Happy Holi-days everyone!
This quote is taken from ‘The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda’.
Swami Vivekananda, a Hindu philosopher & saint, was responsible for introducing the practice and teachings of Yoga and vedanta* to the West at the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago, 1893.
What’s impressive is that he began his speech in Chicago with: ‘Sisters and brothers of America..’ to which the audience of 7000 gave him a round of applause for 3 minutes non-stop.
*vedanta is the philosophy of Hinduism taught through the Upanishads. It means ‘the purpose/end of the Vedas’.
Pavanputra Hanuman ki JAI!
||Jai Hanuman gyaan guna sagar
Jai kapis tihun lok ujagar||
Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.
Aum Gan Ganapataye Namah
Hari Aum Tat Sat
An introduction to Hinduism. The rituals, prayers, ceremonies and other practices are of secondary importance when it comes to Hinduism. The most important element is to remember that we are all human first.
The Vedas, Upanishads, Mahabharat, Ramayan etc all spread the message that we should look out for one another, regardless of background. After all, the whole world is one family.
My sincerest apologies, I’m no expert with regard to video editing/creating and this was one of my first attempts at making a video.
IYS.
Background music: MC Yogi - Bhakti Boombox
Wise words from the great man himself: Bhishma Pitamah (Mahabharata).
The closest translation to the word ‘Dharma’ is “religion”. The word itself means much, much more. It represents a sustainable, righteous & morally correct way of living.
Bhishma himself is a pivotal figure in the Mahabharat epic. He is influential throughout and often provides the voice of reason to settle disputes.
A truly epic moment in the Mahabharat - a war between the Pandavs and Kauravs, that has a lot of spiritual significance and explores the battle that takes place in our own minds on a daily basis.
As Bhishma was about to kill Arjuna with his arrows, Lord Krishna threw down the chariot reins and jumped off the chariot onto the battlefield, lifted a chariot wheel and charged Bhishma. Arjuna tried to stop Lord Krishna, but the Lord said, “In order to protect my devotee, I must break my own promise.” However, this is actually a double entendre. Krishna, one who was a perfect Yogi and in control of senses including anger, lifted the Chariot Wheel in order to respect and uphold Bhisma’s promise and word, as the latter promised he would make Krishna yield weapons.Eventually, however, Arjuna convinced Krishna to return to the chariot and put down the wheel, promising to redouble his determination in the fight. All the while Bhishma stood with folded palms and tears in his eyes, awed by the beauty of the wrath of the Lord and the intense love that God bears for his friends, so great that He is willing to endure the censorship of ignorant foolish men. Later the Lord told Arjuna how he could bring down the old grandsire, through the help of Sikhandhi. Using Sikhandhi as a shield, Arjuna shot arrows at Bhishma, piercing his entire body. Thus, finally, Bhishma gave up the fight, focusing his life force and breath, sealing the wounds, and waiting for the auspicious moment to give up his body.
(Source: Wikipedia)
Dharma is probably one of the most complex words to describe in the world. In essence, it means “that which maintains the regulatory order of the universe”.
Left-hand side (t-b):
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, spiritual leader and given the status of ‘Father of the Nation’ in India.
Adi Shankaracharya, Indian guru who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta.
Shivaji Raje Bhosle, founder of the Maratha Empire, successfully fought against the Mughals to defend his kingdom.
Right-hand side (t-b)
Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, one of the largest voluntary organisations in the world.
Rani Lakshmibai, or ”Jhansi ki Rani”, the Queen of Jhansi and one of the leading figures of the Indian rebellion of 1857.
Swami Vivekananda, introduced the philosophies of Yoga and Vedanta to the western world.
“Giver of life, Remover of all pain and sorrows, Bestower of happiness, the Creator of the Universe, Thou art most luminous, adorable and destroyer of sins. We meditate upon thee. May thou inspire, enlighten and guide our intellect in the right direction.”
- (Rig Veda 3.62.10)
As with all significant events in my life, I start my tumblr journey with a Mantra*.
The Gayatri Mantra is an invocation that is spoken before starting any project, meeting, event, function etc, in this case my tumblr. It is a fairly self-explanatory verse and I hope to be able to inspire and be inspired along this journey.
I created the image a few years ago, when playing about with Photoshop. Please feel free to share.
IYS,
KhandBapa
* Mantra: Sanskrit word meaning “instrument of thought” (‘man’ = Mind & ‘tra’ = tool/instrument)
