-knapp.com  -  http://www.stephenknapp.info/

Published by dasavatara das - "Vedic Views on World News"
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PROMINENT ROLE OF ANIMALS IN HINDUISM

ANIMALS AND BIRDS: 
HINDU DEITIES VEHICLE

www.boldsky.com - Animals and birds play an important role in Hindu religion. Hindus are known to respect cow as it is considered to be extremely sacred. Cow is also known as Aditi, meaning 'Mother of Gods'. In Hindu mythology, the cow is considered the mother of all including Gods and humans. Every part of the cow holds religious symbolism; the horns symbolize the Gods, legs represent each of the Himalayan mountains and her face represents the sun and the moon. The Gopuras or the tower in South-Indian temples are often carved with the deities and animals. Some of the animals and birds which are popularly known to be the vehicles of the Hindu deities are:
The Rat is Lord Ganesha's vehicle. It symbolizes Ganesha's ability to destroy every obstacle. The Bull (Nandi) is Lord Shiva's guardian and vehicle. The bull is said to embody sexual energy and fertility. Riding on its back, Shiva is in control of these impulses. The Tiger is the vehicle of Goddess Durga, the destroyer of evil. Sometimes it is drawn as a lion, appearing without stripes which symbolizes mercilessness, anger and pride.

The Peacock, vehicle of Goddess Saraswathi, represents arrogance and pride over its beauty, and by having a peacock as her mount, the Goddess teaches not to be concerned with external appearance and to be wise regarding the eternal truth. The Owl, vehicle of Goddess Lakshmi, the owl represents spiritual wisdom, the blindness associated with seeking worldly rather than spiritual wealth. The Swan, also known as Hamsa is the vehicle of Lord Brahma, symbolises intelligence and discrimination. Garuda is the lord of all birds and Lord Vishu's vehicle. He is a remover of obstacles and a fanatic enemy of serpents. 
The Elephant (Airavat) is the vehicle of Lord Indra, the Storm God and bringer of rains. It symbolises reliability, dignity, power, royalty and pride. The Crocodile or Makara is the vehicle of Lord Varuna, the God of Rain. The crocodile symbolises dignity, power, speed, strength, cunning and bravery. The Horse, the vehicle of Lord Surya or the Sun God, who is the chief of the 'Navagrahas'. He rides upon seven horses which symbolise the seven rainbow colours.

Great reverence is given to the animals in Hindu mythology either with direct representation or as God themselves, such as Lord Ganesha (Elephant God) and Hanuman (Monkey God). Vijayalakshmi, the author of the article, mentions various animals which are considered the vehicles of Hindu Gods. She says that some people may think that these animals just act as a means of transportation, but they are symbolic representative of something immaterial and formless. These creatures or Vāhana (“vehicle”) serve as the vehicle and as the sign of a particular deity. Apart from those already mentioned, other vahanas are: Agni's carrier is usually a ram. Lord Yamaraja's vehicle is a water buffalo. Karttikeya's vehicle is a peacock. Vayu, the god of wind, rides an antelope. Yamuna devi rides on a turtle or fish, and Saraswati devi and Ganga Ma on makaras. 

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

The Sanskrit word Vihana means 'vehicle' or 'carrier', denoting an animal or creature that serves as a vehicle or mount for a deity. The vahana accompanies, pulls the chariot of, or serves as the seat or mount of the transcendental personality he serves. A vahana is sometimes depicted on banners and emblems to identify the cult or affiliation of the devotee. In some instances, the vahana assists an exalted personality to manifest on planes or in spheres or worlds hierarchically inferior to their own. In one of Vishnu's pastimes, for example, he is described as riding upon Garuda, "since the Lord is not accustomed to stand on earthly ground". ... The Supreme Personality of Godhead said, "Of lordly elephants I am Airavata", thus Airavata is the king of all elephants. Airavata (Airaawat) is the vehicle of Lord Indra, king of the demigods.

The Hare Krsnas :
"The Philosophy" - "The Supreme Personality of Godhead"
"Transcendental Associates" - "Transcendental Carriers"
http://www.harekrsna.com/index.htm
http://www.harekrsna.com/philosophy/associates/carriers.htm
http://www.harekrsna.com/philosophy/associates/carriers/demigods.htm

Published by dasavatara das - "Vedic Views on World News"
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BASANT PANCHAMI AND GODDESS SARASWATI

HOMAGE PAID TO GODDESS SARASWATI
MOTHER OF KNOWLEDGE AND MUSIC

www.thehimalayantimes.com - In Kathmandu, Hindu devotees today observed the Saraswati Puja, also known as Basanta Panchami, by worshipping Saraswati, regarded as the goddess of learning, across the county. Students, teachers, musicians, artists and others worshipped the goddess. The kids, who are about to enroll at school, were made to scribble letters today with a belief that the goddess bless them as they seek knowledge. Devotees and students were seen thronging various Saraswati temples in the Kathmandu Valley and across the country since early morning.
According to the Hindu calendar, the day also marks the end of the winter and beginning of the spring season. Panchami also celebrates the birthday of Goddess Saraswati, the mother of wisdom, learning, speech and music. In this festival, kite flying competitions are organised with the participation of national and international competitors.

Basant Panchami is a festival considered especially significant for lovers of art and education. On this day, yellow coloured dishes are made in many northern regions of India.  Yellow flowers are seen the most during Vasant Ritu (spring season). This time, mustard crops are full grown and yellow colored flowers blossom on it. Basant means a sort of intoxication. The Colour of Basant  - or Basanti colour - is a colour in the mid of yellow and orange. Hence, considering the relevance of yellow color, many people eat food of this color and wear yellow coloured clothes. 
The day of Basant Panchami is considered to be the beginning of life. Spring season is the season of rebirth and bloom, the time when fields of yellow mustard charm everybody's heart.   Wheat crop starts swinging like gold. Colorful flowers starts blossoming. The day of Basant Panchami is celebrated as the welcoming of colors and happiness.

The festival of Basant Panchami (Vasant Panchmi) is the Hindu festival that highlights the coming of spring. This festiva is celebrated on fifth day (panchami) of Shukla Paksha of Magh month (between the months of January and February in Gregorian calendar). On this day Lord Vishnu, God Krishna-Radha and Mother Saraswati - the Adhisthtari Devi of Vedas - the Goddess of education and learning, are worshiped with yellow flowers, Gulaal, water offerings, incense, lamp, etc. As per the tradition, yellow and sweet rice and yellow coloured Halwa are offered to God in the pooja and then eaten as Prasadam. This festival is especially celebrated in North India with full glee and delight. 

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

In the Vedic/Hindu tradition, there are many festivals that are observed throughout the year. There are major festivals and numerous minor ones, as well as those that are celebrated on a local or regional basis. ... Vasant Panchami is known as the festival of kites. It is celebrated towards the end of winter in the month of January-February, especially in the northern parts of India. The weather changes from harsh winter to soft spring or "Vasant". Vasant is the time when the mustard fields are abound with their yellow flowers that seem to usher in spring. So Punjabis welcome the change and celebrate the day by wearing yellow clothes, holding feasts and by organizing kite flying. Vasant Panchami day puja (worship) is devoted to Sarasvati, the Goddess of Learning. She bestows the greatest wealth to humanity - the wealth of knowledge.

Dr Stephen Knapp (Śrīpad Nandanandana dasa) :
"Hindu Festivals"
http://www.stephen-knapp.com/hindu_festivals.htm
http://www.stephen-knapp.com/books_by_stephen_knapp.htm

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

AUTHOR SAYS BOOK PROVES GOD IS REAL

"SCIENTIFIC THEORY OF GOD: 
PROOF THAT GOD EXISTS", NEW BOOK

www.thetelegraph.com - John Michael Thompson believes, by using scientific facts, that he has found the proof of God's existence. Thompson, 69, is a retired professional engineer turned author. His first book, "Scientific Theory of God: Proof That God Exists," tackles controversial issues of science and faith. In the book, Thompson presents readers scientific evidence of a higher being, which he claims to have found in the theories and equations of Sir Isaac Newton, among other great minds.
"The existence of God is a mystery to everyone, even religion," Thompson said. "Religion can't prove that God exists, but science can. In my book, I bring science and God together in a way no one ever has. My book scientifically proves that God exists." His main point focuses on the origin of matter. Thompson claims scientists know what matter is, but they have no idea where it comes from.

Thompson is convinced he has the answer and his studies will show a connection among the human mind, matter and God. Instead of following conventional scientific ideas on the creation of life, Thompson questions and even uses some of those theories, such as evolution and the big bang theory, in his argument. Raised a Methodist, Thompson now considers himself a Christian. However, he pleads with readers to view his first publication as a scientific theory rather than a book on religion. 
"Read the book, and you'll see science proves rather than disproves God. Of course, there is evolution, but it is part of a larger creation," Thompson said. "This is not a religious book, but a type of science book that no one has ever read before." Thompson's 33-year career as an engineer gave him the experience needed to conduct in-depth research for his book.

In a new book John Michael Thompson takes a scientific approach in revealing the many convincing proofs attached to the ultimate question of God’s existence. "Mr. Thompson delves into the difficult questions that have pondered mankind for centuries regarding the universe, humanity's purpose and God's existence," Kathie McGuire, director of Brighton Publishing, said in a statement. "Mr. Thompson delivers the scientific proofs to revolutionize his reader's concepts of the universe, their relationships to God, and their journeys through this life and into the next." "I'm a process research engineer. I understand systems and how they work. I investigated the universe as I would any other large system," Thompson said.

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

One of the primary causes of conflict and misunderstanding between science and religion is the fact that some scientists, being overwhelmed by a materialistic world view, have claimed too much for science. ... The seers of Vedic times as well as the Vedic literatures describe that there are two fundamental energies of God - (i) material and (ii) spiritual. In science we work with material energy.  Spiritual energy has the property of consciousness.  Every living being is animated by fundamental spiritual entity possessing a quantum of consciousness.  On the other hand, material energies such as electrical, nuclear, and chemical energy, etc., do not possess consciousness. ... Religious scientists and spiritual leaders from all traditions should join together for the purpose of framing global moral and ethical codes for the welfare of all living beings on the planet.

T.D. Singh, Ph.D. - Śrīla Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Mahārāja :
“Science and Religion - Present and Future” - “Introduction”
Bhaktivedanta Institute -  http://www.scienceandscientist.org/
http://www.bhaktisvarupadamodara.com/lang1/pg002.html
http://krishnascience.info/  -   http://www.bhaktisvarupadamodara.com/

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